Polymer: my gradual acceptance

[ggibson511960]

Polymer Preference

Notice that the objections to polymer and affection for wood and steel are emotional. I did not see any objective reasons to favor traditional materials over polymer, other than historical aesthetics. I wonder if these folks would have objected to the introduction of steel over iron and brass in the 1800's? The early steel alloys did not hold blue very well. I like wood and steel myself, but splitting hairs over material composition is sort of silly. Can't we just like them all? I will confess to being a materials snob with respect to S&W parts, specifically forged over MIM, for reasons of pure aesthetics and authenticity. The durability issue is distressing. Take a hard look at a 150 year old firearm if you can find one. Some of these complaints are rooted in ignorance of what polymer is. Yes, plastic is polymer. Yes, 75 year old polymer formulations could age out, but bury a mid-sixties S&W revolver and a Shield side by side in wet dirt, dig them up a few years later, and see which one is identifiable, let alone which one works. Beauty is as beauty does. Next we'll shun aluminum or non-forged and heat treated steel.

 

[jag312]

I outgrew plastic guns when I was 7 years old.

 

[dben002]

Sorry guys....some are just reluctant to accept technology changes and advances. Polymer handguns have been around for over 30 years (Glock). They still work. They will be around for a long time to come.

The polymer handguns of today by far are more advanced than in early Glock days. The polymer formula's of today are much stronger, light weight, less expensive, more durable, and less reactive to heat and cold, will not rust, and requires little to no maintenance.

But for each of us it boils down to personal choice.

The only requirement I have of any firearm is that it do what it was designed to do, ....send a projectile down range, be easy to use and light to carry. How effective that projectile is is up to me. I could care less if it is polymer or steel that launched that projectile but I am 72, have rather painful arthritis in my thumb joints so I don't want a heavy handgun at all. Polymer works. That's good enough for me at my age.

 

[Not Getting Any Younger]

I totally 'get it' on both sides of the argument.

I love my 629, 686, and GP-100 (all are over 20 yrs old).

I bought a USP 45 (polymer frame) in 1996. It is still an awesome pistol! Adding a 'match trigger' made it better!
I also recently bought a Sig P229 (aluminum frame). Both are awesome for the range and home defense, but a bit on the heavy side if I were to carry them.

I also have an M&P 45 Shield which is what I would carry (if it were legal here in the "Garden State"). Also an LCP II. My point is that if you buy quality firearms from reputable manufacturers, you get your money's worth! There are so many great choices for consumers these days!

I have nothing against polymer firearms, but I wouldn't buy one that wasn't from a 'big-name' manufacturer.
Edit: I ONLY buy firearms from 'big-name' manufacturers!

 

[4T5GUY]

I am a collector and shooter. I have a very large collection. Most of my handguns are over 50 yrs old, many are over 100 yrs old.
You can't beat that hand built quality.

That said, I am a total and complete devotee of Kahr PM series pistols. At first I just hated the idea of a poly pistol. I bought a P380 when I went to get a LCP. Then I just had to get a PM 9. (Actually ended up with two.) The PM 45 was a no brainer.

You can not beat the quality, dependability, size, ergonomics, and weight of these Poly's. The match grade barrels make a big difference. Best of all, I don't worry about any collector value that I might be losing by taking them "with me."

Jim

 

[peterGun]

My 4566 weighs 3/4 lb more than my G23 and has 5 less rounds, that weight does matter when you're toting it for more than a few hours.

That G23 was made in 95 so there goes you worry about longevity.

My preference is wood and steel from the 50's because I don't believe the current manufacture is up to par except in plastic.




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[Walkingwolf]

Wow, yup weight is an issue, the reason I use plastic cups instead of glass for my ice tea. I would't want to pass out from the extra weight going from the fridge to the couch.

 

[CH4]

Not a huge fan of polymer guns, but I try to keep an open mind...and Blue Label pricing doesn't hurt either. Wife took custody of my G43, so I snagged this BL Gen 5, G26.

 

[rwsmith]

This ain't your Granddad's....

...or even your daddy's polymer. For years when you saw a part made of 'plastic', that part was going to break with little provocation. They started putting it all over/in cars in the late 60's and '70s and they fell apart....a LOT...and OFTEN. Even the sun shining on it broke it down.

Something happened around the 1980s when polymers got sophisticated enough to be be trusted as a material in firearm construction. And they are indeed tough. But for tactile appeal and appearance I'll still go with wood and steel, but polymer used in the right place is very functional and light by comparison and doesn't warp or crack except under extreme conditions. It sure does't rust.

H&K started a rebellion. When police departments in the US started using them in the 80's, that was it. I'm an old time and I like metal and wood, but due to circumstances I'm compelled to have some plast firearms.

 

[TTSH]

I bought my first plastic wonder pistol in late-2013. With a couple notable exceptions, I bought my last plastic wonder pistol in late-2015. After that, I went back to all-metal and have never looked back. I am now in the process if selling off most of my plastic as they just do nothing for me. They give me about as much thrill and pride of ownership as a cheap Chinese electric drill... and look & feel about the same.

