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croyance · February 22, 2002, 10:38 PM

But it really gets more complicated than that.

As Jim Keenan said, machining will be necessary. The forged pieces will probably need a lot more machinging - which will only add stresses to the metal. Some large parts are machined from a bar, which is very extensive machining.
Further, there is the quality of heat treatment. Older Hi Powers were forged, machined, and heat treated to a hardness of about RC20. The newer frames, since the .40 S&W are cast, machined, and heat treated to RC 40. I think I'd rather take my chances with the new frame.

And Ruger revolver frames, which are cast, are proverbially strong.

February 22, 2002, 10:38 PM	#6
croyance Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2001 Posts: 3,604	But it really gets more complicated than that. As Jim Keenan said, machining will be necessary. The forged pieces will probably need a lot more machinging - which will only add stresses to the metal. Some large parts are machined from a bar, which is very extensive machining. Further, there is the quality of heat treatment. Older Hi Powers were forged, machined, and heat treated to a hardness of about RC20. The newer frames, since the .40 S&W are cast, machined, and heat treated to RC 40. I think I'd rather take my chances with the new frame. And Ruger revolver frames, which are cast, are proverbially strong.