Polymer: my gradual acceptance

[American1776]

I'm not an old timer yet, but I've never been a fan of the use of polymer for firearms. All of the guns I've owned are constructed of steel or alloy and wood.

I think the main reason for my avoidance of polymer is the sentiment that polymer is a 'temporary' material when compared to steel and even aluminum. Some of my 'tools' are purchased with the assumption that they will be used for a finite period, and then discarded before the materials themselves degrade. My computer, my cell phone, my shoes, even my car. However, I do not view firearms like this.

My dad purchased a Browning A-5 back in the 70's. Almost 50 years later, it sits inside my own safe and it is in sound condition and will be the same way in another 50 years. My great-grandfather's LC smith was purchased sometime around 1930. Almost 100 years later, it sits in my safe, and it is in sound condition (although I would not fire modern full power loads through that gun). This is how I view firearms.

Today's polymer formulas are indeed very good. But I suspect that even a polymer frame purchased today (2020) may not be in sound condition for my daughter's use, or her kids' use, or her kids' kids' use, in the same way that my father's and great grandfather's firearms are still here.

Recently, I relented and purchased a Beretta PX4 storm Subcompact. I do see the practical benefits of a polymer frame; lightweight, durable to impacts, inexpensive. Still, whenever I carry the little Storm, it just 'feels' disposable compared to my Colt 1911 or Beretta 92.

I think this will not be the last polymer frame I will purchase. But I do think of my polymer gun in a different way than I think about the others.

Anybody share the same sentiments?

 

[snubbyfan]

You just made me think of this.
I have 3 pairs of RollerBlades that have been sitting in our attic for nearly 20 years.
The other day, the wife and I got it into our heads to go skating.
The polymer boots on all of my RollerBlades crumbled and cracked while the leather boots on my wife's skates were still supple.
I have yet to own a polymer pistol but I'm considering it.

 

[dben002]

I think your's and other's opinion of polymer is a throwback to a time before polymer resigns were formulated to be as strong as they are...

You may be interested in this polymer strength test.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XacmPBlm8DM[/ame]

 

[JayFramer]

I know what you mean. I am a dyed-in-the-wool M1911A1 and Beretta 92 fan. All-metal guns. But recently a Walther P99 is changing my mind:

It weighs but 24 oz, compact and carries so nicely on the belt. Superior German engineering throughout, a 20 year old proven design in police and military service around the world. I'd be lying if I said the M1911 or Beretta made better belt guns, I really would. I think the poly guns have come of age. The Glock has been around since the early 1980s and there are no complaints on even the earliest ones made.

 

[American1776]

That Walther P99 (in .40) is the only other polymer gun I've been considering seriously

 

[NYlakesider]

I'm not an old timer yet, but I've never been a fan of the use of polymer for firearms. All of the guns I've owned are constructed of steel or alloy and wood.

I think the main reason for my avoidance of polymer is the sentiment that polymer is a 'temporary' material when compared to steel and even aluminum. Some of my 'tools' are purchased with the assumption that they will be used for a finite period, and then discarded before the materials themselves degrade. My computer, my cell phone, my shoes, even my car. However, I do not view firearms like this.

My dad purchased a Browning A-5 back in the 70's. Almost 50 years later, it sits inside my own safe and it is in sound condition and will be the same way in another 50 years. My great-grandfather's LC smith was purchased sometime around 1930. Almost 100 years later, it sits in my safe, and it is in sound condition (although I would not fire modern full power loads through that gun). This is how I view firearms.

Today's polymer formulas are indeed very good. But I suspect that even a polymer frame purchased today (2020) may not be in sound condition for my daughter's use, or her kids' use, or her kids' kids' use, in the same way that my father's and great grandfather's firearms are still here.

Recently, I relented and purchased a Beretta PX4 storm Subcompact. I do see the practical benefits of a polymer frame; lightweight, durable to impacts, inexpensive. Still, whenever I carry the little Storm, it just 'feels' disposable compared to my Colt 1911 or Beretta 92.

I think this will not be the last polymer frame I will purchase. But I do think of my polymer gun in a different way than I think about the others.

Anybody share the same sentiments?

I'm more of a traditionalist, prefer, wood, steel and leather in my guns and gun accessories..

With that said I worked many years in a chemical plant owned by a biggie in the field. By changing the formulation they can makes those polymers do some very interesting things.

They can dial in strength, longevity and a bunch of other factors. This plant had a big tie in with the auto industry and had all sorts of machines so they could prefect the product their customers wanted. I worked quite a bit in their testing area and saw a lot, and the last time I was in the plant was 20 years ago. Got to figure by now they really got some interesting concepts going on!

 

[Mr.Harry]

I don't care about the merits of polymer. It's all loss to me.
On the expense - i'd Prefer fewer firearms of more expensive material. Quality steel.
On the inconvenience of weight - i'll Sacrifice caliber, barrel length, and frame size, in that order, before I succumb to polymer.
On the function - as of yet, I see no conclusive evidence that polymer outperforms or outlasts steel. In stress.
On Aesthetics - form may follow function, but if form and function are equal, i'm going to take the form every time. Steel. Because it pleases all of my senses.

