Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols > Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols Other Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols from the 1950's to Present


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 07-01-2011, 06:28 PM
blackpowder blackpowder is offline
Member
Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: East of the Mississippi
Posts: 105
Likes: 15
Liked 32 Times in 20 Posts
Default Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames

S&W is the only firearms manufacturer in the US who is in possession of a substantial amount of scandium for use in their aluminum frames. This metal is extremely rare (only about 4000lbs produced annually worldwide) and considerably strengthens conventional aluminum.

I have a model 6904 auto pistol made in 1993. Is the frame made from scandium alloy? Does S&W use scandium in all models with aluminum frames and since when?

Thanks a lot!
__________________
QM3
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 07-02-2011, 12:44 AM
Racer X Racer X is offline
Member
Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Seattle
Posts: 3,421
Likes: 995
Liked 3,595 Times in 1,521 Posts
Default

I think all the scandium alloy frames have a special logo that looks vaguely like a drawing of an atom. I have never heard or seen of a semi-auto with a scandium frame. Maybe a PC 1911 if anything.

Last edited by Racer X; 07-02-2011 at 12:48 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 07-02-2011, 08:36 AM
S&W Oldtimer's Avatar
S&W Oldtimer S&W Oldtimer is offline
SWCA Member
Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: SW VA
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 4,647
Liked 1,645 Times in 1,283 Posts
Default


S&W 1911 SC
__________________
Roger
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 07-02-2011, 08:49 AM
bad_man_ one's Avatar
bad_man_ one bad_man_ one is offline
Member
Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: S&W is 45 minutes away
Posts: 652
Likes: 1
Liked 144 Times in 88 Posts
Default

The 4040 PD was the first Scandium/Aluminum alloy frame Semi-Auto produced by S&W in 2003, the 1911SC came in 2004.
The grips are interchangeable with the 3913NL and the 3913 "Lady Smith"
Regards,
BM1



Last edited by bad_man_ one; 07-02-2011 at 09:12 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 07-02-2011, 11:10 AM
Steve_NEPhila Steve_NEPhila is offline
Member
Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 397
Likes: 40
Liked 34 Times in 22 Posts
Default

I can state with certainty that your 6904 does not have a scandium frame. Scandium is mixed in tiny amount with aluminum to make a very strong alloy. A very common use of scandium is in bike frames, which makes it the middle ground price wise before titanium and carbon fiber frames (for bikes).
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 07-02-2011, 01:04 PM
blackpowder blackpowder is offline
Member
Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: East of the Mississippi
Posts: 105
Likes: 15
Liked 32 Times in 20 Posts
Default

THANKS ! The reason I asked is because I have been told that conventional aluminum frames are not all that durable. A friend of mine showed me his older Beretta 8000 through which he put close to 10k rounds and if you pressed down on the barrel through the ejection port it moved a bit (first time I ever saw that). He said that was due to wear on the frame and is very common with aluminum frames.
So I thought perhaps my smith is made with scandium. But I guess not. But then again I am just a bit over about 1000 rds and a ways to go yet.
__________________
QM3
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 07-02-2011, 01:23 PM
cmr0323's Avatar
cmr0323 cmr0323 is offline
Member
Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames Use of scandium-aluminium alloy frames  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Alabama
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 8 Posts
Default 4040PD

Hi BM1,

That's a beautiful gun.

I've got a low mileage 4040PD, myself, but the bluing is showing some holster wear and the white engraving is dulled. Do you have any recommendations on how to spiff it up? I hesitate just to have it reblued since it, likely, would be right back where it is now after some use. Could anyone other than S&W refinish the engraving?

Thanks!

cmr

Quote:
Originally Posted by bad_man_ one View Post
The 4040 PD was the first Scandium/Aluminum alloy frame Semi-Auto produced by S&W in 2003, the 1911SC came in 2004.
The grips are interchangeable with the 3913NL and the 3913 "Lady Smith"
Regards,
BM1
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
1911, 3913, 3913nl, beretta, scandium, titanium

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Do Scandium alloy frames stretch? Macinaw S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 6 04-12-2012 11:42 PM
Scandium Alloy .357 N Frames??? eagle359 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 6 06-14-2011 12:51 PM
Cleaning Solvents & Scandium Alloy Motown2579 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 1 02-21-2011 10:57 PM
Does scandium alloy rust? Robert B S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 3 07-28-2009 07:58 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:59 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)