My friend cracked the frame of an alloy framed Para Ord some years ago. We discussed alloy frames then as it was about the time I cracked my second or third Commander. His take was that the forged aluminum frames could be expected to digest from 5,000-7,000 rounds. He indorsed the idea that alloy framed guns were intended more for carry than digesting thousands of rounds for years. There is some design consideration there too. The 1911 frame was initially designed to be made of steel. It takes quite a beating which work hardens aluminum. A gun like a SIG, with a purpose built/designed alloy frame will probably hold up longer.

That's all paraphrasing his thoughts, but we discussed this subject (his and my cracked frames) over and over for several years. I'm confident about this being his take on the subject.

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)