Light weight 1911 frames

[Mongo Hunter]

What besides weight are the plusses and minuses of the Aluminum or Alloy frame 1911's. I'm looking at 3" guns to replace my Springfield Ultra and have heard mixed reactions to the light weight frames. some say they are just fine and great for carry, others say they are overpriced and wear out early. and knowledge would be appreciated.

[thinkingman]

First, 3" 1911s are a crapshoot to begin with.
Second, the barrel may have a steel feed ramp or the mag can feed on the frame, then the barrel.
If you wear through the hardened part of the frame, you're screwed.
You cannot polish the feed ramp either, the hardened surface is very thin and you cannot feed hollowpoints against bare aluminum alloy.
Pluses are the weight savings, which is no benefit when you're shooting it.
I guess 3" aluminum 1911s are only meant to be carried, not shot.

[ckr]

I have a aluminum frame Kimber for over a year.  Shot many times with different kinds of ammo and I have never had a problem.  The guts still look like they are in great shape and never a problem with feeding.  I love that gun.

[BULLBLASTER]

I have had a limber ultra Crimson for over 2 years and have shot at least 1000 rounds of fmj and a few hundred hollow points and no issue at all so far. Imo it is a great carry piece.

[300rum]

Eventually you will get a crack, it just has to happen.  It is not uncommon to get a crack in a steel frame that is heavily used, aluminum will fail much earlier.  If you are like most people and rarely shoot it, it will last a long time.  I have one, rarely shoot it and plan on just fitting a new frame if I need to. 

[Mongo Hunter]

Well I do plan on shooting it but obviously main purpose in CCW, so I think I may just take my chances and run with he lighter frame. Thanks for the info guys!