...calling my S&W 659/5906 or 645 "boat anchors."

We're living in a world where S&W is making guns that have little appeal to those who like craftsmanship and beauty. I let many a fine specimen fall through my fingers because I figured I could always get another one down the line.

Not so!

Yeah, if you like plastic pistols, I imagine heavier guns might be somewhat problematic, but what a world of contradictions! Both Ruger and S&W are adding so much weight to .357s and other revolvers (putting heavy underlugs that make them great range guns, but who wants to carry 'em?) while Glock, Smith and others are producing ugly striker-fired pistols that rarely call from one's safe to be admired. They do the job well enough, but since when does one sit back and enjoy the beauty and craftsmanship of a hammer or pair of pliers?



I've yet to tire of my S&W stainless guns, but I still admire their beauty and craftsmanship. I fear future generations may either lose their appreciation of such guns, in which case the 2nd Amendment may become a dead letter, or in the event they gain an appreciation of the gun itself, that the price of once-great firearms will be so great that no one will be able to afford them. If things continue on this way, can you imagine how expensive a Smith 659 or 5906 might cost if they go the way of the Colt 1911s? I don't think S&W could make a gun like the 659 without charging $800+ for them.



Whatever happens, plastic's here to stay. I just wish those who love plastic pistols would show some appreciation for these great guns of steel and wood. They're much greater than the tanks they think they are. And I've yet to see an engraved plastic pistol.

Wonder why that is?

I love the older Smith autos also , never had a problem with them and they keep going up in value. I still see one in a holster once in a while .

I'm glad there are no engraved plastic pistols. Engraving is gaudy on any pistol. Looks good on a hunting shotgun or rifle, though.

I completely understand exactly what the op is talking about. Im in my 40s but have no desire to purchase plastic that they make by the million. My 639 has a trigger and reset like none of the guys with the new guns have never felt. I let some of them try it and they are amazed at what used to be a normal trigger feel.

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I find it comical when a striker fired pistol is said to have "a good trigger."

I, too, have managed to stay away from the plastic pistols. I know they are just as reliable and lighter weight than my aluminum receivered S&W's, but I like the balance and heft of those aluminum receivers. I expect to continue to use mine until something that cannot be fixed breaks.

A 639 was my second older Smith semi-auto find. I remember my surprise the first time I shot it.

I still enjoy that gun but the trigger on my 39-2's are just crazy sweet. I'm pretty sure the first time I shot one, I let go the first round simply placing my finger on the trigger.

You would think with CRC, precision casting, ect that some nice
Pistols and revolvers could be made at a reasonable price. The
most over looked type of handguns are field guns. Except for
the cannons not much is being made.

I've reached a stage in life where I don't really give a rat's a** what some moron says about my choices in guns -- and most everything else. Plastic guns? I like some of them, hate some of them. "Real" guns? I like some of them, hate some of them. I have some of each that I'll carry, with no worries about what someone else prefers.

My life's too short and fraught with real worries to let some idiot run it for me.

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Pisgah

After 9 years of ownership I sold my 4566 to buy a Shield9.

Oh the horror, but I held off hoping I would find a use for a 2-1/2lb(unloaded) gun.

At my age CC that “boat anchor” was a no go and since I’m a frugal practical guy I don’t want a handgun gun just for drooling over and fondling, so away it went.

now I own 3 dreaded plastic guns that allow me to have at least one on my person at all times without even being aware that I’m carrying.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Stanley vs. Snap-On, Black & Decker vs. Makita...

I have to respect your opinion as you seem to walk what you talk. You've been a member here for 13 years and received almost 2k likes...but have given out a grand total of 6! I'd buy you a beer if we were neighbors.

I have a fair representation of older and newer guns. Things I like about both but enjoy the revolvers and older autos much more.

Amen, brother! I collect those gorgeous 2nd and 3rd gens and wouldn't trade them for anything! I'm currently up to two dozen of these fine examples of true craftsmanship. I even carry a 3rd gen. While my appreciation for these beauties is higher than most, I'm also only 34, so there is hope for future generations to appreciate them. I've even gotten my 19 year old brother-in-law into them. For a 19 year old kid to NOT be into boring, lame Glocks, is a win in my book!

I "maintain" plastic-fantastic. I "revere" steel, spiral-tubed, functioning works of art.

