Why are the materials used to make guns such as steel and wood no longer so popular?
Because gun buyers are cheap SOB's
. And also because plastics, epoxies, fancy alloys, and coatings often perform better in practice (not beauty contests) than traditional materials.
-How often does an injection molded plastic (or metal) part have to be scrapped because it was cast out of spec (compared to machined)?
-My TRR8 revolver weighs as much as a snubby L-frame, but is an N-frame with a 5" barrel.
-My Remington 700 SPS plastic stock will last until the end of time (or until I replace it
), whether I beat it up, lose it in a swamp, or whatever.
"One word, just one word; Plastics."
That said, I doubt any of those will be displayed in the Louvre alongside Tut's mask one day...
TCB
None of the aluminum guns hold anymore special sentimental value than plastic. They are all simple tools just like plastic so their passing will not be a big deal.
I take exception to that! If both guns are desinged properly, the only thing steel has over aluminum is the ability to be buffed and made all pretty for a longer time. Aluminum has to be coated or anodized, both of which show wear more readily than a polished or (maintained) blued steel finish. The material isn't what causes a slide to peen out too early, it's poor design! Unless you treat weight as "quality," one metal is not inherently superior to another.