No love out there for certain polymer pistols

[LVSteve]

Been watching a bunch of estate and clearance actions this weekend. My hands are numb from me sitting on them.

One thing I have noted is that Joe Public has decided that Glock prices for polymer guns are nonsense. Yes, I know that Glocks work and have a huge support and lots of accessories. But for many who just want to buy a gun, it looks like many buyers are not convinced that a polymer gun by a "Top Tier" manufacturer (for want of a better term) is worth the premium.

Once again, the Internet is the most likely reason. With minimal research you can find die-hard Glock or S&W fans testing more budget friendly guns and coming away impressed. Some that spring to mind are Caniks, Stoegers, the Ruger Security 9 series, and even some of the latest Taurus semi-autos.

So, which brands/models are suffering depressed values in this customer revolt. My observations suggest:-

CZ P-10, the F model especially
Beretta APX, especially the fullsize
Walther PPQ in longslide form
Glock 34/35
Sig P320 fullsize
S&W M&P with the 5" barrel
Springfield XD Tacticals

A common theme seems to be that anything with a barrel over 4" sells more slowly. Even new 5" Caniks often sell at VERY reasonable prices at auction. Even 4.5" barrels are seen as "too big" judging by the prices I paid for the last two, under $350 each even after shipping and fees.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

I admit to owning several Tupperware guns...but I normally don't seek them out.

Glock 29
Glock 30
Colt 2000 (go ahead and laugh at me)

I really don't follow the values of such guns as they really don't interest me. I know they make good tools for the purpose but I come from the blued steel and walnut generation and still appreciate that.

 

[ladder13]

My carry guns are polymer and I like them just fine.

 

[LVSteve]

Colt 2000 (go ahead and laugh at me)

Nope, I'm not laughing. Even engineering disasters are worth collecting as reminders of how not to do things.

I own a 9mm Remington R51, one of the later re-engineered examples. It seems to work just fine, but the gun will always be a little suspect. Why do I have it? It came at the right price and I have a soft spot for guns that use unusual operating principles.

 

[Nick B]

HK polymer for me .

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Nope, I'm not laughing. Even engineering disasters are worth collecting as reminders of how not to do things.

I own a 9mm Remington R51, one of the later re-engineered examples. It seems to work just fine, but the gun will always be a little suspect. Why do I have it? It came at the right price and I have a soft spot for guns that use unusual operating principles.

Actually...the Colt 2000 was a product of liability concerns (lawyers). It was originally designed by Reed Knight and Eugene Stoner and Colt purchased the design. Then the engineers had to make it "safer" by changing the trigger design to something more heavy.

The 2000 is one of those comfortable pistols to hold in your hand. Colt made several unforced errors other than the trigger change...an early batch of pistols was sent out with out of spec barrels and the gun was unbalanced when empty. In gun stores people didn't like them but if Colt had supplied weighted dummy magazines for retailers it would feel just fine.

My 2000 has been very reliable and service accurate if not a match grade gun. It just shows that if engineers are left to do their jobs rather than listen to lawyers and accountants so much the products could be even better oftentimes.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I don't tell people what to like or not like with respect to anything. I'll happily tell you what I like and add YMMV every time.

I own two polymer framed pistols, a Walter P-22 and a Walther CCP.

CCP:

P-22:

I had another P-22 but my girlfriend needed it more than I did.

That's it. I don't like polymer framed pistols, I dislike "safety triggers", too. That's me, call me old fashioned, whatever. I wouldn't own a Glock if it was free. YMMV

Plus, the OP is correct, especially when it comes to handguns with barrels over 4 inches. Today's biggest market is concealed carry and most folks do not want to carry a "service sized" handgun of any kind.

I bought this SAR K2 C because it was all metal, had a standard trigger, and was a TDA pistol in .45 ACP, and was inexpensive. It is not small enough for concealed carry (another YMMV) but it was larger than my CS-45 and I wanted what amounted to a full sized .45 (it's 4.2", so in the old days it was "compact" or "Commander-sized" but, today, it's larger than many of the pistols designed for concealed carry, the 7, 8, and 9 rounders versus the 11 or more rounds). But it looked like it was my taste, it turned out that it is, and I'm happy with it. Basically, it's fun to play with. YMMV every time.

 

[bmcgilvray]

A Glock 17, Smith & Wesson .40 Smith & Wesson Shield, and Kel Tec P3AT live here as studies on plastic fantastic pistolas. I loathe them all for their plastic, their ugly looks, and their sorry triggers.

No more plastic pistols need apply for a roost in the safe here.

 

[alwslate]

Glock prices are pretty reasonable considering the quality and factory support of them.

 

[Muley Gil]

My EDC is a Ruger EC9s 9mm, 7 plus 1 capacity. I took it out Saturday & shot it. Doing a speed rock-drawing from a pocket holster & shooting with my hand by my hip-at 3 yards, 2 shots made a 1" group in the X ring of a silhouette target. I did this twice. Backing up to 7 yards, 2 handed double taps could be covered by my hand.

Not too shabby for an old man pushing 70.

I think I'll keep this little plastic pistol.

 

[Gene L]

I'm a polymer liker. Can't say "love" because polymer guns are tools. Can't love a lug wrench, either but if you need one, you can learn to love it. Or at least "like" it. No substitute for practicality.

 

[Rustyt1953]

While I own several comely steel guns my SD and CC pistols are polymer. No need to bow to the fashionistas.

 

[Rlg#17]

Maybe where you are they are, not seeing that this aways. GLOCKS are probably the best fighting pistol out there price wise, warranty’s, durability etc. if you don’t like them good for you.