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Ad Astra Per Aspera

Good for you! I did the same for my 30 year old (25 when it started) son-in-law. He bought a rode hard and put away wet 3953TSW from the LGS a few years back that I had seen but passed on. I did look it over though and noticed it had a broken recoil spring. I made no mention of it to him and he wasn't with me. When he called me to share his excitement and new purchase I said I bet it has a broken recoil spring and I have spares if he wants one...he didn't know I had seen it and was quite impressed at my prediction! Anyways, it did have another unknown issue in that it would fail to fire on rapid trigger pulls...draw bar was slipping. He sent it to Smith and they fixed it no charge and now runs like it should. He was sold on S&W after that because they really didn't have to fix that gun for free. He shoots it very well and carries it regularly.

Very nice! And fun coincidence, my main carry gun is a 3953! To me, it is the best concealed carry firearm ever made. Of course, that's only my opinion. So, I guess I should say FOR ME, the 3953 is the best concealed carry gun ever made. I own 3 of them.

I appreciate the guys who like and buy plastic handguns.

It leaves more quality handguns for the rest of us.

And if some friend was to give me grief over my choice in weaponry, I'd just invite him to go shooting and put his money where his mouth is.

Anybody want a 1911 Ford? I have on rotting and rusting in my back yard for sale......cheap too!

+1 I bought a plastic gun for a reason and if someone doesn't like it so be it. I have metal guns and prefer to shoot them but I don't want them confiscated by chance as evidence. When I have to use them to defend or protect. I will however donate a box of Keenex to those who are offended.

I think that polymer guns have their place in the market.They allow carry with less fatigue.They aren't pretty to look at, but serve the purpose that anyone wants a carry gun for.

That being said,50 years from now the current autos will not be collectors items and many may not even be serviceable.Unfortunately the gun industry has gone the way of just about every other.They make stuff that is throw away.Buy it today,it works great.When something happens,don't fix it or send it to someone who can fix it,just sell it for parts or toss it and buy a new one.

I have a Sig 1911 and a 1066 that I carry.Also have a 39 that doesn't get carried.Would take all 3 of those guns over a Glock or H&K any day.BUT, there are some days I wish I had something a bit lighter.

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1st smiles,lies.Last,gunfire.

They do have something in common however, BOTH are bottom feeders.

I have a good friend who has two gun safe's in his basement.

One is for long guns, ammo, and long gun equipment and cleaning supply's.

The other is for handguns..He probably has one of every caliber known to mankind..some very expensive (non plastic) and plastic.

The non plastic stay in his safe, clean and looking like the day he bought them. He will never carry them...they are safe queens other than when he fires them on the range just to know they are in good working order. (why that is important is beyond me as he will never use them)...his carry is a glock 19...why....because he knows if he ever has to use his carry he just lost it and it can be replaced the same afternoon for not a lot of money......The others may or may not be replaceable at a reasonable price.....

If you like nice pretty guns that's fine, or it you are into competitive range shooting or collecting for the sake of just having it to show off....collect all you can and yes be proud of them..but if it comes to practical everyday use
for the reason most of us carry, plastic is probably the better choice for many different reasons..... Yes either one may or may not save your bacon if the need were to present itself..and if it does not then it really didn't matter which one you had does it?

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Hipcocked45

I love my S&W 5906. It's my main carry. If I run out of bullets during an encounter it will make a great club.

A quick search will yield more than you know...
Hand Engraved And Gold Inlaid Factory Glocks - The Firearm BlogThe Firearm Blog

At the range I shoot at, those type of comments aren't really spoken. You don't hear much of other folks commenting badly on other people's weapon choices. Now the indoor range I used to go to (that just recently shut down too), you would get a few that would make a few snide comments occasionally. But after they looked at my targets as compared to theirs (which looked like they were shot at with a short barrel shotgun) they would shut up. Plus, when I broke out the 357's and 44's and let loose with some hot, fireball producing rounds they sure shut up as their plastic fantastics never could hold up to shooting those bull moose rounds. I could give them flinch problems just by shooting next to them. H110 loaded 357's out of my Coonan and 44's out of my DE will really make a light and sound show.

Every metal auto I own, I bought. The only polymer gun I own, a Shield, I won as a door prize. I must admit that I have carried the Shield since I carried any of the metal autos, but then I carry my 642 more often than any of them.

