Frame life and round count

[gregshin]

So i'm thinking of just building a new upper for my current 9mm STI gun for competition.

I've been using an 8lb recoil spring for my reloads and was wondering how long can a STI steel frame last shooting minor loads?

I have no intention going to open...just sticking with minor power factor.

I'm thinking since a 9mm minor it should last forever right?

[Loves2Shoot]

If you can afford the ammo to wear it out, you can afford to replace it when it wears out...

[shotgunone]

I would think it would be impossible to wear it out if it's put together correctly to begin with or you spend way too much time at the range.

Edited December 8, 2014 by shotgunone

[Aircooled6racer]

Hello: A very very long time. I have seen a couple of frames with over 100,000 rounds. They were on there 3rd rebarrel. Thanks, Eric

[BSeevers]

Never replaced a frame just sold guns after 3 barrels/comps to get something new. Cracked my first slide this year with around 75K. Almost every other single part on a 2011 I have worn out or broke. In no particular order Grip, Sear, Hammer, FP Stop, Pins, Extractor, Ejector are the common wear parts

[woof]

If you can wear out the frame (big if) you can always get it railed. That will tighten it up for years to come.

woof

[2011BLDR]

Have one that has 2 topends (open & 9mm limited) easy 500,000. My 5" .40 is easy 300,000 third barrel and breach face.

Out.

2011BLDR

[Jasonub]

200k infinity shooting only coated major bullets. Second barrel and slide

cracked the frame on the rails in 2 places. Hairline about 3 mm. Had these tig welded at about 150k and no new cracks after that.

Edited December 9, 2014 by Jasonub

[billm67]

You'll wear out just about every other part on that gun three times before you wear out the frame.

[caspian guy]

I have (and currently shoot) an open gun with a TRI frame (Tripp Research which is pre STI). I think you'd be hard pressed to wear out a frame on a propperly built and fitted gun.

[IronicTwitch]

My first thought was the 8# recoil spring seems a little light for a 1911 shooting 9mm? I thought the typical spring weight for 9mm in a full-size 1911 was 12 lbs? (38 super is 13 lbs, factor load 45's are 16 lbs) If you're concerned about frame life, maybe go a pound or two higher with the recoil spring?

[BigBamBoo]

I am glad this was brought up. Here in CA it is VERY hard to get STI frames/guns. And after the first of the year the only way to get one would be via private party (face to face) transaction with one that is already here.

So that means the ones I own now will probably be it until I move to a "free" state. Glad to hear that one can put some milage on them.

[Nickoli]

Like it was said above, IF it does just send it to Acc-U-Rail. Doug does great work and the fit with the rails is perfect, I love my railed gun that he built.