Carbon steel vs Stainless 1911 frame

d33rhunt3r · Feb 12, 2016

I'm probably going to open a can of worms with this but I'd like to see some opinions experiences with using a carbon steel frame or a stainless frame for a 1911. I am currently looking at Caspian Arms the difference in price between them is minimal, but my knowledge in metals is very limited. So pros/cons, tolerance/fit issues, anything like that would be greatly appreciated.

Also, the Caspian Damascus slide will be going on whichever choice I make, after I sell a kidney.

Thanks!

dist1646 · Feb 12, 2016

Long, long ago, I recall that there was discussion about stainless steel galling but, metallurgy has come a long way since then and any such issues (real or imagined) have been resolved. Pick which ever you like and don't worry about it. I have fired many thousands of rounds through guns with either type of frame and have had no issues due to the type of metal. Fitting is far more important.

d33rhunt3r · Feb 12, 2016

dist1646 said:
Long, long ago, I recall that there was discussion about stainless steel galling but, metallurgy has come a long way since then and any such issues (real or imagined) have been resolved. Pick which ever you like and don't worry about it. I have fired many thousands of rounds through guns with either type of frame and have had no issues due to the type of metal. Fitting is far more important.

Any thoughts on aluminum? I've heard good and bad about using it on higher recoil calibers.

dist1646 · Feb 12, 2016

I personally don't care much for aluminum frames. That is just my choice because I prefer the extra weight of a steel frame. Manufacturers such as Walther, S&W, Colt, etc. have been using aluminum frames for decades. I think that if everything is properly fitted there should be no issues with them. Improper fit and hot loads can destroy even the best of frames.

alucard0822 · Feb 12, 2016

Caspian are good to go, as are most all modern designs. Most of the stories about early stainless pistols galling was because the slide and frame were not properly heat treated, and tolerences didn't take the different dimention changes at higher temps into consideration, and supposedly identical hardness made it worse, so instead of the slide or frame taking normal slow wear, both ground into each other, poor fit and lubrication probably played a part too.

DoctorBob · Feb 12, 2016

The answer from alucard0822 pretty much cover it all. The galling of
stainless comes from not using dis-similar metals. S&W found this out
when their first stainless first stainless pistol (Model 60) was being
mass produced. Those problems are long fixed.
Both Caspian frames are fine. Both are good dimensionaly and have
adequate case hardening. To bead blast or polish, I would pick the
stainless. To blue, Duracoat etc. The carbon steel would be a better
choice. Dr. Bob / Gunsmith / Free State Gun Range

Magnumite · Feb 13, 2016

Previous posters have pretty much covered it. I've built 1911's on both stainless and carbon steel foundations. I've used several carbon and stainless Caspian frames as well. Slides have matched frame metal or have been opposite metal (carbon/carbon, stainless/stainless, carbon/stainless). My experience has been you can get good fit in any combination. Smoothest operation and tightest fit goes to carbon/carbon hands down. The trickiest is fitting stainless/stainless combinations and they tend to not be as smooth. Not bad, mind you, just not as smooth. After finish lapping a polishing process goes a long way toward smooth, tight fit.

Caspian can fit and carburize a stainless/stainless frame and slide to keep the fit close and smooth.

amoebicmagician · Feb 13, 2016

carbon with a nitride finish is the best all around

d33rhunt3r · Feb 13, 2016

Thanks for the help everyone. I actually REALLY lucked out. Found a Caspian carbon frame with a Storm Lake threaded barrel and grips and beavertail on gunbroker, all parts brand spankin new for $650. I couldn't pass it up, bought it outright. Now I just have to wait until I can sell a kidney for the Caspian Damascus slide

Pinecone · Feb 14, 2016

The problem is generally SS sliding against SS.

Good lube solves the problem.

Carbon steel vs Stainless 1911 frame

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