S&W 4043 - Alloy frame longevity?

[MGMorden]

Just a quick question.  I saw a 4043 in a local shop for what looks to be a decent price ($250).  I never pick up anything before going home and researching though. 

From what I've gathered from Google, it's .40 S&W (don't have one of those yet but hey, it's something new ), DAO (don't like, but I can live with), and the possible deal breaker for me was that it was an alloy frame instead of steel.  Now I know that the Hi Point pistols with their zinc frames wear out somewhat easily, but I'm assuming that S&W used something a bit more hefty that than (I've only seen "alloy" listed as the type, but I'm assuming it's aluminum).

I know though that .40 S&W is a fairly hot little round.  Basic question is - what type of service life can one expect out of these guns?  Does the alloy frame wear appreciably faster than a steel framed version would?

Any general opinions on the gun would be appreciated too.

Thanks.

[rockbilly]

Don’t let the alloy frame deter you from buying the gun.  Unless this is a gun bought for daily use where hundreds of rounds will be fire through it each day the alloy frame should last your lifetime.  Most alloy frames, in better quality guns, are made of 7075 aircraft grade aluminum.  I have seen this material used in various places on an airplanes that subject it to far more wear abuse than you will ever give it in a firearm.

At that price, if the gun is in good shape I would go for it!

[drdougrx]

I agree with Rock.  I prefer alloy framed guns for carry.  I've even toyed with the idea of having a Browning Hi-Power built on an alloy frame.  I own a slew of them from .380 to 45acp.  Naver had a problem.