What are MIM parts?
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scooter123:
Well since you are a M/E and I am not, I suppose your opinion means more than mine. I am 57 and I went to Brooklyn Technical High School (late 60's) and in all the Foundry and Metal Working courses I took back then we were always taught that when metal was forged the molecules align themselves and become much stronger than cast metals. I suppose that in the last 40 years they have come up with new and better processes that make what you are saying so, but it is hard to believe. Not saying you are wrong either, I am just going back to what I was taught - but again, things do change over 40 + years.
Regards,
Chief38
Well since you are a M/E and I am not, I suppose your opinion means more than mine. I am 57 and I went to Brooklyn Technical High School (late 60's) and in all the Foundry and Metal Working courses I took back then we were always taught that when metal was forged the molecules align themselves and become much stronger than cast metals. I suppose that in the last 40 years they have come up with new and better processes that make what you are saying so, but it is hard to believe. Not saying you are wrong either, I am just going back to what I was taught - but again, things do change over 40 + years.
Regards,
Chief38
scooter123
Member
Chief, you're only a year older than I am, so we aren't very far apart. As for things changing in 40 years, the changes in material sciences is beyond stunning.
Think about it, when you first started in school if you suggested using Graphite as a reinforcement for a plastic you would have been laughed into the street. Today those same jokers who would have laughed you into the street back then today probably have multiple sets of golf clubs that use Carbon Fibre shafts.
The same thing has taken place with powdered metalurgy, what was once so porous it was only used as a filter has today become a cutting edge material. Another area that is really showing primise is in Ceramics, some in the cutting tool industry are predicting that we are just about 10 years away from ceramic cutting inserts with hardness near a diamond and the toughness of tungsten carbide. It that happens, we will see a real revolution in the machining industry with a result being lower costs for us consumers.
Think about it, when you first started in school if you suggested using Graphite as a reinforcement for a plastic you would have been laughed into the street. Today those same jokers who would have laughed you into the street back then today probably have multiple sets of golf clubs that use Carbon Fibre shafts.
The same thing has taken place with powdered metalurgy, what was once so porous it was only used as a filter has today become a cutting edge material. Another area that is really showing primise is in Ceramics, some in the cutting tool industry are predicting that we are just about 10 years away from ceramic cutting inserts with hardness near a diamond and the toughness of tungsten carbide. It that happens, we will see a real revolution in the machining industry with a result being lower costs for us consumers.
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I guess I am a Dinosaur! I STILL shave daily with a brush, mug and a double edge razor. 
Chief38
Chief38
Bullseye Smith
Member
I can tell you just try drilling each, the MIM is just as hard on the inside as it is on the outside. The forged unit has a hard surface and soft on the inside, the MIM will never wear out. I'm 59 and doing the line of work that I do, you need to move with the advancement of tech. world or you are out of luck.
cjtraining
US Veteran
I have owned and shot J frames since 1967. My favorite is the Bodyguard. I own three M38, two M49, five M649, one M649 J Magnum w/ MIM parts and three M638. I have shot them all and the best shooters are the M638, the M649 are a close second. I smoothed the internal parts and lightly oiled the friction points. I did, however, take the locks out and replace them with "The Plug". I resisted the new Smiths until I bought my M638. They seem to me to be smoother, more controlable, more comfortable, as accurate as any J frame I have shot. I use mine for BUG/OD/CCW. My wife carries a M638 as well. FWIW
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As I stated above, I will not argue the MIM vs Forged because I am not a Metallurgist or an Engineer, and I am obviously not up on the new metal technology either. The one thing I WILL NOT compromise on is the Internal Lock. I have never, nor will I ever own a Revolver with one of them. To me it's a simple task to buy S&W Revolvers made prior to the I/L, and IMHO they are just better guns - so to me I do not particularly care about MIM.
I hear tell that Colt will soon reissue their stainless version of the Dick Special (NO LOCKS), and if that is true I think that a lot of Smith Fans will cross the line and buy those rather than a new Smith with the lock. I only hope that if this happens that they cut DEEP into S&W sales , until the powers that be at Smith WAKE UP and ditch the lock!
Chief38
I hear tell that Colt will soon reissue their stainless version of the Dick Special (NO LOCKS), and if that is true I think that a lot of Smith Fans will cross the line and buy those rather than a new Smith with the lock. I only hope that if this happens that they cut DEEP into S&W sales , until the powers that be at Smith WAKE UP and ditch the lock!
Chief38
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