Polymer wars: Choose your weapon!

Mr. PPGMD,

I believe the Broomhandle Mauser was the first successful semi-automatic handgun (1896).

Most companies, with the exception of HK, did not think a polymer frame handgun was feasible until the Glock made inroads in the handgun market.

If other polymer framed handguns aren't copies of, or influenced by, the Glock, name another polymer framed handgun produced between 1968 (VP70) and 1986 (Glock).

Just my assinine and flame baiting .02,
LeonCarr

Ok so we can take this further out, to the development of the modern guns using cased amo.

Anyways the Glock was a copy itself, in the end Glock is nothing more then another step in handgun development.

If other polymer framed handguns aren't copies of, or influenced by, the Glock,

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I'll give you the influenced bit. Certainly Glocks SKP (some kinda plastic ) framed pistol succes influenced others to make SKP framed handguns.

However, the Glocks themselves - and the overwhelming majority of handguns designed after the 1911 was introduced - are clearly influenced by the Browning designed tilt breech locking operation. Further John Browning's final handgun design - the GP35 (completed by some Belgian guy at FN who's name I can neither spell nor pronounce) - was the first pistol to employ the linkless tilt breech lock mechanism and staggered twin column magazine for increased capacity. It is quite clear to me that Glocks are just plastic framed copies, or influenced by, the GP35. One could in fact argue, outside the rotating breech lock Beretta PX4 and a handful of others, that all modern handguns are nothing more than copies of the GP35. If not copies, all were heavily influenced by it, which was itself an evolution of the M1911.

Some gratuitous gun porn of my fav poly wonder-pistol.

Glocks for me. I shoot them better than HKs and I don't like the placement of the slide release and decocking lever on SIGs.

Hi-Point all the way.

from the options above i would say glock, but the xd takes the cake for me.

Glock 32, The rest don't feel right.

Just restating, but...

...you really do need a "None of the Above" answer.

Like my sigline says:

Beretta Px4 Storm F

Umm, Kel-Tec.

I think it's about time Kel-Tec made a service pistol. I'd sooner buy one of them than any listed. Glocks point at the sky for me, HK's version of cocked and locked runs straight past the "fire" stage, directly into the decocking feature, when I use it, and I'm not sure I've ever seen a polysig. I really like my little p-32, though. Scale that up to a 4", full gripped .45 ACP, and they'd really have something.

~~~Mat

still waiting for a polymer Lorcin. my M&P 40 will have to do for now

Among those choices....

Without a doubt... Heckler & Koch

As far as polymer pistols go, H&K is head and shoulders above the rest. In fact, I believe they made the first polymer pistol ever. Their technology is cutting edge, and they're always evolving. After they offered adjustable back straps with the P2000, for example, everyone followed suit and now offers the same.

Glocks have their advantages (mag compatibility between subcompact, compact, and full sized versions; wide range of calibers), but they have disadvantages H&Ks don't have (e.g. terrible grip angle, questionable reliability depending on who you ask and your own experience [mine has been so-so], some would say "kabooms").

Sig makes a great alloy gun, but they're relatively new to the polymer world with their SigPro line, and they can't touch H&K in that respect, IMO.

While my Walther P99 AS .40 S&W would be close, I'd have to go with my HK USP Full in .40 S&W (or my Compact). But then again, my Steyrs would be in the running.

Never mind.

After they offered adjustable back straps with the P2000, for example, everyone followed suit and now offers the same.

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I'm quite sure the Walther P99 / SW99 collabrative pistols released in 1996 were the first poly frame pistols to offer this feature.

I am surprised by the results of this poll! I have fired a number of HKs, and prefer them to Glocks by a wide margin. Live and learn!

Of the ones listed, definitely Glock. H&K is overpriced but solid, haven't tried the new Sig yet and the Glock has been totally reliable and combat accurate. I don't know where the reliability questions come on a Glock. It just hasn't surfaced on any of mine.

The USP uses the 1911 grip angle, it's a bit wider since it's a double stack obviously. The wideness of the trigger guard comes from the fact it's also directing you to the magazine release.

I bought a 24/7 pro a while back to use as a beater. My 228 has not seen the light of day since. I think it is the best bargain in all of Polymer Land.

PPGMD-just wondering, can you "stipple" the Hk USP grip like how they do it with Glocks? I think if I was able to customize the grip on the USP, I would consider purchasing one. Thanks.

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No reason you can't since many of the stipplers are just using a sodering iron. But there isn't much room for taking off plastic though, there isn't much extra on my USP. I also found that the checkering already applied along with the sand type sides hold onto my hand pretty well.

If you want a small grip take a look at the P2000, P30, or for those of the 45 persuasion the new Hk45.

Originally posted by Juna: As far as polymer pistols go, H&K is head and shoulders above the rest. In fact, I believe they made the first polymer pistol ever. Their technology is cutting edge, and they're always evolving. After they offered adjustable back straps with the P2000, for example, everyone followed suit and now offers the same.

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HK did make the first polymer gun but the first gun with adjustable backstraps was Walther with their P99 series.

I voted for HK simply because they are the most innovative manufacturer. For the person who complained about the HK's decocker preventing cocked and locked carry, get the SAO variant.

Incidentally, I know a couple of Air Marshals, and they carry H&K's. Overpriced? Check the Euro vs. Dollar exchange rate.

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Uhh...that conversion might also apply to Austrian Glocks, huh? And last time I checked, Glocks were still significantly cheaper than H&K's, while also tending to fare better in "torture tests."

My polymer preference is Glock, but the "best answer" in my hands is a steel Sig. In terms of trigger reset length, you don't get any better than Glocks and 1911s.

Rich