MIM can work but I have seen several failure pictures where it looks like there was no warning before the break.
These types of failures pretty much don't happen with hot forged or machined from billet steel parts.
The only reason a manufacturer uses MIM in a 1911 is to hit a price point.
In a expensive custom 1911, using MIM makes as much sense as using 440 stainless steel to create a custom knife. The craftsmanship and design might be perfect but the material choice is making it cheap. In a knife you might save $20-50 on materials and heat treat but it can also be the difference between a $500 knife and something no one will touch at a price anywhere near that.
In a 1911, the premium for high quality small parts adds up quickly and the difference isn't immediately obvious which is what creates the temptation to cheap out.
MIM isn't necessarily a disaster but it is a step back.
I would probably take a Kimber over a Series 80 Colt any day. I would just swap out the MIM at my first opportunity.
These types of failures pretty much don't happen with hot forged or machined from billet steel parts.
The only reason a manufacturer uses MIM in a 1911 is to hit a price point.
In a expensive custom 1911, using MIM makes as much sense as using 440 stainless steel to create a custom knife. The craftsmanship and design might be perfect but the material choice is making it cheap. In a knife you might save $20-50 on materials and heat treat but it can also be the difference between a $500 knife and something no one will touch at a price anywhere near that.
In a 1911, the premium for high quality small parts adds up quickly and the difference isn't immediately obvious which is what creates the temptation to cheap out.
MIM isn't necessarily a disaster but it is a step back.
I would probably take a Kimber over a Series 80 Colt any day. I would just swap out the MIM at my first opportunity.
