Posted: 5/9/2013 4:32:19 PM EDT
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I'm wanting to get a Colt XSE but I can't decide between the Steel frame or Aluminum frame.
I like that the aluminum is lighter but are there any cons to it? I would expect aluminum to wear out quicker that steel. Any thoughts or experience with either? |
| you cant go wrong with either. I prefer the steel frame because weight is not an issue for me but I have both and shoot them regularly with no issues. I would keep them well lubed and they will last a lifetime and a warranty that lasts that long as well. they are both good shooters but my rail gun gets the bulk of the abuse right now. |
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Are you looking at the Government model or the Commander? I have the XSE LW commander myself.
The alloy frame will be less durable than the steel frame, but just how much less is debatable. The alloy frame will last over 25k rounds if taken care of. I've also read of higher round counts on the LW frames but I haven't verified the numbers to repost them here. I change my recoil spring every 1000 rounds just to be safe. It's more often than the typical recoil spring change but considering what 1k of factory 45 ACP costs it's a small price to pay for the insurance. A shok-buff can also help reduce frame battering but this is only an option if you go with the LW Government model, the LW Commander likely won't run with a shok-buff in place because of reduced slide travel. The steel frame will be better for a hard use/high round count gun, but I would pick the LW every time if CCW will ever be an option. My LW Commander is a joy to carry, and likewise if CCW is an option pick the Commander over the Gov't model. In this day and age you will be hard-pressed to find and buy enough 45 ammo to be able to shoot enough to wear out or crack an alloy Colt frame. Also, with the alloy frames you'll want to use magazines with a captured follower such as Wilsons, Tripps, or CMC Power Mag Plus (make sure to get the Plus models as the regular Power Mags do not have captured followers). Reason for this is the non-captured followers and GI-type followers will shift forward upon feeding the last round and the tip of the follower will gouge the aluminum feed ramp of the lightweight 1911s. This gouge occurs below where the bullet nose hits the feed ramp so it doesn't affect function, it's purely a cosmetic issue but it will affect resell value should you ever decide to sell the pistol and it just looks ugly. I use Wilson 47Ds exclusively in mine. |