The notable exceptions? One micro-mini-mouse gun for lightweight pocket carry, one Shield .45 (had to have it, right?) and an HK P30SK that I reluctantly took as a consolation prize for an ordered revolver that never arrived (couldn't get my money back). The latter two are now up for sale at a huge loss... very typical for plastic.

I am just not a plastic handgun kind of guy. Nothing against those who cherish their plastic, but they are just not for me any longer. That phase of my collecting/accumulating pastime is thankfully over.

 

[rcsayer]

I like all steel guns. I like polymer guns. I like guns.

 

[rwsmith]

Gosh...Remember?

Remember when the M-16 came out and had a plastic stock? There was tons of derision about our army being equipped with a 'plastic gun'. Between that and the mystery of the .22 bullet people really looked askance at it.

 

[vonn]

At my age they (polymer guns) will outlast me and they work well and meet all the requirements most have for them. Having said that I prefer wood and steel for handguns but synthetics for my hunting and AR types where function is more critical to me.

 

[forrestinmathews]

There's something to be said for the polymer guns. They're lighter and not as accurate. They are in some cases not as durable. When exposed to heat and UV they will not hold up as well. Personally I like steel framed firearms. I carry both. Indoubt my scandium frame revolver will last for several generations.

 

[Mister X]

Considering what Chuck Taylor's Glock 17 has endured over the last 3 decades, I'm confident that mine will last at least a lifetime with the relatively mild use they see. You Won't Believe How Much Abuse This Glock 17 Has Taken

 

[BAM-BAM]

I've owned several over the decades.......Glocks Model 19s and 26s......I find them to all look the same and are boring..... like the hammers in my tool box. They are there, they work fine, who cares!

I grew up shooting revolvers...... I got good at controlling the long double action pull and like the DA first shot on carry autos.....

I like it and the exposed hammer for safety/decision making reasons. Don't like the short trigger pulls on most of the striker fired guns.

"1st Gen Glocks are collectible"........What!! why???....they all look the same... boring!!!!!

I do own one full size S&W 9mm M&P.......I like it better than the Glocks I owned...... and for $300 for anib...... too good a deal to pass up a good tool.

 

[dben002]

There's something to be said for the polymer guns. They're lighter and not as accurate. They are in some cases not as durable. When exposed to heat and UV they will not hold up as well. Personally I like steel framed firearms. I carry both. Indoubt my scandium frame revolver will last for several generations.

"not as accurate. They are in some cases not as durable. When exposed to heat and UV they will not hold up as well."

I would truly love to know what fact based article you received that information from....

If polymer is good enough for the underlayment of the space shuttle heat shield, and other shuttle critical structural components it's good enough for my handgun.........

 

[otis24]

Absolutely. In fact, I had a hard time accepting aluminum frame revolvers as well for much the same reason. Gradually, I came around. First, I had an aluminum J frame revolver (642). Finally, I reasoned that Glocks and other polymer pistols had been around for a while and held up well. So, I bought an M&P Shield. Couldn't be happier. At least, for my use. I don't think it is something that I can hand down in thirty years as an "heirloom".

 

[gwpercle]

That Ruger 10/22 trigger guard test hasn't convinced me to give up my steel framed Colt 1911, Browing HP or Walther P38 .... Try again !

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I have yet to see a gun made anywhere that was intended to wear out or have a finite span with regular use.
Case hardening was used to harden otherwise softer metals-it was for a purpose, not for beauty. Blued steel was used not because it was pretty but as a rust preventer. Steel was used (and wood) because they were the only things available strong enough to work. The reason why everything is now stainless is because it works better than bluing to prevent rust. The painted finishes also work better. May not look as good but work better. They finally figured out how to make polymer which works just as good if not better than steel. May not look as good but it works, is cheaper and easier to make into guns. A polymer gun used normally will last as long as your LC Smith or A bolt sitting in the safe-trust me on this one. They sure as hell don't look as pretty, nor are they remenisceent of days gone by-but they serve the purpose of sending a projectile into whatever it is you want to punch a hole in. Just like the old COLT single actions, while beautiful and wonderful to behold have been passed by functionally by newer modern guns so too will the all steel guns.
I absolutely love my BSS heavy duck gun or my wonderful A5 Browning but THEY KICK LIKE SHINOLA and to tell you the truth, I enjoy shooting my Plastic, Aluminum, Steel matte black finished SBEII a lot more than either of these two guns. I love my Ruger Red label 20 ga every bit of her wood and blue steel barrels, but I SHOOT my M2 Beretta.
I LOVE my Smith revolvers, but I daily carry plastic semi autos.
It be what it be.
Throw away that old slide ruler, buy a calculator and embrace change!!!!!!!!!!! Otherwise you'll be that guy still trying to make a go of it with his Block Buster Video Franchise......