Upgrading MIM to Power Custom?

challer61 · Jul 20, 2019

Insights on when this is a good idea? Like the idea of solid metal but have a handful of MIM guns. Other than the hardcore here, I expect most just buy current production. Therefore, when does an upgrade to Power Custom internals make sense?

robertrwalsh · Jul 20, 2019

If it makes you feel good, and if you can afford it, it makes sense.

.38SuperMan · Jul 20, 2019

I’ve read a lot about MIM parts but never seen any evidence that they’re inferior. About half my current guns have MIM components and the other half don’t. Honestly they all shoot great, put the bulletin on the target and haven’t blown up.

Having said that I’ve had two part failures over many decades of shooting. The threaded stud on the cylinder bolt of my 1989 625 45acp sheared off while shooting very mild loads. It sheared right wher the bolt and stud join. It was a clean break that looked like it had been made that way. It’s currently at Smith for repair.

The other failure was the forged frame of a custom 38 super race gun I had built. The frame cracked near the rail running below but parallel to the rail.

Ok the score is 1 to 1, one MIM failure and one forged failure. My philosophy is, parts can fail no matter how well they’re made.

Really I’m not going to loose any sleep over how they’re made and plan to shoot and enjoy them.

nipperdog · Jul 20, 2019

The early MIM Parts had some Problems. The Current ones not so much. My biggest problem with MIM is the Little Dimples left on the parts from the mold ejector.

Bobafett · Jul 20, 2019

i had the trigger and hammer pin holes wear out on a 20 year old 686-5. i sent it back and had fresh mim parts installed. if i had to pay for it powers custom is where i would've gone

Nightowl · Jul 20, 2019

Frankly, I don't think I spend the money, unless the gun had issues and needed some new parts to repair. While I am not a big fan of the MIM action, its mostly because of the changes in how the parts fit together, not their durability.

M. Reno · Jul 20, 2019

I've been upgrading my 629-6 to Power Custom parts. Found a hammer and installed that with no problems. Installed the Power Custom thumb latch and it is definitely an improvement. Put some new Wolf springs in. And the Original Precision lock delete in and definitely love that upgrade. I got the Power Custom trigger assembly on the way and will be installing that next. Oh yeah and I installed Hamilton Bowen rough country rear sight. So I say yeah if you can do it then do it. I have definitely enjoyed the new parts I've installed.

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AJR337 · Jul 21, 2019

I'm slowly replacing the mim parts in my 3" 686-6 along with doing some other modifications.

I understand many believe that the modern mim parts are fine but it makes me feel good and I enjoy personalizing/"enhancing" my guns.

I already installed an Apex Evo IV DAO hammer which (I was pleased to see) was a drop in replacement along with their extended firing pin and firing pin spring. I also installed an Original Precision lock plug, D&L sports fixed rear sight, and a Wilson Combat mainspring / 14# rebound spring.

Other parts that I've purchased but haven't had time to install include a Power Custom trigger, NOS stainless steel rebound slide (which I also polished), NOS stainless steel bolt, Apex tool steel cylinder stop, and an SDM Fabricating thumb latch.

I'm enjoying reading through Jerry Kuhnhausen's book, watching Brownells and other instructional videos, and plan to take my time to ensure proper fit and function.

Again, probably not necessary but more of a hobby and I like to believe that I'll have a personally "optimized" 686 when I'm finished.

Dieseltech56 · Jul 21, 2019

The only issue is when I want to sell a gun and get top dollar I want it to be all original, same when I’m looking for a gun to buy. I wouldn’t pay more or even the same amount for a gun that has non factory parts. Factor that in if you ever plan on selling it.

diyj98 · Jul 21, 2019

Dieseltech56 said:
The only issue is when I want to sell a gun and get top dollar I want it to be all original, same when I’m looking for a gun to buy. I wouldn’t pay more or even the same amount for a gun that has non factory parts. Factor that in if you ever plan on selling it.

I agree. When I see switched out parts I wonder internal home gunsmithing may have done as well that might make the firearm unreliable or even dangerous. 1911’s especially!

AJR337 · Jul 21, 2019

Dieseltech56 said:
The only issue is when I want to sell a gun and get top dollar I want it to be all original, same when I’m looking for a gun to buy. I wouldn’t pay more or even the same amount for a gun that has non factory parts. Factor that in if you ever plan on selling it.

That's understandable but not really a concern since I won't be selling it. If anything, it will eventually go to one of my sons.

andyo5 · Jul 21, 2019

I'll jump in. Here are photos of the rebound slide from my new 686-6. It is MIM. The first photo shows the wear pattern after maybe 300 trigger cycles. Notice how the part is loaded on only one small spot. The next photo shows the part after the two load bearing surfaces were stoned for awhile on a flat Arkansas soft stone. Notice how the contact areas are spreading and enlarging. This part was definitely not nearly flat on the contact surfaces. The dark areas that you see on the surface that lays against the left frame are sinks from the MIMs mold ejector pins.

M. Reno · Jul 22, 2019

I just changed out my MIM trigger to a Power Custom trigger and can tell you there maybe no going back. Because once you remove the hand from the factory trigger that hand spring will most likely fall out. Now on the Power Custom trigger the hand spring is held in place by a pin which you have to move into place for the hand to function properly. I'm sure you could get the factory trigger, hand spring back in place with some patience, but it would be difficult. I'm happy with the change to Power Custom trigger. But I say proceed with caution and if you're not sure you better just leave her be.

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gr7070 · Jul 22, 2019

Never
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.
.
.

dogdoc · Jul 22, 2019

M. Reno said:
I just changed out my MIM trigger to a Power Custom trigger and can tell you there maybe no going back. Because once you remove the hand from the factory trigger that hand spring will most likely fall out. Now on the Power Custom trigger the hand spring is held in place by a pin which you have to move into place for the hand to function properly. I'm sure you could get the factory trigger, hand spring back in place with some patience, but it would be difficult. I'm happy with the change to Power Custom trigger. But I say proceed with caution and if you're not sure you better just leave her be.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

What? If you are mechanical at all, it is very simple to put back together. You tube is your friend.

Upgrading MIM to Power Custom?

challer61

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