The Strength, of SIG's Lightweight Alloy Frames

["DoubleAction"]

What Contributes to the strength, of SIG's Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Frames ?

Sig Sauer's "Locking Block Insert, which is made from Forged Steel. The recoil of the slide assembly and the locking lug of barrel, rest on the strength of this part.

My first choice has always been with carbon steel, then came stainless steel, and eventually, I was introduced to the aluminum alloy frames of the Sig Sauers.

For myself, carbon steel has always been the bench mark, by which, I measure all other handguns. As for the comfort of shooting and strength of a handgun, I have always preferred the smoothness of the heavy Carbon Steel. Attempting to duplicate my preferences, came through shooting. For me, it was no compromise when it came to choosing between one or the other.

Enter the Sig Sauers

I choose the Sig Sauers for many reasons; The frames on the Sigs are built by using a high tinsel strength aluminum aircraft grade alloy, but that's not where it's strength truly rest. The true strength of the Sig Sauer's frame rests on it's Steel Locking Block Insert. In realty, we are talking about a frame that is doing no more than retaining the components for the pistol. The actual work is performed by the slide, barrel, and the Steel Locking Block Insert.

[TMan]

However, that doesn't mean that they won't break. My cousin, now retired from the FBI, put just over 50,000 rounds through his Sig before the frame developed a crack. After that he started carrying a Glock. Maybe the Glock is what convinced him to retire.

["DoubleAction"]

...TMan; 50,000 rounds is a lot of rounds, for a standard lightweight defensive pistol. This is why I have Steel Frame Target versions.

.....50,000 rounds = 1,000 boxes of 50 = an average of 5 dollars per box = Equals $5,000. dollars. I gave the benefit of doubt that he might might been using 9mm ammo. If he was using Hand Loads, the pistol can't be blamed. Shooting that much ammo, he should have a much better durable steel target pistol for target shooting. I test my primary lightweight alloy framed defense carry pistol, every so often. I have enough handguns, that if I was to shoot 50,000. rounds through them, I would have to sell my house to pay the cost of the ammo.

["DoubleAction"]

....By the way; The Recoil Springs has to be changed after so many rounds. The German Recoil Springs, on the early Sig Sauers was wire stranded, unlike the other solid steel springs, seen of most other pistols. The Stranded Wire Recoil Springs lasts longer, but not forever.

[TMan]

DA, I'm not sure of the caliber, but I expect he was shooting the same ammo that he carried. He had to qualify 4 times/year. I know his replacement was a Glock in 40 S&W. As far as the cost was concerned, it didn't cost him anything because we, the taxpayers, paid for the ammo.

["DoubleAction"]

Aug 18, 2014 4:39:48 GMT -5 TMan said:

DA, I'm not sure of the caliber, but I expect he was shooting the same ammo that he carried. He had to qualify 4 times/year. I know his replacement was a Glock in 40 S&W. As far as the cost was concerned, it didn't cost him anything because we, the taxpayers, paid for the ammo.

.....TMan; Ask him how many recoil springs that he replaced during the 50,000 rounds.