Lightweight 1911s

[Bullwhip]

If I paid $2.5K + for a gun I think I'd be afraid to shoot it.

I can buy a lot of ammo and even a couple of replacement $600 guns for that kinda money!

[Seabear]

Well, I owned a Kimber CDPII for a short time. It was a beautiful gun, till I shot it. I don't know how, but during the first 50 rounds I got one scratch on the side of the frame, and somehow put a ding in the checkering on the front of the grip. As stated above if you go allow, only use mags with plastic followers. My kimber came with one mag, and it had a steel follower. It scatched and gouged the inside of the frame like you wouldn't believe.

If you like pretty guns and want them to stay pretty, then IMHO carrying an alloy frame is not going to be or you. My carry guns are tools just like a hammer, I can't be worrying about bumping into everything. I got rid of the Kimber so someone else could keep it pretty.

[The Annoyed Man]

I have an alloy framed carry 1911, and it runs fine. I remember reading somewhere that Kimber carry guns have been tested beyond 20,000 rounds without any signs of wear or failure. Mine no longer has a pristine finish, and it isn't free of minor marks. I don't care. For one thing, the gun stays concealed and (God willing) it will always remain concealed. Nobody can see it. So I'm likely the only one who is ever going to know or care about the honest wear and dings of a daily carry weapon... ...and I don't care. It's just a tool, not my identity.

$2,500 barbecue guns are beyond my ken. Only one of my rifle/scope combinations is worth that much, and I didn't spend the money in one fell swoop. I don't wear bling either. Pistols in that price range are not even on my radar, so I'm not qualified to comment on any in any specific way, except to say that they are real pretty to look at but I'd be afraid to carry one because..... ....in the real world, carry guns, even steel framed carry guns, pick up dings and scratches. Just ask my steel framed Springfield.

But as far as alloy-framed 1911s go, I think they are generally a better idea for day to day carry than steel framed guns because they are lighter and consequently more comfortable than their all steel counterparts for all day wear.

Your mileage may vary.

[AEA]

My EMP has a alloy frame. It is light and easy to carry (when I get it back from Springfield - another thread).

I only shoot it to prove it and carry. It will last my lifetime and my Son's lifetime.

[RiverRat]

The wife carries a CQB compact LW that I had made for her. I don't see any more wear on it that my BW Carry that I carry. Both are around 2500 rounds. I won't think you'd see issues with a LW until after 15 or 20K rounds. By then you ought to be old friends .