Just me

 

[Mr.Harry]

As I say that, it occurs to me that my favorite shotgun is a Benelli super Black Eagle with polymer stock. . It's the exception not the rule. And in that case, function way out-values the forms perhaps I could convert it to wood? I will seriously consider this as i've Been sitting on a big hewn trunk of old American chestnut.

 

[chief38]

I do not despise Polymer guns and if I was a LEO I could absolutely see owning one. Since I am just a businessman and don't routinely face bad guys for a living, Steel and Wood is what I choose to own. That is my preference, my choice and my opinion. I can not dispute that Glock, Sig, etc. make quality reliable hand guns and serve the LEO very well, however for me....... it's a Colt, S&W, Browning, Marlin, Winchester Remington OLD FASHION steel and wood gun.

 

[Farmer17]

I've had several polymer guns and they all worked out quite well but with that being said, I have gotten rid of all of them except for a Ruger LCPII .380. If they made a steel .380 that was that small and light I would buy it and get rid of the Ruger. My main reason for disliking polymer guns is that there is just no "pride of ownership" to me.

 

[JayFramer]

That Walther P99 (in .40) is the only other polymer gun I've been considering seriously

I have to say, it is one of the most comfortable and intuitive pistols I have ever fired. Fits my hand far better than any Glock I've tried and has the option of a first double-action pull if you prefer that (I do, I'm used to the M9 Beretta) and the single-action pull puts a Glock to shame yet is not too light. I think if you dig you'll find they're about as trouble free and reliable a service pistol as you can find. Do it.

 

[American1776]

I'm more of a traditionalist, prefer, wood, steel and leather in my guns and gun accessories..

With that said I worked many years in a chemical plant owned by a biggie in the field. By changing the formulation they can makes those polymers do some very interesting things.

They can dial in strength, longevity and a bunch of other factors. This plant had a big tie in with the auto industry and had all sorts of machines so they could prefect the product their customers wanted. I worked quite a bit in their testing area and saw a lot, and the last time I was in the plant was 20 years ago. Got to figure by now they really got some interesting concepts going on!

Thanks for the input. My father is an engineer and machinist (old school), and although he mostly works with metals, he tells me all the time that the polymers of today will last a very long time indeed.

 

[stansdds]

I consider myself a traditionalist. I've considered buying a polymer pistol, but so far, all of mine are made of steel and aluminum.

Polymer is much less expensive to produce and modern polymers are far more durable than those of yesteryear, but I still like the heft and feel of metal. I do wonder how those polymer weapons will fare if stored in a footlocker in the attic for 70 years before being discovered by the grandkids. I know the old 1911 could be stashed away, even with a fully loaded magazine, for decades on end and was fully functional when withdrawn from such storage, but how will polymer magazines and receivers hold up to such a thing?

Then there is appearance. Sorry, but to me, polymer is cold, lifeless, and soulless. Firearms forged and crafted from metal have style and some are just downright sexy.

Just my two cents.

 

[Marshwheeling]

Polymer guns just don't interest me.

 

[Walkingwolf]

I have a few, but I carry steel. The weight does not mean that much to me, heck I can always lose weight if a half a pound difference is going to make me pass out.

I have always been a revolver(full sized), and a 1911 guy. The poly guns sit in the safe. My wife's carry is a poly gun though.

If I was a soldier, and packing close to a 100# of gear then every ounce would make a difference. Then the preference would be for a tupperware gun.

 

[washerman]

I've had several polymer guns and they all worked out quite well but with that being said, I have gotten rid of all of them except for a Ruger LCPII .380. If they made a steel .380 that was that small and light I would buy it and get rid of the Ruger. My main reason for disliking polymer guns is that there is just no "pride of ownership" to me.

not totally sure but i think the remington 380 is metal and has good reviews

 

[Vbk76]

I just view them differently. It's apples and oranges to me. A beautiful m1911a1 or smith is a piece of mechanical art. A shield? It's a tool. Look at a drill press or some other tool from the 30's. The belts, painted on logo. Mechanical art. A new one? Just a tool that's half plastic with minimal character . I love my shield. But it's just a tool to me

 

[TripLeader]

I'm asking this out of ignorance (and I am a Glock fan):

I've seen the Glock mud, water, and ice abuse tests. How do the metal and wood handguns compare after those same conditions?

 

[jsfricks]

One thing to think about, Glock has been making Polymer guns for nearly 40 years and many of the original 1st generations are still out there, though probably not used as much since they have become collectible. But I've never heard of any breakdown of the polymer.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Couple of years back I bought an HK 45 USP $600.. second day I owned it I traded for a Springfield Champion Operator LNIB and had him throw in 3000 22LR.. (2013 during the shortage)

Sold the 22 and the Champion for a fine profit.

Then bought the HK back 2 weeks later for less than the original sale price(he got in a financial bind)

Traded the HK for a Ruger CMD.. LNIB..

I like poly guns..