I had a Kahr T1 1927A1 for a short time after they re-released them. Even burning a lot of rounds, it wouldn't get as hot as an AR (a lot less powder!), and of course, the AR's are aluminum, and they run just fine. The barrels get hot on the Tommy's, but the receivers really don't get as hot as a DI AR action.

Too many guys get hung up on steel versus aluminum, without understanding the differences between the two alloys. Aluminum's a lot better transfer medium than steel, so it'll heat up faster, but it'll also shed heat faster too. Aluminum (7075 vs. 316L) has about twice the heat capacity, and about 8x the heat transfer coefficient (heat shedding) as stainless steel, with a higher tensile yield strength to boot. The melting point might be a lot lower, but it's still over 700 degrees hotter than you'd be able to touch without burns!!!

I wouldn't have any qualms about buying a "Lightweight" Tommy. For a simple 45acp rifle, they're heavier than he11, especially with a 50 or 100rnd drum!! I'm also prone to believe that Kahr/Auto Ord wouldn't be foolish enough to release an aluminum receiver without thoroughly vetting out the function and durability. I might not specifically look to BUY an aluminum model, but I wouldn't shy away from it, or value one over the other.

Feeding out of the 30rnd sticks was generally a lot better than either of the drums. I started with two 100's, one didn't feed at all, traded it back towards a 50, which was better, but not perfect. 100rnds was too dang heavy, and frankly, in a semi-auto, just takes too long to burn.

I wish I hadn't sold mine now. Would love to have it as a short range coyote rifle And this time I'd spin a can on it!!!!