'Smith Scandium 1911 - Will the frame last longer?

[tjpet]

Looking for a lightweight, full size 1911 for an all around game gun. Like the Kimber Tactical II but am afraid the constant battering from 20,000+ rounds a year will eventually wear the aluminum frame down.

I hear a scandium frame wears like steel while still keeping weight to a minimum. Is this true? Anyone have experience with a scandium 'Smith and an excess amount or rounds down range? Thanks.

[aglocker1911]

Although I haven't seen it "put to a test" yet, the extra stength the Scandium alloy adds to aluminum SHOULD make it more durable, and I personally think aluminum frame guns are more durable than what they're given credit for. That said, If I planned to consistently run 20,000+ rounds a year, I think I would stick with a steel 1911 myself.

[NetNinja]

You shoot 20,000+ rounds a year in 1 pistol?

If you have done that in the past then what did you other (steel) pistols look like after those 20,000 rounds?

I used to be a semi serious bike rider during the early 90's they started experimenting with lighter weight frames and equipment.

guess what started happening? Broken components and some serious accidents due to the fact that lighter was better. It was not.

yeah, yeah, testing and more testing and lots of pointy headed engineers.

Do what you think is best, I will stick with steel 45's and carry my glock 30.

[gcmj45acp]

If you are looking for this pistol to be an "all round game gun" it's probably worth noting that all the guys who shoot the games year round, run steel 1911s if they stick with the 1911 at all. I've been shooting pistols competitively off and on for eight years. I have never seen aluminum framed pistols with round counts that even remotely approached those of the steel and now polymer framed (With steel inserts and locking blocks) pistols like the STI and Glock.

[Big B]

They had a topic like this on http://www.1911forum.com and a lot of those guys believed the scandium would be just as durable if not more so than steel.

[harrydog]

Originally posted by Big B
They had a topic like this on http://www.1911forum.com and a lot of those guys believed the scandium would be just as durable if not more so than steel.
Scandium/aluminum alloy is stronger than the standard aluminum alloys, but it certainly wouldn't be as strong or durable as a heat treated 4140 steel frame.