Plastic internals???

[Maximumbob54]

I have read a few posts now stating that the latest models have some plastic internal parts. I would love to see some pics posted of these parts to validate this "rumor" or put it to rest if it proves to be false. I'm not sure what internal parts would last if they were made from plastic so I'm curious to see where they would try and get away with such a thing. I had to grind some enamel off my teeth with Colt issuing plastic MSH's, but they have proven to be just fine even if they look like cheese on a fine 1911. But what internals in a revolver could withstand use and wear and be made from plastic???

 

[Cold_DeadHands]

The mainspring retainer cup in my MP340 is plastic.

 

[Alk8944]

To my knowledge the mainspring cup in the newer J-frame reviolvers is the only plastic part S&W uses in any of it's revolvers. I suspect whoever thinks anything inside a S&W is plastic because have somewhat the same appearance as an injection molded part since they are MIM, the first step of which, basically, is an injection molding process, only with a metal matrix, not plastic. The MIM parts are subsequently heat-treated to obtain their final dimensions and properties.

 

[1 old 0311]

About 10 years ago Ford started to make their lower control arms out of 'plastic.' EVERYONE said they wouldn't last. Turns out they are better than steel. Don't fear plastic.

 

[Dragon88]

Plastic is okay when used correctly. Manufacturers are doing some amazing things with polymer these days. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

I took the plastic MSH off of my Colt Delta Elite and replaced it with a flat stainless one. I felt better about it afterward, but to be honest the plastic one never caused an issue, besides the fact that it was arched.

 

[TAROMAN]

Plastic is okay when used correctly. Manufacturers are doing some amazing things with polymer these days. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Exactly.
Polymer made Gaston Glock the 2nd richest guy in Austria.

 

[photoman]

The ONLY plastic part inside the current production Model 642 is the mainspring cup. The grips may have some plastic in them but I'm not sure about that.

 

[snubbiefan]

I will confirm the mainspring retaining cup in recent j-frame models is plastic, polymer...or whatever you want to call it. I can't say what year they went to plastic, but I have a 1994 Model 38 that is metal. Both of my 317's are plastic. But...where they are and what they are doing is not likely to cause any problems. I have not found any other plastic parts in the revolvers I have opened-up.

 

[Sebago Son]

Great. Now maybe I can retire. I have about a bazillian of the metal cups and ought to be able to be about $50 apiece for them...

 

[snubbiefan]

Sebago......why do you have a bazillian....are you they guy that has been changing them all out to plastic?

 

[Sebago Son]

In a former life I used to keep all of the Service and Off Duty Revolvers running for the local PD and SO. There were more than a few 36's, 37's, and 60's in the crowd. I used to get bucket loads of parts directly from S&W and I also stripped out many guns before they were destroyed by the state.

 

[snubbiefan]

U got any stainless cylinders and yoke assemblies that will fit a Model 36, or 38? SURELY....you have something in those buckets besides steel mainspring cups!