Boo hoo P1 frame cracked

[Barnacle Bill]

Yes, I have several alloy-framed pistols that hold up fine, but were designed that way - Beretta 92, CZ P-01, Bersa Thunder.

Once upon a time, FN made a batch of alloy-framed Highpowers for some European LE contract. I heard those had very short service life so FN dropped the idea.

I'd have expected better from the P1, though, since the German military would have bought tens of thousands of them and would have noticed if they broke all the time.

Then again, when I was in the Navy the M1911's mostly stayed in the small arms locker except during security drills or the one in the holster worn by the topside watch, and once a year we shot 20-25 rounds or so for "qualification". I doubt any individual pistol got shot much more than 100 rounds a year. At that rate, I'd expect almost any pistol to last until replaced by a phaser.

[Birdmann]

Great posts, guys. Thank you.
Have any frames cracked with the installed hex pin?

[Barnacle Bill]

Originally Posted by Birdmann

Great posts, guys. Thank you.
Have any frames cracked with the installed hex pin?

Mine has the hex pin, and the fat slide.

[daltrey99]

Did you decide on what you are going to do in terms of replacing the frame or just getting a new pistol?

[Birdmann]

As much as I like my P1, I'd like to get a good 'ole P-38 with that Krupp Steel frame, someday!

[Barnacle Bill]

Originally Posted by daltrey99

Did you decide on what you are going to do in terms of replacing the frame or just getting a new pistol?

I'll be having Tom Heller rebuild it on a Russian capture P-38 frame that he has. We're just working out details on the sights, as my P1 has the older style skinny front sight blade and I'd like to switch to the late style with a white dot front sight & white bar on the rear.

However, I was sorely tempted at a local gun shop this weekend. They had a like-new-looking P1 with all the goodies (hex pin, fat slide, late sights) for a very good price compaed to what I see in "buy now" auctions on Gunbroker. However, I'm thinking if I stick with the rebuild plan I'll end up with the ultimate shooter P1/38 (steel frame, fat slide, late sights) so that's better.

[searcher451]

Good for you, Bill; Tom does excellent work. Be sure to post a photo or two of your hybrid once you get it up and running.

[daltrey99]

Glad to hear that you are rebuilding it. The steel frame feels better than the aluminum.

[Deputy]

Originally Posted by Barnacle Bill

@ MGMike:

So are you saying it isn't as simple as swapping parts from old to new even if I go with another P1 frame?

I want to end up with a safe and functional pistol. What do you recommend?

Here's my recommendation:

German WWII P38 9mm Pistol CYQ (Spree Werke))

[searcher451]

And that would be a good recommendation.

Nice to see you back among the living, Deputy.