MIM parts are showing up in firearms for one reason only, cost. MIM parts can be molded to near final dimension in complex shapes in high volume once the molds are made. MIM parts have no metallurgical advantages, and the high pressure required for powder-binder molding limits MIM to comparatively small parts. Unless the MIM presses get much larger, we will not see MIM receivers. We will likely never see MIM cylinders, slides or barrels because MIM parts cannot achieve the fracture toughness properties of forgings. We might see MIM carrier bodies for cylinder or barrel liners. MIM parts can be hard, but hardness alone isn't enough. MIM parts' low fracture toughness, ductility and tensile strength preclude elegant and artistic hammer contours that introduce stress risers, the reason I believe that S&W MIM hammers and triggers have a rounded clubby shape as opposed to old school hammers.