Will we see more polymer revolver come out from S&W?

[rockquarry]

If any of the polymer guns more closely resembled handguns, I think more people would find them acceptable. I've not owned one and am not familiar with levels of quality, reliability, and accuracy. However, even if these important characteristics are top notch, would such guns ever have much in the way of resale value or collectibility? I think many that are used to traditional handguns would find polymer models an embarrassment to own.

 

[Bakebfr480]

S&W will probably drink the polymer kool-aid! Just like that silly lock!

 

[ABPOS]

I sure hope not.

My thoughts exactly. Although it is possible someone will come out with one.

 

[adwjc]

Sure hope not.

The only polymer revolver to date has not been a rousing success, I wonder if they make any money on it?

What I do know is that the alloy and steel J frames are still great sellers, and the steel K, L and Ns are very popular. X frames are too specialized to be considered (by me).

 

[Nakanokalronin]

It all depends on sales. The LCR comes in many different calibers and two sizes right now so I can see Ruger going forward with more choices down the line. If the S&W bodyguard isn't selling well, then it might just stop right there.

My LCR weighs 12.9 (correction 12.7) ounces (empty) in this configuration. Pretty hard to beat, especially when it has a better out of box trigger than any standard S&W I've owned or handled. Just being honest.

 

[steelslaver]

If you want light wish for more scandium framed guns. If you want plastic, get a Glock. No plastic revolvers for me thanks.

 

[muddocktor]

I don't even want an aluminum framed revolver. I rather steel and I will just deal with the extra weight. A bottom feeder now, I will use a plastic fantastic. But revolvers are sacrosanct to me.

 

[one eye joe]

Since the trend in pistol for past 10-20 years has been towards polymer frame pistols...and has been very successful, will we see more polymer framed revolvers come out from S&W soon? There are already the Bodyguard series revolvers with polymer frame but they don't seem to be popular in my area. Will we see K or L frame polymer revolvers?

I WILL GUARANTEE, THAT THIS OL' GEEZER WILL NEVER OWN A POLYMER FRAME REVOLVER......

THE VERY THOUGHT OF SUCH A WEAPON, NO MATTER HOW ADVANCED THE DESIGN MAY BE, JUST
DISGUSTS ME.....

 

[Kid_Pappy]

I hope so.

I hope S&W and the others continue to innovate and design/make new and different products. I do not want them replacing traditional models just adding more options. I like options. Does not mean I will buy a large frame S&W polymer revolver but I would like to have that chance.

Those on here that loathe the internal lock and feel the older guns are superior will probably not be in the market for one. I own a polymer Ruger lcr x (the double/single action version) and I promise I did not buy it for its looks. Shoots and feels great in the hand though.

 

[shocker]

My LCR weighs 12.9 ounces (empty) in this configuration. Pretty hard to beat, especially when it has a better out of box trigger than any standard S&W I've owned or handled. Just being honest.

What's the recoil like? At 13 oz it should be pretty snappy even in 38 SPC.
Do you think the polymer part of the frame flexes a bit to spread the recoil impulse?

 

[Muss Muggins]

I've got a Ruger LCR in .22 WMR, and I really like it. Waiting on one in .38 SPL at the right price, but I'm not in a hurry. Had one and sold it, and really wish I'd kept it . . .

 

[dogzebra]

I'm holding out for a belt fed polymer in .44 Special. Till then I'll try and wear these out.

 

[nipperdog]

The last Plastic Pistol that I owned was when I was 10yrs old. It shot Water.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

What's the recoil like? At 13 oz it should be pretty snappy even in 38 SPC.
Do you think the polymer part of the frame flexes a bit to spread the recoil impulse?

The recoil isn't bad at all. Both Hogue LCR grips have the recoil absorbing pad integrated in the back strap of the grip which helps quite a bit with recoil. The Hogue boot grips I have on mine have plastic on the sides so your pocket and clothing don't get caught up during the draw. I'm sure the polymer helps a tad with recoil, but it's more about weight savings. I've owned a 638 and 642 airweight and the LCR has less perceived recoil than either of them.

Polymer revolvers are fairly new and haven't been out nearly as long as polymer semi-autos. I'm not surprised to see comments about them that were probably also said when polymer semi-autos first came out.

ETA: I put the LCR on the scale again since I felt like I remembered a different weight. It actually only weighs 12.7 ounces. That's only .8 ounces more than a scandium framed snub with a titanium cylinder and at less than half the cost. I found my LCR and many others on sale for around $350 - $400 brand new.

The DLC coating on the cylinder is nice as well. There's not even a hint of a turn line, yet my LCR has had at least 1,000 rounds through it. I don't know if the DLC coating is the same now since current models come with a coating that seems black and shiny where mine is a dark gunmetal grey with a slight sheen.

For those that don't know, the first polymer revolver called the IzMech MP-412 Rex revolver was made years ago in Russia: IzMech MP-412 - Modern Firearms

 

[HamHands]

I tried several different ways to reply that weren't snarky or rude, the best of the attempts is below.......


I'l take polished blued steel and walnut over plastic any day.

I would imagine that slow sales won't drive S&W to make too many more.

FPNI, OP... Polymer in a semi-auto is one thing and acceptable. I've sold all of my Glocks and M&P's in favor of CZ's and an aluminum alloy framed 4" 1911; except for an M&P40c that I carried daily for 5 years. I just can't sell it because it's so soft shooting and accurate and reliable.

But back to your question; I hope not! I just can't bring myself to trust a polymer frame in any caliber over a .22lr when there is zero supply of chromoly and stainless steel here in America. YMMV...

That said, I pretty much love all firearms and am for the advancement of them in use, carry, design, and 2A rights.

 

[HamHands]

The last Plastic Pistol that I owned was when I was 10yrs old. It shot Water.

I'm home sick the last 2 days with a nasty stomach bug our baby girl brought home to me an Mommy from elementary school/2nd grade.

Thanks for your post! I needed that laugh brother!

 

[HamHands]

I WILL GUARANTEE, THAT THIS OL' GEEZER WILL NEVER OWN A POLYMER FRAME REVOLVER......

THE VERY THOUGHT OF SUCH A WEAPON, NO MATTER HOW ADVANCED THE DESIGN MAY BE, JUST
DISGUSTS ME.....

I feel the same way OneEyeJoe! I guess that makes me a 40 year old Geezer!

 

[5 iron]

If S&W thinks they can make a polymer revolver at less cost and sell for the same price as the existing metal ones, then they will start making more polymer ones.

 

[BigBill]

Plastic guns is it cost cutting that’s driving it or a lighter weight carry?

Back in the day I think NASA developed the space age plastic we’re seeing today.

 

[ridgewalker]

One of the local gun shops is pretty informal where the regulars meet and talk. A while ago one of the fellow customers proudly showed me his plastic bodyguard. I am not sure if he was testing me to see if I would buy that piece of junk but I bit my tongue and agreed with him what a nice revolver it was. I was rather proud of myself for being so diplomatic.

Also I am still upset with S&W for recycling the Bodyguard name from their fine hump backed J frames to the plastic junk.