A Silly Question

[GaryS]

Which might belong in the semi auto forum. If it belongs anywhere.

Reading through a couple of threads about why S&W stopped making the 3rd generation guns, the constant theme seems to be cost versus the M&P.

I understand that forging and then machining frames is time consuming and more expensive than just molding them.

Yet, S&W continues to forge and then machine 1911 frames for their 1911 product range.

So here is my question.

Is there any reason a 1911 frame couldn't be made of polymer instead of steel?

I'll go into hiding now before the 1911 fans come to find me.

 

[Alpo]

No reason that I'm aware of. Kimber makes (used to make?) a ten-round double-stack 1911 with a plastic frame.

Probably just did not sell, because 1911 people are not plastic fans.

And why make something that has been proven, even if by the competition, not to sell?

 

[Rock185]

Gary, come out of hiding, no reason at all that the 1911 frame couldn't be made of plas, er, Polymer. Rock River announced they will produce a Polymer framed 1911. Last I heard, none were actually in shooter's hands...

 

[HAWKEYE10]

IMO they don't do it because it wouldn't sell. Don

 

[GaryS]

A follow up question. If I went over to a 1911 forum and posted that question how long before I was banned?

April 1 is coming up and I'm feeling mischievous.

 

[Straightshooter2]

A follow up question. If I went over to a 1911 forum and posted that question how long before I was banned? April 1 is coming up and I'm feeling mischievous.

If I were going to do something like that, I would do it from an internet cafe and lie about my home state! Lynchings are not pretty.

CW

 

[shouldazagged]

Yeah, you'd have guys with torches and pitchforks outside your door yelling things like "Death to the heretic!" and "Polymer THIS!"

I didn't think it was a silly question, but I'm a revolver guy.

 

[Grayfox]

Several companies have tried polymer or similar frames for the 1911. None of them lasted that I know of. I think most 1911 shooters are just too traditional to accept the plastic.
However, the STI Modular Frame does have quite a bit of non-metal in it and they continue to sell quite well. Then again, STI 1911s are pretty much a pure custom gun anyway.

 

[LVSteve]

A working 1911 with a polymer frame would prove once and for all that there is nothing wrong with polymer guns. However, the effect of this news would be like what happened at the end of the movie Mars Attacks, lots of heads exploding.

 

[Grayfox]

Now that there is funny.

And probably true!