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AR15.COM
5/18/2008 8:47:12 PM EDT
I picked up a Covert and a Tactical, I have replaced all the MIM parts with Wilson's, my question is what life expectancy can I expect from a alloy frame?  How do they generally hold up and are there some things I need to know?  Do's and Dont's?  Should I just stick with my TLE 2 and its steel frame?
Thanks
5/18/2008 10:50:19 PM EDT
[#1]
About the only thing you "need" to worry about is that certain hollow points might scar up the feed ramp portion of the frame.  HOWEVER, Evolution Gunworks has a really nice steel ramp insert that they can put into an alloy frame that'll cure that.

Far as I know, that's about it......
5/19/2008 12:23:18 AM EDT
[#2]

Quoted:
About the only thing you "need" to worry about is that certain hollow points might scar up the feed ramp portion of the frame.  HOWEVER, Evolution Gunworks has a really nice steel ramp insert that they can put into an alloy frame that'll cure that.

Far as I know, that's about it......


Hollow points don't tear up the frame.  Steel magazine followers are what destroy a frame.  Use polymer followers and you won't have a problem.  Defineately don't go with the steel EGW insert unless the frame is essentiallytoo damaged to all functioning.

ranburr
5/19/2008 5:37:48 AM EDT
[#3]

Quoted:

Quoted:
About the only thing you "need" to worry about is that certain hollow points might scar up the feed ramp portion of the frame.  HOWEVER, Evolution Gunworks has a really nice steel ramp insert that they can put into an alloy frame that'll cure that.

Far as I know, that's about it......


Hollow points don't tear up the frame.  Steel magazine followers are what destroy a frame.  Use polymer followers and you won't have a problem.  Defineately don't go with the steel EGW insert unless the frame is essentiallytoo damaged to all functioning.

ranburr



How?  Could you elaborate?   I'm just not picturing it
5/19/2008 7:10:56 AM EDT
[#4]

I own  1986? manufactured Colt LW commander.  Took ownership in 1997.

The comment about steel followers is right on.  I used McCormicks for the first year I had the gun.  Boogered up the feed ramp pretty good.  I gingerly polished out the damage, switched to 47D mags and never looked back.

As fas as hollow point ammo goes.  I shoot some HP ammo to cycle my carry ammo.
I never noticed the HP doing any damage to the feed ramp.

My frame is fine after 15,000+ rounds.  I have no clue about round count from 1986 - 1997.

It is now a carry a lot, shoot a little gun.

ZM



5/19/2008 7:17:09 AM EDT
[#5]
Huh...   I just never pictured the follower contacting the FR...

Good to know though
5/19/2008 10:00:08 AM EDT
[#6]

Quoted:

Quoted:
About the only thing you "need" to worry about is that certain hollow points might scar up the feed ramp portion of the frame.  HOWEVER, Evolution Gunworks has a really nice steel ramp insert that they can put into an alloy frame that'll cure that.

Far as I know, that's about it......


Hollow points don't tear up the frame.  Steel magazine followers are what destroy a frame.  Use polymer followers and you won't have a problem.  Defineately don't go with the steel EGW insert unless the frame is essentiallytoo damaged to all functioning.

ranburr


Point taken.  I had always wondered how the hell a projectile would tear up the aluminum....but figured the feed cycle has enough force to do it.  The follower makes a lot more sense.

So...just use Wilson 47Ds and you're good to go.
5/19/2008 5:19:18 PM EDT
[#7]
It's the split beak style steel followers that are an issue.  Use Wilsons and you will be fine.  The Novak type with the stepped follower should be fine as well, but Wilsons work so well I figure you might as well just use them.