No aluminum / metal Glock style frames?

Racer88

Racer88

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In recent years, there have been some that announced such a product and a few apparently made. Some apparently abandoned. But at this moment, it seems nobody makes a metal Glock-compatible frame for sale right now.

Matrix Arms makes a complete frame in the G19 size:
www.matrixarms.com

MX19 complete aluminum frame w/ Heavy 6lb carry trigger Aluminum Glock®19 parts compatible frame (Black) | Matrix Arms

LIFETIME WARRANTY LIFETIME WARRANTY PLEASE ALLOW UP TO 2 WEEKS FOR SHIPMENT BEFORE INQUIRING DUE TO HIGH
www.matrixarms.com www.matrixarms.com

But that's about it.

Alpha Foxtrot announced the release of aluminum Glock-compatible frames but seems to have shitcanned that idea.
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www.thetruthaboutguns.com

Alpha Foxtrot Releases Two GLOCK-Compatible Aluminum Frames - The Truth About Guns

So far in the pre-SHOT Show press release bombardment I think these new products from this new company are the two things I’m most excited about. And the products I’m most excited to get my hands on. New from Alpha Foxtrot — www.BuiltAF.com — is their AF409c aluminum GLOCK-compatible pistol...
www.thetruthaboutguns.com www.thetruthaboutguns.com

I wonder if there's just no market for them? Or is it that they just don't work for some reason?
 
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Doesn't look like there is a price advantage based on the one link. Other than being able to withstand higher temperatures, what would be the advantages of an aluminum Glock frame? Maybe a small weight difference which to me wouldn't matter. I guess it could be considered stronger/more durable though I don't use mine as a hammer (and wouldn't use a 1911 as one).
 
brian said:
Doesn't look like there is a price advantage based on the one link. Other than being able to withstand higher temperatures, what would be the advantages of an aluminum Glock frame? Maybe a small weight difference which to me wouldn't matter. I guess it could be considered stronger/more durable though I don't use mine as a hammer (and wouldn't use a 1911 as one).
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I'm really not concerned about price difference or looking to "save" money. I'd even pay more. Not a LOT more... but more.

Advantages? Functionally, probably none. But I can think of some other advantages:
  • It's metal. Some folks just like the feel of a metal gun in their hand. While polymer has proven durable, metal is arguably MORE durable.

  • The metal can be anodized in various colors, which is also arguably a more durable finish than cerakoted or painted plastic. Plus it just looks cool!

  • Weight. Some like the added weight, even if slight.

  • It's just different! I'd definitely try one, if they were available. Even 100% finished / serialized requiring an FFL. I don't care about that. I've got plenty of plastic guns! I was thinking it would be cool for my "Tank" build. Alas... it appears there are none on the market.
 
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Racer88 said:
I'm really not concerned about price difference or looking to "save" money. I'd even pay more. Not a LOT more... but more.

Advantages? Functionally, probably none. But I can think of some other advantages:
  • It's metal. Some folks just like the feel of a metal gun in their hand. While polymer has proven durable, metal is arguably MORE durable.

  • The metal can be anodized in various colors, which is also arguably a more durable finish than cerakoted or painted plastic. Plus it just looks cool!

  • Weight. Some like the added weight, even if slight.

  • It's just different! I'd definitely try one, if they were available. Even 100% finished / serialized requiring an FFL. I don't care about that. I've got plenty of plastic guns! I was thinking it would be cool for my "Tank" build. Alas... it appears there are none on the market.
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Live free armory and BCA both have metal gen 3 striker style frames and pistols now too I really like the AMP
 
www.livefreearmory.com

Live Free Armory | Buy Your Next Firearm From Us

Live Free Armory has the perfect firearm for you. Located in West Melbourne, FL, we serve gun lovers all across the United States. Find your dream firearm in our online inventory today!
www.livefreearmory.com

www.bearcreekarsenal.com

BCA Genes1s II | Window Cut 9mm Handgun | 9mm Black Nitride Threaded Barrel | 1:16 Twist | 17+1 Capacity

Whether protecting your family or taking it to the range for target practice, the Genes1s II is an accurate, reliable addition to your collection. 9mm Handgun | 9mm Black Nitride Threaded Barrel | Black Nitride Window Cut Slide w/RMR Optic Cut | 2 17 rd Magazines
www.bearcreekarsenal.com www.bearcreekarsenal.com
 
