Author Topic: REPLACEMENT OF MIM PARTS IN SPRINGFIELD MIL-SPEC (Read 950 times)

raw52 · « **on:** March 09, 2005, 07:38:24 AM »

Placed an order for a NIB Springfield Armory Model PB9104L, Mil-spec Bitone in 45 ACP, should be in this week.

Heard many folks replace the MIM parts, just what are they in this pistol and do they really need to be replaced?

The Bitone is SS lower w/Blued upper, this is my first Springfield and this model was only made for a short time last year, now discontiued.

Thanks in advance.

Rich

williamlayton · « **Reply #1 on:** March 10, 2005, 09:36:40 PM »

Raw-
I do not own one but there have been a number of post concerning this in the past.
I would sggest a search in this forum, handgun general discussion and selfe defense handguns. I know you can get a lot of information on these pages.
Blessings

Iowegan · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2005, 06:35:02 AM »

raw52, Something you may not know about 1911s. Nearly all of them come with either MIM or cast parts. These include the hammer, grip safety, thumb safety, slide lock, disconnector, and sear. Between cast and MIM, the MIM parts are much better. They tend to be tighter tolerance and look no different than a forged part (unlike S&W MIM parts). Cast parts are more crude and don't finish as well. This goes for blue and stainless parts alike.

I doubt you can find parts made from bar stock. Not only are they hard to find, they are very expensive and are no better than MIM.

greenjeans · « **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2005, 01:17:50 PM »

Dumb question. What is MIM?

Iowegan · « **Reply #4 on:** March 11, 2005, 05:52:51 PM »

MIM= Metal Injection Molded. It is a process where powdered metal and other additives are injected into a mold, much like a plastic molding process. After the parts have been formed in the mould, they are fired in a furnace. They shrink to form the final shape. Because this process is very exact, parts can be produced that stay in a very tight tolerance. MIM parts are just as hard and are smoother than forged or machined parts.

greenjeans · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2005, 01:46:04 PM »

Thanks! :lol:

raw52 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 16, 2005, 06:15:42 AM »

Williamlayton, Thanks for the reply, will look do a search for other post!

Iowegan, Thanks for the reply and the detailed explanation.

It appears that MIM items are a more cost effective (cheaper) way for OE's to manufacture component parts.

Many thanks and best regards,

Rich