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I am going to be getting my first 1911 in a couple weeks and have pretty much decided on either Kimber or STI. I have heard rumors regarding the aluminum frames on the carry models of the Kimbers do not quite stand the test of time versus the steel frame models. Does anyone know if there is any truth to this?

I've never heard of this.

No truth to that what-so-ever.

It may be true on some planet, but Kimber has test fired their alloy frames to multiple tens of thousands of rounds without any signs of even incipient failure, let alone an actual failure. I've never actually heard anyone's story of a frame failure on a Kimber. Other kinds of failures maybe, but nothing related to weakness in an alloy frame. The truth is that most gun owners will never shoot that many rounds through a single gun in many years of ownership. A few will, but most won't.

I own and carry a Stainless Ultra Carry II, and I trust it with my life. I wouldn't an alloy frame stop you from buying that gun, if that's the gun you want. Plus, they have steel framed versions in most sizes if you're still that worried about it.

I've got a Kimber Compact Aluminum that I bought used in 1996/1997 and is still works flawlessly, only part that needed replacing was the plunger tube, and that didn't happen until this last year or so.

The Annoyed Man wrote:It may be true on some planet, but Kimber has test fired their alloy frames to multiple tens of thousands of rounds without any signs of even incipient failure, let alone an actual failure. I've never actually heard anyone's story of a frame failure on a Kimber. Other kinds of failures maybe, but nothing related to weakness in an alloy frame. The truth is that most gun owners will never shoot that many rounds through a single gun in many years of ownership. A few will, but most won't.

I own and carry a Stainless Ultra Carry II, and I trust it with my life. I wouldn't an alloy frame stop you from buying that gun, if that's the gun you want. Plus, they have steel framed versions in most sizes if you're still that worried about it.

I can second TAM's experience. I've got two alloy framed Kimbers, each of which I've fired several thousand rounds through with no indications of frame wear or deterioration of any kind.

If you're buying a gun for daily carry, you could get the steel framed version if you're still concerned about frame wear or breakage. The steel frames make for great guns, and they do reduce felt recoil. However, if you go that route, I'd suggest first setting aside enough money so that, after lugging the extra weight around for a few weeks and noting the effect on your belt, pants, back, etc., you'll still be able to get the alloy framed version you'll want to carry from that point on.

Thanks a lot for the responses. I have done a little more research and it appears that most instances where there has been frame failure is usually directly correspondent to a recoil spring that has needed to be replaced and neglected. Atleast that is what I have read on other forums.

Get the STI. They are awesome and they are Texan!

The feed ramp of an aluminum frame can take a battering from an excessive amount of JHP ammo so much so that failure to feed becomes an issue. Some folks have a steel feed ramp installed in their aluminum guns to overcome this problem.

MoJo wrote:The feed ramp of an aluminum frame can take a battering from an excessive amount of JHP ammo so much so that failure to feed becomes an issue. Some folks have a steel feed ramp installed in their aluminum guns to overcome this problem.

If the slide is dropped on an improperly seated magazine and a JHP round is driven into the feed ramp at an angle that doesn't divert it into the chamber, it may dent the feed ramp and cause feeding problems if not smoothed out.

I haven't seen any damage from properly fed JHP ammo in any of my guns.

MoJo wrote:The feed ramp of an aluminum frame can take a battering from an excessive amount of JHP ammo so much so that failure to feed becomes an issue. Some folks have a steel feed ramp installed in their aluminum guns to overcome this problem.

I was pretty sure, but I just checked mine to be 100% sure.

Kimber uses ramped barrels, at least on my Ultra Carry, so the ramp is just as steel as the barrel ;) The above is not a problem.

MoJo wrote:The feed ramp of an aluminum frame can take a battering from an excessive amount of JHP ammo so much so that failure to feed becomes an issue. Some folks have a steel feed ramp installed in their aluminum guns to overcome this problem.

Not likely to happen (on a Kimber) in my opinion...

Excaliber wrote:

The Annoyed Man wrote:It may be true on some planet, but Kimber has test fired their alloy frames to multiple tens of thousands of rounds without any signs of even incipient failure, let alone an actual failure. I've never actually heard anyone's story of a frame failure on a Kimber. Other kinds of failures maybe, but nothing related to weakness in an alloy frame. The truth is that most gun owners will never shoot that many rounds through a single gun in many years of ownership. A few will, but most won't.

I own and carry a Stainless Ultra Carry II, and I trust it with my life. I wouldn't an alloy frame stop you from buying that gun, if that's the gun you want. Plus, they have steel framed versions in most sizes if you're still that worried about it.

I can second TAM's experience. I've got two alloy framed Kimbers, each of which I've fired several thousand rounds through with no indications of frame wear or deterioration of any kind.

If you're buying a gun for daily carry, you could get the steel framed version if you're still concerned about frame wear or breakage. The steel frames make for great guns, and they do reduce felt recoil. However, if you go that route, I'd suggest first setting aside enough money so that, after lugging the extra weight around for a few weeks and noting the effect on your belt, pants, back, etc., you'll still be able to get the alloy framed version you'll want to carry from that point on.

Bah, I have an all-steel commander-sized Kimber, and it's not bad. With a Super Tuck holster it's comfortable enough to wear all day.