Rocky Decatur said:
www.livefreearmory.com

Live Free Armory | Buy Your Next Firearm From Us

Live Free Armory has the perfect firearm for you. Located in West Melbourne, FL, we serve gun lovers all across the United States. Find your dream firearm in our online inventory today!
www.livefreearmory.com

www.bearcreekarsenal.com

BCA Genes1s II | Window Cut 9mm Handgun | 9mm Black Nitride Threaded Barrel | 1:16 Twist | 17+1 Capacity

Whether protecting your family or taking it to the range for target practice, the Genes1s II is an accurate, reliable addition to your collection. 9mm Handgun | 9mm Black Nitride Threaded Barrel | Black Nitride Window Cut Slide w/RMR Optic Cut | 2 17 rd Magazines
www.bearcreekarsenal.com www.bearcreekarsenal.com
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Those are both complete firearms. Neither appeals to me. I was talking about just a frame... like a P80 frame.. but metal instead of polymer... that we could build out like a P80.
 
Racer88 said:
  • It's metal. Some folks just like the feel of a metal gun in their hand. While polymer has proven durable, metal is arguably MORE durable.

  • The metal can be anodized in various colors, which is also arguably a more durable finish than cerakoted or painted plastic. Plus it just looks cool!
Click to expand...
This ^^^^ :)
Rocky Decatur said:
Live free armory and BCA both have metal gen 3 striker style frames and pistols now too I really like the AMP
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That BCA for $500 seems interesting. Looks like a "clamshell" design for the frame, probably cast. I'll guess that the rails are steel and sandwiched in there somehow. The linked article does not mention or picture internals. Some aluminum alloys can make very precise castings requiring little, if any machining.

But for $800 or whatever that MX19 was, I'd be looking at a 1911 double-stack in 9mm. Or better yet, one of the new Hi-Power-ish designs... ;)
 
PS: Rock Island has been putting out an Al-framed "glocky" for a couple years. Mfg LINK. AR 2021 INTRO Oct. 2021 REVIEW

PPS: I think I found your next gun for you, Racer: $439 at PSA :) Now if only I could get a commission on the money I help you spend! :D
 
Bobster said:
PS: Rock Island has been putting out an Al-framed "glocky" for a couple years. Mfg LINK. AR 2021 INTRO Oct. 2021 REVIEW

PPS: I think I found your next gun for you, Racer: $439 at PSA :) Now if only I could get a commission on the money I help you spend! :D
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All complete / assembled guns.
 
Racer88 said:
All complete / assembled guns.
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You're making me work hard for my commish! ;)

Here is what you do: when you get the STK100, disassemble it and sell the slide for $239. Now you have $200 into an alloy frame Gen 3. :D Caveat: I do not know if parts are interchangeable and I would do a bit more research before I committed... 🤔

The gun, which is G17-sized, weighs 8oz more than a polymer G17.

I'm intrigued and may end up with one myself! :rolleyes: I need a full-size gun other than a 1911... :)
 
I just don't think there is a market for them. A consumer interested in a Glock style pistol has already mentally come to terms with the fact that it is a plastic frame. They are expecting the pistol to be a plastic frame and consider it a feature, not a problem.

Those who eschew plastic in favor of aluminum or steel have already settled on one of the many designs already out there. So a metal frame Glock probably isn't on their radar as an option to consider.

That just leaves the small niche market of those who really crave something different. And the price tag reflects it, as well as the product being unsucessful in the marketplace. Which is looking like what has happened.

Personally, I see nothing wrong, mechanically or aesthetically, with a metal framed Glock style pistol. I've suggested as much on this forum before. By the pool of potential buyers don't seem to want it.
 
Metal Glock clones have zero appeal to me. Kits or otherwise.

If someone enjoys the build challenge and likes metal frames, there are a few 1911 options to choose from. That’s not for lightweights though. There’s no fixing a mistake with JB Weld. If you can build a good 80% AR you should be able to successfully complete a 1911 kit.
 
Bobster said:
Let me rephrase: I need a full-size FRAMED gun other than a 1911... ;)

PS: I DO have a PF940v2 waiting to be assembled...
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If you are patient I have it on really good authority that there are some frames coming down the pipe in about a year that are in the process of being developed now.
 
I saw some alloy Glock based frames a while back. I'd buy a steel frame in a NY minute.
 

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