Scandium Frame's Care

[Lon C.]

Hello All,

Has anyone heard of any precautions [drawbacks?] to scandium, in so far as requiring special care/handling? I'm thinking more specifically about cleaning.

While on the subject, is the R8 a bit much for a new shooter currently focused on just target shooting at the range...for the time being?

Many thanks!

[camshaft]

Try mpro7 or just rem oil. Something lite. Do not use hoppes or anything with a strong smell to it. Strong cleaners will hurt the coating.

And keep in mind-if you install the top rail. It will mark up the top of the barrel where it sits. Nobody will tell you that. Either leave it on or leave it off.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[Dano3467]

Tri flo try it you'll like it..

Pocket carry a scandium J EDC been using Tri flo for 35yrs, has not let me down.. it's not for everything, but for what you need it's perfect IMHO

[unusedusername]

I would generally reccomend a heavier firearm for a new shooters just getting started.

Smaller lightweight firearms have extremely rough recoil impulses due to the physics involved. Heavier guns have very light recoil impulses, also due to the same physics.

My recommendation is generally to use the heaviest firearm that is appropriate for your use. If your use is "back pocket carry" then a scandium J-frame is about the biggest thing that will work. If you are target shooting at the range then a bigger, heavier, firearm generally does the job better.

The R8 is a large gun, but it's designed for use cases where you are carrying it around all day and can't stand the weight. I'd go with a traditional steel framed revolver like a 627 or a 686+ for target shooting.

A 627 is about the same price as an R8, but generally shoots a lot softer. The 686+ is cheaper, holds one round less then the 627, and isn't compatible with moon clips from the factory.

[rodblder]

I have 2 Scandium models, the M&P, and the TRR8, also have the 627 in 5" SS. I don't think there is much difference in recoil between these guns, all are great shooters and shooting 38 special in them is like shooting 22mag. You'll love the M&P which is my favorite of the 3 and is next to my bed!!! I have the TRR8 next to my recliner and a snubby 627 in our kitchen...
PS-I also have 5 Glocks I love shooting at the range!!!

[hermosabeach]

Scandium is good for carry due to weight and painful to shoot due to the lack of weight....

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/performance-center-model-mp-r8

the 38 special with a 4-6" barrel is a great new shooter firearm.


You can shoot extremely low recoil 38s and ear blasting 357 too

[MyOdessa]

I have 2 Scandium models, the M&P, and the TRR8, also have the 627 in 5" SS. I don't think there is much difference in recoil between these guns, all are great shooters and shooting 38 special in them is like shooting 22mag. You'll love the M&P which is my favorite of the 3 and is next to my bed!!! I have the TRR8 next to my recliner and a snubby 627 in our kitchen...
PS-I also have 5 Glocks I love shooting at the range!!!

You should move to a better neighborhood.

[rodblder]

You should move to a better neighborhood.

I've been in my home in a great part of San Diego, a million dollar neighborhood, since 1978. Orig from Wisc, Navy sent me to SD in 69.
Better safe than sorry.......

[Cokebottle]

There is very little Scandium in the Smith revolvers.
Scandium is extremely expensive ($270/gram, $122k/lb)... The M&P340 .357 is 391.2 grams. If it were pure Scandium, it would cost Smith over $105k just for the raw materials. Do the math and figure out how much Scandium is potentially in a revolver that costs $380 more than the .38spl non-Scandium Airweight version, and only $100 more than the .357 Stainless version.

Care for them as you would any alloy frame.

[Flying Sig]

There is very little Scandium in the Smith revolvers.
Scandium is extremely expensive ($270/gram, $122k/lb)... The M&P340 .357 is 391.2 grams. If it were pure Scandium, it would cost Smith over $105k just for the raw materials. Do the math and figure out how much Scandium is potentially in a revolver that costs $380 more than the .38spl non-Scandium Airweight version, and only $100 more than the .357 Stainless version.

Care for them as you would any alloy frame.

[mjmagee67]

As a note of information Scandium is an alloying metal for Aluminum and most alloys contain 0.1 to 0.5% Scandium. So in reality you have a Aluminum framed gun.

PS I have one too.

[Cokebottle]

As a note of information Scandium in an alloying metal for Aluminum and most alloys contain 0.1 to 0.5% Scandium. So in reality you have a Aluminum framed gun.

PS I have one too.

.357 hurts dontit?

[PaperTarget]

...
Care for them as you would any alloy frame.

Agree.

Here is a list of chemicals and how severely they react with aluminum and mostly aluminum alloys.

https://www.calpaclab.com/aluminum-chemical-compatibility-chart/

[saki302]

Use MPro 7 or any 3-in-1 (Break Free, Weaponshield), and you'll be fine.

There doesn't need to be much scandium in the alloy- that small percentage increases the strength enough to handle the .357 vs. a .38 in a snub. Pretty good (or bad as it were!) for a sub 12 oz gun

The aluminum .38 does not handle high pressure loads well, as a relative of mine found out with misplaced hand loads for his .357 (why you would load low .357 power level in .38 brass is beyond me).

-Dave

[Quiet]

Scandium is good for carry due to weight and painful to shoot due to the lack of weight....