Forged or Investment Cast

[Annihilator]

Nice article on the difference between forged and cast gun parts, good information and explanation of each process.

Forged vs. Cast - What's the Difference? - Milwaukee Forge

Differences Between Forging and Casting Metal Forging and casting are two very different manufacturing processes used to manipulate the shape of metal. In the casting process, metal is heated until molten. Then it is poured into a mold or vessel to create a desired shape. In the forging process...

www.milwaukeeforge.com

 

[KillerFord1977]

Sometimes you get what you pay for

 

[youngolddude]

I get that forgings are stronger, but do we really need that extra strength in all parts? Have any tests been performed that have conclusively proven the need for forged parts? I have seen a lot of random comments stating that this or that part is inferior and must be replaced or avoided, but were they really true? I have a Ruger 1911 for example and I understand they have "investment cast" parts in them. Whaddaya say?

 

[KillerFord1977]

I get that forgings are stronger, but do we really need that extra strength in all parts? Have any tests been performed that have conclusively proven the need for forged parts? I have seen a lot of random comments stating that this or that part is inferior and must be replaced or avoided, but were they really true? I have a Ruger 1911 for example and I understand they have "investment cast" parts in them. Whaddaya say?

I would say most militaries and law enforcement prefer forged for long term wear & tear and abuse that us civilians may not put thru a firearm in a lifetime.

I’m personally good either way based on a case by case basis per firearm I need

 

[Talyn]

There's a big difference between "investment cast" (mostly major components like receivers/actions, slides & frames) and small parts that are "MIM" (metal injection molding) that some confuse with investment cast.

 

[Annihilator]

If I remember right, on Ruger investment cast, they have a total different process when they cast, somehow the casting is pressured into the mold making it stronger and less likely to have any hidden air pockets.

 

[Recusant]

The truth about MIM - Gun Nuts Media

Metal injection molding, or MIM as it’s commonly referred to in the firearms community has something of a bad name. Go to any forum, especially forums that specialize in S&W revolvers or 1911 pistols and you’ll no doubt see a post that reads “that gun has MIM parts in it, and MIM sucks” or...

www.gunnuts.net

 

[Annihilator]

I really have no trouble or issues with investment cast frames, or MIM internals as long it’s from a major gun manufacturer. No cast slides though for me, most of S&W revolvers have MIM parts, so do Springfield 1911’s, Kimber’s and Colt, now if you want a trigger job or just smooth up an action with MIM parts, you just have to be careful as not to go to far and go through the hardening on the parts.