Getting Sick of Guys With Plastic Pistols...

...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.

No love for plastic

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.

daddio202 said:

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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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.

JayFramer said:

I'm glad there are no engraved plastic pistols. Engraving is gaudy on any pistol.

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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.

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.


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

Pisgah said:

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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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.

Stargater said:

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

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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!

StephenWhoDat said:

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!

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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.

lhump1961 said:

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.

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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!

Pisgah said:

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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+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.