The debate will never end. When someone speaks dismissively of my steel/alloy autos or my revolvers, I just smile knowingly and say nothing. Ignorance is its own punishment.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

I really wonder what the life expectancy is for poly guns.

So when did this become a binary thing, either or?

I have polymer handguns
I have all metal (wood gripped) semi-auto handguns
I have all metal and wood gripped Revolvers
I have wood and metal rifles, both old and new
I have composite and metal Rifles.

I like them all.

I can see craftsmanship in all of them, beauty of line, in all of them. I admire them all for what they are. I like the lightness of the polymer when that is an advantage. I love the heft of the non polymer when carry weight isn't an issue, but controllable kick is.

It would kind of suck, I guess, in my humble opinion, to limit myself to liking just one or the other. Blech, THAT sucks.

I like all guns and calibers but I have to tell you, the safety/decocker belongs on the frame, not the slide. That is all.

No, but if you had one in good running condition with body intact, I'd take it off your hands.

tell me, which do you prefer?





or

^^That comparison leads me to believe you have had one too many Scooby Snacks.

My S&W 4043 loaded weighs 2 pounds. It is impossible to wear concealed using a pants clip with the T Shirt pulled over it.
It was A-OK when in uniform with ammo belt and scabbard.
Those days are over. My dress code in the warm months is shorts with pull string and a T shirt not tucked in.
So, this beast pistol sits in the magazine stand next to my wonderful recliner. Makes a great house gun with it's red lazer dot sight.
My trusty 5 cell Mag lite flash light is next to it.
I just acquired a new Walther PPS 9mm pistol that I will go shoot and see if I want to keep it as personal carry protection.

Hand Engraved And Gold Inlaid Factory Glocks - The Firearm BlogThe Firearm Blog

We can't help with depravity....

Sticky status

A voice of reason!

But it sure helps with degravity.

I prefer a ZO6

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FIFY. You're comparison implies the polymers can't perform as well.

If one is looking for a gun with character, I understand the appeal of old school guns. I have them. Their cool factor is undeniable. But if one is looking for a self defense weapon, it is difficult to understand how people choose to ignore the vast number of military and LE Agencies who trust the lives of those who serve to polymer pistols.

Objectively, my Glock 19 &/or 29 beat my 66-2 Snubby every time as a self defense tool. Furthermore, I prefer my LCP to a JFrame snubby. Easier to carry, more rounds.

But carry whatever feels best to you.

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Just hanging with my dogs

No one’s ever died from being shot with a polymer gun.

The military and agencies get the lowest bidder most often.

People that think plastic pistols are wonderful don't bother me. I have had some, but got rid of my last 1 over a year ago. The more they buy might mean more heavy metal guns up for grabs. It means nothing to me if they do not like what I shoot. Bob

First thought: Any chance you can drop one of the top three cars off at Houston airport in early October and pick it up mid November?

Second thought: Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada without air con????? And what about blue tooth for the phone/music/GPS? Mmmmm.......

I love my Springfield .45 and Kimber Stainless II 9mm1911's and can carry either on the range all day. But at the end of the day it is a relief to take the belt, holster and mag pouches off.

I'm not a fan of the G17 I carry on duty, but when I carry (last week was a prime example) it is not as heavy after a 9 - 10 hr shift as my beautiful stainless 1911's, although that could be as a result fo how we carry (duty belt connected to bottom of stab prof vest, weight supported by shoulders/back compared to tightening trouser belt a notch and attaching duty belt to trousers with keepers).

So, horses for courses. For fun and appreciation, classic cars and guns. For utility, those ugly but efficient plastic fantastics.

Do not, will not ever, own a Glock though.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Of all my handguns ( way too many), I own only one "plastic" pistol. And I have to admit I love it

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John

I have an (original) M&P 9. It is a good gun. I prefer my second and third gens, but there is a place for polymer.

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Myself I will take the Camaro with a Tonewanda built BB engine in it plus any of the metal made handguns. Take a slow motion slow motion movie clip of a plastic handgun and you will see a amazing difference in how the sides flap around with the plastic slides. Much more vibration with every round then a all metal made handgun. I for one have seen it. No plastic for me.

I like many types of guns, while i generally carry either my Beretta APX or HK45 i am more and more interested in finding a good holster and carrying the 1076 and a couple spare magazines. Might wind up selling off the HK45 and looking for a second S&W 1076, or a model 1086. the weight isn't a bother to me.