chris, I've owned and operated many examples of both aluminum alloy and stainless framed guns. The alloy's claim to fame is light weight. Alloy is significantly lighter than stainless or carbon steel, no arument about that. If light weight is most important to you, alloy is the way to go. Like geetarman, I have seen what happens when steel interfaces with steel, both stainless and carbon. Steel Wins. I have alloy framed guns that get carried a lot ( due to that lighter weight ), but shot only a little. I have personally seen two SIG P226s with cracked frames, and one Colt Commander, mine. The SIGs were near new, fired a few hundred rounds of non +P ammo in a semi-auto transition class. My Commander, purchased new, cracked the frame vertically in the slide impact area after moderate use. I have other alloy framed guns that have not cracked at this point, but sure do demonstrate what happens, after light to moderate use, where steel wears against anodized aluminum alloy. I favor stainless guns for extended use and accept the unavoidable weight penalty. I have seen many statements on the internet that allloy frames will last a lifetime, don't worry about it, you can't afford enough ammo to wear out or crack an alloy frame, etc. That has not been my experience. Not only have I seen, and experienced, cracked alloy frames, I've also experienced the slide/frame fit of alloy guns loosening with use. My steel framed guns just seem to get smoother with use, not looser. Ya pays your money, and ya takes your choice....ymmv