buck460XVR
New member
My main issue with MIM is that it exists not to improve any given firearm but instead is there to make it cheaper to produce. Their use in the firearms world is born out of cost cutting and the "good enough" for most people manufacturing mentality.
In reality, MIM parts are MORE expensive to produce than forged/machined parts. The cost savings is produced by the elimination of hand fitting required by the use of forged/machined parts. Because intricate MIM parts can be made consistently to exacting tolerances they are basically a "drop in" item. Same goes for using them as replacement parts. Many parts that once needed the firearm to go back to the factory or to a skilled gunsmith in order to be replaced can now be replaced without the need for hand-fitting. There are many parts used in firearms where the application of MIM parts is not wise. Sears used in 1911 type firearms is one of them. The MIM process has been around long enough in the firearm industry that manufacturers now know where they work and where they don't. MIM parts used by reputable firearm manufacturers(such as Colt, S&W, Ruger and others) are not just "good enough", but are as good as the forged/machined parts that preceded them. Failure rate in MIM parts is no higher than older forged machine parts. Unfortunately because the process became popular in the firearm industry about the same time as internet and social networking, one hears a lot more about them.