Which Pistol Frame Material Is Best?

There are three common materials from which pistol frames are commonly made. More importantly, since the frame is one of the largest pieces of the gun (effectively the same as the receiver in other firearms) the material from which it’s made is going to significantly impact handling, maintenance, and performance. This short post should break some of that down. 

Steel Pistol Frames

There was a time when basically all pistol frames were made of steel, and though it is still common, it’s not as common as it once was. 

For instance, many old revolvers, along with 1911 handguns, have been conventionally made with steel frames. 

Steel is extremely strong and a steel frame will outlast the rest of the parts of the gun – along with, most likely, its owner.

With that said, while steel is the strongest and most wear-resistant pistol frame material covered here, it is very heavy. This can make it more tiring to carry a steel-framed pistol. 

On top of that, steel must be properly cared for or it will rust, which means that steel frames likely require the most maintenance of all pistol frame materials.

Aluminum Pistol Frames

Next we have aluminum alloy frames, sometimes simply referred to simply as alloy frames. The first thing you’ll notice is that these frames are considerably lighter than steel frames. 

Aluminum pistol frames are therefore easier to carry and handle for longer periods of time than their counterparts made of steel. 

Also, for what it’s worth, while steel is technically stronger, harder and more wear resistant than aluminum, under normal use conditions, this is not ever something you’d notice. 

In addition, while aluminum is not impervious to corrosion and can oxidize, it is far less prone to this issue than steel is, which means that aluminum frames generally require less maintenance. 

They represent a perfectly suitable, lighter-weight alternative to steel frames. 

Polymer Pistol Frames 

Lastly, we have to consider polymer pistol frames, which are among the most popular categories on the market today. Many extremely popular handguns, such as Glock pistols, are made with lightweight, synthetic polymer frames. 

Whereas both aluminum and steel pistol frames are made with metal alloys, polymer frames are made with a synthetic polymer, basically a type of plastic. 

That being the case, they are among the lightest pistol frames on the market today. They’re about neck and neck with aluminum, but could be slightly heavier or lighter, depending on a few other factors, such as (obviously) size.

Like steel and aluminum, polymer pistol frames are very strong and durable. They are not as tough as either alternative, but considering the weight tradeoff, they’re good enough. 

Being so lightweight, polymer pistol frames are generally easier to carry, as well as to point and shoot, for longer periods of time, without excess fatigue. 

One more note is that, unlike aluminum or steel, polymer frames do not rust or corrode, which means that technically they require the least involved maintenance of the three types. 

Furthermore, some polymer frames can be fairly affordable, making them even more attractive to tinkerers and home builders. 

The Rest Is Up to You 

At the end of the day, the pistol frame material that’s best for you is ultimately going to rely on your uses for it. All of the materials mentioned here have their own strengths and weaknesses.

If you’re here because you’re looking for a place where you can buy pistol frames so you can customize a build along the way, visit SARCO Inc. They carry a wide range of pistol frames, especially frames compatible with parts for popular models and clones. 

For more information about Gun Parts and Pistol Magazines For Sale Please visit: Sarco Inc.