Ain’t America great where we can all choose what we want?

Started way back when with a 4” 38 special, was tickled pink with that when I first strapped it on. The department changed policies and let us buy our own. An all stainless 66 was what I bought. Still have it, never felt outgunned with carrying that.

Second gen and third gen smiths were after that, finishing with a 4506-2, and a 4516-1 that went everywhere in and off duty.

Then GLOCK hit the shores and the Chief sent me to the instructor and armorer classes. I was sold. 34 parts to merely replace Vs over 115 to carefully fit in a S&W semi. Been carrying something polymer since. Ended the career with a 21-C in 45 acp. Much more better off with that one then the 4506.

I’m glad that some people don’t care for GLOCK, especially in the internet auctions and such. An easier time for me to score a deal. I realize people are stuck in there ways, refusing to consider a change, and you know what? You do you Boo!

I can tell you for certain that GLOCK IS the company that S&W once was service and quality wise. Smith is just a shell of what it used to be.

I can further tell you that GLOCK has never had to offer rebates or specials to clear out old/new stock. Never in all the time they have been in this country. And when I sell some, which we rarely ever do, we get pretty close to full retail, maybe a little more if they are something special.

So keep sitting on those hands, give me another chance at what I might like!

Regards, Rick Gibbs

 

[jeffrefrig]

That EC9s is my EDC also. Back pocket in a Stoner holster, looks like a wallet; no gun printing. Very reliable, every trip to the shooting range I'll run the 3 magazines. Never a hiccup in 3 or 4 years so far. Far from the more expensive guns, but it works just fine. It replaced a G42 that I could just not warm up to. I tried limp-wristing it, and also shooting the thing as fast as I could. Works great. I can't stand stuff in my pockets, even my wallet, so plastic is my friend. Now recently I found a Model 36 snubnose .38 spl. that fits comfortably in my front pocket as long as my shirt or jacket covers the handle.

 

[Duckford]

Glad to not own a Glock. Glad to not have to shoot one.

If you like them, have all of em.

 

[kbm6893]

Maybe where you are they are, not seeing that this aways. GLOCKS are probably the best fighting pistol out there price wise, warranty’s, durability etc. if you don’t like them good for you.

Ain’t America great where we can all choose what we want?

Started way back when with a 4” 38 special, was tickled pink with that when I first strapped it on. The department changed policies and let us buy our own. An all stainless 66 was what I bought. Still have it, never felt outgunned with carrying that.

Second gen and third gen smiths were after that, finishing with a 4506-2, and a 4516-1 that went everywhere in and off duty.

Then GLOCK hit the shores and the Chief sent me to the instructor and armorer classes. I was sold. 34 parts to merely replace Vs over 115 to carefully fit in a S&W semi. Been carrying something polymer since. Ended the career with a 21-C in 45 acp. Much more better off with that one then the 4506.

I’m glad that some people don’t care for GLOCK, especially in the internet auctions and such. An easier time for me to score a deal. I realize people are stuck in there ways, refusing to consider a change, and you know what? You do you Boo!

I can tell you for certain that GLOCK IS the company that S&W once was service and quality wise. Smith is just a shell of what it used to be.

I can further tell you that GLOCK has never had to offer rebates or specials to clear out old/new stock. Never in all the time they have been in this country. And when I sell some, which we rarely ever do, we get pretty close to full retail, maybe a little more if they are something special.

So keep sitting on those hands, give me another chance at what I might like!

Regards, Rick Gibbs

I gotta second the Glock customer service praise. I sent in my 29 year old Gen 2 Glock 19 for an overhaul. Had a lifetime of +P Gold Dots through it. I sent it in on 12/22. They called me on 12/23. I had it back in my hands on 12/24. Replaced virtually every component and replaced the night sights. Sent it back in a factory hard case. Only charged me for the night sights. And I wasn’t t even the original owner.

I prefer metal guns, but I carry plastic. A S&W Shield Plus or Ruger LC9S. For me carry is all about size and weight and plastic guns are smaller and lighter. And while I haven’t shot my LC9S in a while, when I do the groups at 15 yards or less are excellent.

 

[gdogs]

I've got a good mix of polymer guns, including a couple of Glocks. From the OP's list, I've got an APX compact, the smallest version of the full size (not the mini Carry model). It is actually a very nice pistol, and one of my favorites. For what they can be purchased for, I can't recommend them enough. I also think the Steyr pistols are incredibly undervalued, especially the first Gen models (I like safeties). And when it comes to super slim carry options, the Walther PPS series are great guns that can be found at extremely reasonable prices.

 

[Muddyboot]

My Glock 21 is a big ugly looking brick S*B, but 13+1 of 45 ACP makes up for all of that.

 

[31FordA]

My polymer guns consist of several KelTec P-32’s and a Glock 32. In the past I’ve had a Glock 19, Glock 43, Glock 43X and a XDS .45 at various times. I have nothing against polymer guns, they seem to do what they were designed to do just fine. My preference, when spending my money, is for more traditional guns. However if someone wants to give me a free polymer gun I’ll gladly take it. One of these days I may get a Glock 24 and convert it to .357 Sig, just for fun.

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

No experience with any Glock until recently. Traded a reproduction BP Walker revolver for a Glock 19. The only other semi auto pistol I've owned previously was a 39-2 and i was not impressed.
After a trip to the range with this Glock and running 150 rouds of various ammo thru it I can state that I was very impressed with its reliability and accuracy. I'm a die hard revolver guy but say what you will about the Glocks. They deliver.

John