I'm noticing a few more metal-frame auto's showing up in the new counter at the gunshops. These tend to be not only the ubiquitous 1911 and SIGs, but other manufacturers. I know metal will never be the dominant frame material as it was pre 1990s, but is anyone else seeing more all-metal guns as new products? I favor metal over polymer so this is a positive trend if so.
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Metal Frame Coming Back Into Vogue?
- Thread starter S&W59
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barbara_em
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Let's not forget CZ. Although they're offering polymer striker fired guns
, metal cocked and locked or TDA is still their bread and butter. I dearly wish they made a single stack 9mm. Then I might think about replacing my Smiths.
, metal cocked and locked or TDA is still their bread and butter. I dearly wish they made a single stack 9mm. Then I might think about replacing my Smiths.DMcBB
Member
Great point S&W59! Have you see the new Walther PPQ SF? It’s a PPQ Q5 with a STEEL FRAME and a slight redesign. It’s expensive but it honestly looks awesome. I already have a 5” polymer PPQ, but I’m tempted...
Its about time as I have witnessed a Glock with only 17 rounds thru it explode at my club last year. I helped pick pieces out of the shooters R/Hand shortly after. I do believe there's much more textile strength with a all metal Handgun. Less side Flap and vibration as well. I will pay extra for a good safe to shoot handgun
I wouldn't expect S&W to bring back the all metal 3rd Gens unless they decide to resurrect them as "Classic Line" guns.
S&W's main customer base for semi autos isn't the civilian market, it's the LE market. In that market, the lowest bid that meets the spec is going to get the contract. That's not all metal firearms with lots of machining required.
Could they do it? Yes, I think so. As long as they still have the dies for the forge and the programming for the CNC milling machines, they can do it.
They won't though, because those machines are tied up making the slides for the polymer framed guns, machining the slides for 1911 pattern guns, and of course machining the frame for revolvers.
Oh, I almost forgot AR pattern rifles. For both civilian and LE markets. They sell lots of those, I'm sure.
Revolvers aren't used by LE agencies any longer, but there is a big civilian market for them and the market is bigger than for the 3rd Gen guns.
That doesn't even count non firearms parts they make for other companies. Last time I was there in 2012 they were making engine parts for Harley and plumbing fittings for some other company.
Anything to keep that equipment running.
Well, apparently except 3rd Gen guns.
S&W's main customer base for semi autos isn't the civilian market, it's the LE market. In that market, the lowest bid that meets the spec is going to get the contract. That's not all metal firearms with lots of machining required.
Could they do it? Yes, I think so. As long as they still have the dies for the forge and the programming for the CNC milling machines, they can do it.
They won't though, because those machines are tied up making the slides for the polymer framed guns, machining the slides for 1911 pattern guns, and of course machining the frame for revolvers.
Oh, I almost forgot AR pattern rifles. For both civilian and LE markets. They sell lots of those, I'm sure.
Revolvers aren't used by LE agencies any longer, but there is a big civilian market for them and the market is bigger than for the 3rd Gen guns.
That doesn't even count non firearms parts they make for other companies. Last time I was there in 2012 they were making engine parts for Harley and plumbing fittings for some other company.
Anything to keep that equipment running.
Well, apparently except 3rd Gen guns.
I'm not seeing any trend away from plastic and back to metal frame pistols. Yes, there are shops with very impressive line-ups of 1911's in every make and model... but aside from that, you typically have to look into the used case to find your desired metal. 
Yes, there are still brand new Sigs, Berettas, CZs still available... but all three are going for the plastics market as well.
A reverse trend (in new pistols) back to metal frames ain't gonna happen.
No way José!
Yes, there are still brand new Sigs, Berettas, CZs still available... but all three are going for the plastics market as well.
A reverse trend (in new pistols) back to metal frames ain't gonna happen.
No way José!
I tried a Glock 21 "plastic" and after my first trip to the range, the Glock was a down payment on a S&W 645. Never looked back. Don't have a plastic handgun in the house and have never considered the 3rd Gen S&W as a handgun for me. To me, you just can't beat a full size steel gun with an exposed hammer and wooden grips.
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Been soo long since I've carried my Glock, I dedicated this week for it to leave the safe. All metal guns are super expensive scandium. Even revolvers are becoming more polymer now. My Taurus 605 with wood grips already stings when you shoot LEVERolution and Barnes hunting rounds, I can't picture a lighter gun.
This is going to be an interesting thread. You know, there was one handgun that I was really attracted to, and that was the P95 Ruger semi-auto. It's frame was a fiberglass based frame that had a solid structure feel of metal that I really liked, while at the same time it had many of the advantages of today's "plastic" handguns. Now, having said that, Ruger has since discontinued them and as much as I liked them, and I had several, I no longer own one. Strangely, I do not ever seem to see used ones for sale at gunshows, so the current owners must be keeping them.
MidWesternBoy
Member
Let's not forget CZ. Although they're offering polymer striker fired guns
A single stack PCR?
That would peak my interest!
Then again, I have some pretty darn slim 39xx series guns.
The frame mounted de-cock would be welcome though.
mrmike7189
Member
Although they are tough ,dependable, accurate,and fairly light, they have awful resale value, so people are hanging on to them as range plinkers, truck guns etc. Why not just shoot the heck out of it, when you could only get a couple hundred bucks for it!
The "Q5 Match" is a competition gun. It's built around the PPQ guts, but with a metal frame.
I expect it's going to be limited production, so it won't impact the hot self defense market.
I expect it's going to be limited production, so it won't impact the hot self defense market.
I’m going back to a metal gun. Just bought a Beretta 92A1 to switch to for work at our next qualification. It’s 17+1 so not really losing any capacity to the polymer guns, just a little heavier that the G22 I’m currently carrying at work.
I’ll be switching to a DA/SA gun for off duty too, so I’ll be consistent that way.
I’ll be switching to a DA/SA gun for off duty too, so I’ll be consistent that way.
