MIM parts suck. S&W explains how and why they don't.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-rev...planation.html

I was happy to find this. It neutralizes instinctive distrust of departure from tradition. Or, it did for me. Perhaps it will for others.

Soon I will find out if I can heat up a bolt handle and bend it to where I want it. A replacement, should I fail, is 21 bucks.

I've been doing some research into MIM. Seems the steel industry have developed special steel alloys just for this process.
It's a far cry from the old sintered parts which Colt used in the Mk.IIIs and which failed.

http://crucibleservice.com/eselector...eralpart3.html

http://www.nsm-ny.com/index.cfm?fuse...lay&page_id=29

Remember the furor over 'investment cast' firearms parts? The word CAST was a dirty word then too.

Thanks for posting. This is great info. We live in exciting times!

Anyone that distrusts MIM parts should never ever fly on an Airplane. The airlines have been using MIM parts in their Jet fans for decades.

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Originally Posted by chp1911

Anyone that distrusts MIM parts should never ever fly on an Airplane. The airlines have been using MIM parts in their Jet fans for decades.

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Truth...............

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chp1911

Anyone that distrusts MIM parts should never ever fly on an Airplane. The airlines have been using MIM parts in their Jet fans for decades.

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As well as the transmissions of most cars including high end sports cars.

Like anything else QC specifically heat treating from parts lot to lot matters.

Aren't Hi-Points made by the MIM process?

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Originally Posted by Statkowski

Aren't Hi-Points made by the MIM process?

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The slides are cast from Zamak-3 (zinc alloy) aka pot metal. Many of the internal parts are probably mim just like most other major manufacturers use in better more expensive pistols and revolvers.

I like the image of a professional machinist, old dude with a white beard and leather apron, carefully machining filing and polishing the components of my perfect revolver or 1911.

Unfortunately I don't have the 2-5 grand for that service.
MIM has enabled the masses to buy quality firearms at decent prices with few defects.

If one doesn't want mim parts one can hire the services of a professional gun smith to build your perfect firearm.

Perhaps Cabot could build something for you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DukeConnor

I like the image of a professional machinist, old dude with a white beard and leather apron, carefully machining filing and polishing the components of my perfect revolver or 1911.

Unfortunately I don't have the 2-5 grand for that service.
MIM has enabled the masses to buy quality firearms at decent prices with few defects.

If one doesn't want mim parts one can hire the services of a professional gun smith to build your perfect firearm.

Perhaps Cabot could build something for you.

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I'm not even sure $2K will get you all hand machined and fitted parts these days. From the looks of it that service starts starts at $3000.00, but I don't know every 1911 manufacturer out there.