Are My scandium framed revolvers less durable?

[remnard]

so here we are 9 years later!! anyone had issues with a scandium framed S&W?

 

[Shuz]

Only issue I've had with my 329pd is replacing the top strap shield.After sending mine back to Smith two times, I started using J-B Weld on the top strap when the cut starts getting deep. So far I haven't had to send mine back for several years now.

 

[malph]

My only scandium guns are J-frames. My hand will wear out before the guns will.

 

[remnard]

Only issue I've had with my 329pd is replacing the top strap shield.After sending mine back to Smith two times, I started using J-B Weld on the top strap when the cut starts getting deep. So far I haven't had to send mine back for several years now.

cut on the top strap? can you elaborate? pix maybe?

 

[Mister X]

The "scandium" models are just reinforced aluminum guns.

While the scandium will provide some additional strength to the aluminum, I don't think they fair favorably to an all steel model in terms of durability.

I've even read opinions that there even various negative trade-offs when adding scandium compared with the standard aluminum alloy guns. Not so much with direct durability, but in other areas.

 

[MCorps0311]

It is possible that Scandium is less durable than carbon steel or stainless steel, but the real question is ....... Does it matter?

A large percentage of steel firearms, especially S&Ws last two or three lifetimes. So if a scandium or titanium firearm only lasts one or two lifetimes, is that really an issue to be worried about?

As with any new material or construction technique, things may turn up. S&W will fix them

When stainless revovlers were introduced in the 1960s it was quickly learned that the sear engagement would get ruined after several thousand rounds went through the firearm. So S&W stopped using stainless steel to manufacture triggers and hammers. Problem solved.

Scandium has been around long enough that the little things have already been worked out. How long scandium revolvers will last probably won't be known in our lifetime.

BTW, I have about a dozen scandium revolvers myself. Amazing that an 5" N-frame can weigh in a few ounces lighter than a model 19.

Sweet collectoin you have.

 

[Paul105]

cut on the top strap? can you elaborate? pix maybe?

Not Shuz, but here's what he's talking about:

With eroded "gas shield" still in place

After gas shield failed and fell off

Failed gas shield

This was a 329 shot with .44 Magnum Ammo.

Paul

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Hi im still pretty fresh here, so hopefully this hasnt been asked a million times before (I couldnt find it on this website).

My question is; are my scandium frame revolvers less durable than a stainless revolver or is it the other was around. Ive been reading from other websites and people continualy comment about the non durability of the scandium/titanium guns. I would love to know how people more informed on Smiths revolvers would call this.

The reason im asking is, I have nothing but scandium frame guns, (weird yes but im not into blue or shinny guns or older models, although I do need to make an exception for the shinny stainless 627 UDR) I have three smiths a M&P 340, 327 pc and a 327 trr8 and I really want to make sure they hold up. I not a serios shooter I run probably about 1,500 through
each of the snubs per year and maybe 500 throught the trr8.

PS: I know these guns have locks and posible MIM parts, I have read everthing about this matter and would apreciate any Lock or MIM comment to be withheld. thanks

Advise or feedback is greatly apreciated

thanks

Dan

Welcome! Put this way, our heirs may be the ones to find out.

 

[colt_saa]

Sweet collectoin you have.

Thanks for the kind words

That group of photos is 9 years old.

My Scandium family is doubled that these days

I think that Scandium alloy is as big of a step forward to N-Frame technology as stainless steel was so many years ago

A 5", eight shot, 357 Magnum revolver that is lighter than a 4" Model 19 or 66.

What a great trail gun

 

[BLUEDOT37]

I've even read opinions that there even various negative trade-offs when adding scandium compared with the standard aluminum alloy guns.
Not so much with direct durability, but in other areas.

Maybe a little less opinion and a little more fact & experience?

I have (8) Sc framed pistols & while they've got moderate use I can't honestly say they've been used & abused.

But others have & I don't recall seeing any type of trend that indicates Sc framed revolvers are less durable than traditional framed.

Here's a documented example that indicates to me they can stand up to heavy use:

S&W 329pd info - Christian Ed and Hobby info

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Night Guards: 396NG, 357NG, 329NG, 325NG (Mfd. 2008-2011)
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[REP]

I suspect that a AirLite equivalent to a Air Weight version would be much stronger and more durable. I haven't seen any threads about the durability of the Air Weights and as far as I'm concerned these little jewels have with stood the test of time. It is my belief that most of the AirLites with 357 Mag chambers get shot with 38 Spl/+P loads anyway and I don't think you have to worry about some one shooting a lot of full power loads through any of the 329's. LOL

 

[bearman49709]

Welcome! Put this way, our heirs may be the ones to find out.

OP's last post was June 2015, doubt he'll read your post.

 

[wproct]

Be happy!

Buy what makes you happy and don't look back. For me it is stainless steel!