MIM Parts Suck. There, I Said It.

"R" Rated rant on the use, misuse and quality issues of MIM (Metal Injection Molded) parts in the 1911 platform. The topics discussed in this video are centralized on actual experiences with a Smith and Wesson 1911 Scandium Commander pistol, a pistol whose pedigree is incongruent to its price tag.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• MIM
• metal
• injection
• molded
• 1911
• parts
• smith
• and
• wesson
• smithwesson
• s&w
• kimber
• springfield
• armory
• springfieldarmory
• rockisland
• rock
• island
• arsenal
• Kimber Manufacturing
• Springfield Armory

[hardman476]

there's is only one 1911 that i will trust.....made by colt not by smith, taurus, gsg, kimber or whatever....COLT the orginally END OF

[boricuaDV]

@hardman476 I like Colts too, only problem is, Colt is now using MIM parts as well. The only 1911 I can even begin to trust is one that has gone over 500 rounds without any problems whatsoever. Regardless of maker, one needs to actually go out an test the guns before depending on them nowadays.

[robbeddenluck]

What MIM parts does your Sig 1911 have? I just ordered a Sig 1911 C3 with CT laser grips and night sights. I know the slide stop is a MIM part because it is a different color stainless like your 1911. I will replace that part because the only thing I dont like is that the slide stop is not the same color as the rest of the gun.

[boricuaDV]

@robbeddenluck My SIG from 2010 only had 2 MIM parts, the slide stop and disconnector. According to a SIG emloyee on 1911forum, the current model SIGs have the following MIM parts: Thumb Safety, Grip Safety, Slide Stop, Disconnector and Firing Pin Stop.

[mscmatt]

I've come to the conclusion that just about all of today's mainstream 1911s are on the same level as Taurus due to the widespread use of MIM parts. Not bashing Taurus, I have 3 of them. I actually think Taurus is the best value for the money when compared to the likes of Kimber, S&W, etc... Unless you're prepared to buy a Les Baer or something comparable to it, you may as well spend $600 on a stainless Taurus until you're ready to step up to an ultra high dollar gun.

[boricuaDV]

@mscmatt Two exceptions in a production level 1911 would be Colt and SIG, who use the fewest amount of MIM parts. They provide a better starting point for someone looking to replace the MIM parts, since there are less to begin with. Also, I will honestly say that Springfield seems to have a good, solid reputation despite their rampant use of MIM parts. Only problem for me is, MIM parts are still questionable at best, given my experiences here.

[Mooselola]

Thanks for the video. I have shot thousands of rounds through colt, springfield, and sig 1911s I own and have never had a MIM part fail. Also, my friends and people I know who shoot various 1911s have never had a MIM part failure. Not saying it doesn't happen, but you seam to have bad luck with MIM parts (knock on wood...). Thanks again.

[otso56]

Yeah, it's sad to see something like that is still seen as somewhat of a quality weapon can do that.

Hell, even my 200€ Norinco 1911 has gone through 3000 shots without anything breaking :D

[TheMedievalMan]

I dont like MIM parts either. And Im sick and tired of people defending it, saying that its as good as bar stock. Im so glad CZ doesnt do MIM, or at least my current one doesnt anyways. I e-mailed them, and they told me that they still dont do MIM. There are still some companies out there that wont MIM their. But there are more and more in the industry, switching to MIM, its sad...

[mscmatt]

@boricuaDV I wasn't sure if Colt had made the move to using MIM parts yet or not. Really, they aren't a whole lot more expensive than Kimber; and I refuse to buy a Kimber, so when it comes time for me to trade up from my "starter 1911" (taurus), I'll go with a Colt or a SIG.

[CarlRF99]

So how much MIM parts are in a Kimber? I plan to be getting a Sig 1911, but Kimber was my second choice.