Why not single-stack 1911 poly frame?

C

corruptone

New member
In my quest to build or have built what I consider for myself the perfect commander size 1911 carry gun there's one piece that I think would make it 'ideal' for me anyway.......a single-stack 1911 polymer frame. I know there are double stacks out there, but they about .200' greater surface area. If manufacturers can make a double-stack with only .2" great surface area than a normal 1911 single-stack how much smaller would a polymer single-stack be? Think about it. It cures at least 3 issues (well at least they are to me) almost immediatley. 1) Reduced weight 2) reduced weight, but with a stronger track record for durability than alloy frames 3) slimmer grip without having to change out grip bushings and grips. It would also have the advantage of using standard 1911 mags and could possibly use standard 1911 parts (triggers and whatnot).

Am I crazy? Anybody know of any manufacturer who has thought of this?
 
I don't think there would be any great advantage in a single stack polymer frame. The frame still needs to be wide enough to match the rails in the slide, so you would not be getting a thinner frame. It would save a little on weight, but probably not that much. Durability might be better, but how many aluminum frames have been destroyed through shooting and how many rounds does it take to kill an aluminum frame? The big advantage in polymer frames is the thinness of the the grip frame with double stack magazines.
 
corruptone - I'm with you. I'd love to see Colt come out with a single stack, Commander sized poly framed pistol. I think it would be an ideal firearm and a hot seller. I'd run down to the gunshop to pick one up.

That said, the closest I've been able to come to this is a HK USP45 Compact. 28 oz empty with a good sized grip. Light, reasonably compact although a touch wide in the slide.
 
Doesn't STI have polymer frame 1911? Not really any thinner than normal.
And the increased surface area of double stacks is much greater than .2" square. The increased thickness is what you are concerned about.
 
i held a Kimber Polymer double stack the other day and if i didn't already have a single stack 45 i'd buy it because it is just about the same size as the single stack---as for the STI it is way bigger than the Kimber-----as a matter of fact i emailed Kimber to see if the polymer was availble in 40 SW and was advised negatory with no plans to make one.....
 
I tend to be a bit of a purist when it comes to 1911s. I've even replaced the plastic mainspring housing. Wood and steel. I really don't even like the alloy frames.

I don't see any real advantage to a polymer frame. The 1911 frame is already about as thin as you can get plus if you add some of the super slim grips it is really thin. The frame is only about 1/8" larger than the magazine already.
 
Wilson's new KZ-45 is single stack at top and double at bottom.Never held one but they appear to be regular size at the grip safety.
 
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