S&W Scandium frame - any real world experience?

[mbl]

I am looking at a S&W 327 (scandium frame, 8 shot, 357). I am wondering how durable the frame really is. I have not been able to find a whole lot of reviews, etc yet (just started looking).

It seems like SS is more durable, but is it by a large margin or slight? Plus I really like the 327, with the 8 shot and 5" barrel.

So I thought I would through the question out here. Anyone have any experience or educated thoughts on this frame material? Any horror stories?

Thanks

[HunterCO]

They are great but at the same time they are not meant for target shooting. If you shoot it a lot you will not like the durability.

just my .02

[delta_echo]

My buddy has a scandium frame 1911 he uses for daily carry. It is light, but also holds the distinguishment of being the only 1911 I don't like to shoot due to its harsh recoil.

[mbl]

Thanks for the feedback. For what I want, I think I will look at the Stainless models.

[Deckert]

That's the 4" 8 shot N frame scandium .357. Man, a breeze to carry, but a bit of a brute to shoot. In the event it actually HAD to be used, I doubt the recoil will be an issue or even noticed.

The 686P is, of course, the smaller L frame 7 shot, but a much heavier gun and much more pleasant to shoot. All that makes sense, no?

I haven't put lots of rounds through either as they are two of my newest acquisitions, but I just gotta believe the Scanduim guns will prove to be less durable.

On the plus side I have owned a 432PD for a few years. Ridiculously light to carry and it's stood up to almost daily carry exceptionally well. However, no one will argue that a .32 Magnum will beat up a gun (or the shooter) as much as a .357 will.

I'll carry the 327PD this winter because I need a coat to cover it... it may be light as a feather, but it's still an N frame!

One final thought, the Scandium guns can be a bugaboo to clean without damaging the finish. If you go that way, be sure you know what you're doing.

[pierce33]

I have a 340PD that's one of my everyday carries. I love the little gun, sometimes i forget i got it on my anckle! Light as can be, it does buck alittle bit but it is manageable by all means. you do have to watch what chemicals you clean it with like stated above. All and all great gun, alittle pricey though

[carnplanenut]

I have a 342 and love it. I have shot about a thousand rounds through it. Plus, w/the Uncle Mike's holster, I can wear it with slacks and it doesn't "paint"

Jason

[SA Friday]

Sc framed guns are the best carry gun you never wanted to even sight in. The recoil is harsh is an understatement. It doesn't matter how strong the frame is because shooting it once is enough to prove you never want to shoot it again.

I would rather tote a little more weight and acutally not fear shooting the darn thing.

[The1andOnlyKC]

I have been carrying one of the 340s for 4 years, great gun. Has had the crap beat out of it in the last 4 years. No problems. If you practice with it the recoil inst that bad.

[michael_aos]

I've got a 357PD (41 Mag).

Same as stated above -- great to carry, sucks to shoot.

It actually arrived from the factory with a busted frame. Presumably related to torquing during the barrel installation.

The replacement seems fine so far. Probably less than 100 full-house 41-magnum loads through it. I tend to mostly shoot handloads downloaded to 40 S&W power levels.

Mike