All steel vs Polymer

[Killer Angel]

What are the advantages of an all steel pistol as compared to a pistol with a polymer frame?Also,what are the advantages of a pistol with a polymer frame to an all steel pistol?Lastly,how about pistols with an alloy steel frames,how do they compare to all steel and pistols with polymer frames?
THANKS.

Killer Angel

 

[Delmar]

First of all, steel is an alloy-see your periodic table of the elements.

Steel Advantage-durable, and especially for larger calibers, some heft is not
a bad thing to have as it helps with the recoil.

Polymer Advantage-rust and pretty much corrosion resistant. Light weight makes it easier for some to carry.

 

[c_yeager]

I have a theory that steel guns will last longer. By that i mean in a grandchildren sense of the word since a polymer gun will likely outlive the original owner anyways. This of course assumes that the item is properly cared for.

 

[KarlG]

As noted, heft is not a bad thing. I own a Kahr MK9. The gun is quite controlable because the steel frame gives it a little weight. If this gun were too much lighter it would be no fun to shoot.

 

[longtom4570]

Steel all the way, you can't pistol whip someone with a polymer gun (betcha you thought i was goin to say a plastic gun didn't ya )

 

[rbernie]

What are the advantages of an all steel pistol as compared to a pistol with a polymer frame?

To me - balance. I just can't get comfortable with the handling characteristics of the polymer-framed pistols. They seem too top-heavy and don't seem to 'settle' in my hand the way that a good ol' fashioned metal frame does.

 

[artherd]

Polymer weighs less at the equivlent stregenth level of steel. Sometime signifigantly. My Glock's frame is nearly weightless. Helps to carry more ammo.

Polymer may or may not 'last longer' than steel. Both should out-last the life of the shooter and his kids.

 

[Captain Bligh]

There are those that say that polymer has somewhat softer recoil. This is reportedly because the frame flexes and absorbs some energy.

I have a Glock and I enjoy shooting it. But, all of my other hand guns are steel, and I prefer them that way.

The steel-framed guns I expect could be in the family for generations. I doubt the Glock will last that long, but who knows?

RJ

 

[Whitey]

I just retired my two 1911's to the safe. I enjoy my XD-9 a lot better.

Lighter, just as durable, easier to carry, easier to field strip, etc.

 

[Sean Smith]

Polymer framed guns are also more prone to limp-wrist jams if you don't have a perfect grip on them.

 

[wally]

Steel to shoot at the range. Polymer or alloy to carry. That's what works for me. After a few initial range sessions to break in and verify reliablity with my carry ammo the carry guns only get shot enough to make sure the ammo is reasonabley fresh, and carry guns are cleaned immediately afterwards.

My steel guns I shoot for the fun of it and other than wiping them down afterwards I generally only clean them when they start having problems or the crud build up becomes hard to ignore.

--wally.

 

[bad_dad_brad]

Time will tell, but if the pistol outlives the owner - who cares.

I prefer polymer frames. Especially the Glock generation 3 frame.

Polymer frames are warm to the touch, purchase (grip) well, are light, and facilitate greater magazine capacity.

 

[Ala Dan]

I prefer aluminum frames, like that used on the
SIG-SAUER "Classic" P-series self-loaders. Light
weight, near perfect balance, and they settle in
MY hand better after the shot is fired.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Marshall]

There is a place for both in my stable.

1. All my revolvers are steel, that tells me something about it's strength. LOL

2. Polymer pistols have a great chance at long life. I bet my grandkids kids will find plastic crap my dog has chewed up and buried in my backyard 80 years from now.

3. Who knows, a polymer Glock may even outlast a gorgeous BHP in the shooting department 200,000 rounds later. However, 200,000 rounds later it's still a polymer Glock. LMAO