I was doing a little cleaning when...

**halo2304** · 09-08-13, 21:59

I was cleaning some of my guns when I discovered this. This is a small crack in the frame of one of my P9s'.

The way I see it, I've got a few options:
A) I could drop some cash on another frame and swap the parts. I found one on Gunbroker but, it's not cheap.

B) I might be able to have it repaired (grind out the crack, TIG weld it and machine/grind back the original shape.)

C) I could strip it and sell the parts.

D) I could keep it as a "paper weight" and possibly for parts.

The biggest problem with "A" is it's expensive and the serial numbers would no longer match. The serial number mis-match isn't that big of a deal unless/until I sell it. Also, the P9s is rather complicated internally.
Option "B" is questionable and, like "A", would require at least a partial stripping. I'm not too sure about option "C" but it might be my best option as it's pretty much already option "D".

What do you guys think?

**Greg Bell** · 09-08-13, 22:17

I think it is just sheet metal anyway isn't it? I would weld it. I wouldn't even worry about it. People have been welding-up 1911 frames since time immemorial. I wouldn't waste the money on a new frame.

**halo2304** · 09-08-13, 22:22

The area it's in, I think could be repaired but it's one of those things I'd really hate to F'up. And yes, the frame is stamped sheet metal.

**sxshep** · 09-08-13, 22:25

I have no idea, hence why I'm asking... But could you just keep shooting it? Would there be a safety risk, or would it start to throw off the accuracy/reliability at some point?

**halo2304** · 09-08-13, 22:47

The crack is a sign of stress on the frame from the slide and continuing to shoot it would cause the gun to shoot itself apart. Just in front of the crack is the buffer system. The P9s uses a wax-like polymer buffer which eventually needs to be replaced. When I bought this one, I saw no obvious signs the buffer needed replacing. My first P9s needed the buffer replaced because of very visible "shake" in the buffer housing. In total, I may have 200rds through it despite having it for a few years.

**SteveS** · 09-09-13, 16:22

Have you tried to contact the manufacture?

**halo2304** · 09-09-13, 23:06

Originally Posted by SteveS

Have you tried to contact the manufacture?

I have not yet done so. I took some more pictures tonight and might see what H&K have to say about it. Since they haven't produced the P9s since the mid-80's, I'm not going to hold my breath. I also discovered a crack on the other side of the frame as well. I did have my father take a look at it to get his thoughts on welding it. (He's an experienced welder a among many other things.) He believes it could be fixed. I think my next step might be to get a second opinion from a local gun smith (or two) and see what H&K says.