Functional Differences in the Polymer Used in Competing Brands?

[sidspappy]

I just picked up a Springfield Armory XD-45. This is my first polymer gun, and I got to wondering:

Is there any differences in the polymer (plastic) compounds used in the various polymer pistols on the market? Anyone with opinions or empirical data on the qualities of Glock, HK, Springfield Armory, S&W, Ruger, Sig, etc. and the polymer they use? I assume each manufacturer comes up with their own blend of plastic. Am I in error assuming this?

For myself, I've been manhandling the grip of my XD, and notice quite a bit of flex in the mag well opening. I'm sure it has no real effect on function (making the gun go BANG!), yet it throws me off, coming from the era of the 1911, and full-metal frames.

I did a search, and found no threads directly addressing this, and I am curious as to what others think about this.

 

[ScareyH22A]

Unless you're the Incredible Hulk, I don't think your hands are gonna do anything to the grip of your XD. I used to own a cellphone case made by a company called Otterbox. It's made of plastic polymers much like those of modern firearms. They have videos on their site showing it being run over and stepped on, etc and the phone keeps on ticking.

 

[sidspappy]

Well, thanks for your thoughts.

Anyone else? Funny, I thought people would be more interested in this, as you could say nearly 50% of a polymer pistol is made up of these mysterious plastic compounds.

Sure, you can beat on it, throw it in the dirt, run over it with your car, but still, doesn't anyone wonder how their Glock's frame holds up in comparison to an XD frame (as an example)?

I saw a GunTalk.tv video where they literally BBQ'd an XD and then shot the melted example. Held up fine. But does this compare favorably to, say an HK frame? Or how about a S&W M&P? Maybe someone needs to do a comparison torture test involving all the various maker's frames. Which one will crack a frame first? I'd be interested!

Or is everyone satisfied that once you've seen one plastic, you've seen em' all?

 

[PLRinmypocket]

I believe the majority of polymer in firearms is Nylon, with various amounts of imbedded fiberglass. There are cheaper polymers (like ABS) but these are not as strong, but could be used in cheaper firearms.

more fiberglass fibers (usually up to 33%) will make the grips stiffer, but it also makes it more brittle. Brittle means it could crack if dropped, so most manufactureres likelly use less glass (like your XD). this means it flexes more, but it is still very tough.

I know Dupont Zytel is used in several guns. This is a Nylon blend, and can be molded in many different colors.

 

[twofifty]

The differences, you ask?

- HKs are best broiled 2 minutes on both sides.
- M&Ps, BBQ till well done.
- Marinate the Glocks as they are toughest.

 

[Dan Crocker]

The XD is somewhat thin and flexible there; it's one of the ways they kept the grip so narrow.
I seriously doubt that there is any real difference between what is used. If there was, I think it would be thrown out in the ad campaigns.

 

[Duke of Doubt]

"Polymer" is a broader term than "plastic " (a pretty broad term itself) and includes, among other things, hamburger meat. The nylon frames of some plastic pistols are a matter of patented organic chemistry. That sounds a lot more impressive than it really is; Big Mac Special Sauce is a patented polymer, too. Dudes, those guns are just cheap plastic; don't overanalyze a turd.

 

[blitzen]

Did you notice that on the XDM frame the rear slide guides are plastic, (polymer). I was gonna oil em but thought it would be silly. Guess it don't need it.

 

[blitzen]

Duke,
I'm a steel frame Browning HP guy myself but I won't call a Glock 17 a turd in a gun fight.

 

[kyo]

Dudes, those guns are just cheap plastic; don't overanalyze a turd.

Maybe I misread this. Are you implying that if the base of a handgun is make of polymer it is cheap plastic?
Ill still keep my p345 any day, plastic or not

 

[ScareyH22A]

Well your original question of functional differences between competing brands is basically none. I have never heard about a specific brand's plastic frame cracking from normal use. And from what I've seen, such as the HK factory torture test on youtube, they take quite a beating. I think that you'd have issues with other things either breaking or wearing out before you have the poly frame have issues. Steel can rust to oblivion but plastics aren't even biodegradeable for the most part. They're relatively inert and just don't require much maintenance. And because of the acceptable grade used by all the manufacturers, its not much of a subject.

 

[2RCO]

Those Polymers are usually proprietary to the manufacturer and a fairly guarded secret on exact composition.

 

[jocko]

as u can see, we get all kinds of comments about polymer/plastic. you eiter like um or u don't.

Seems the biggest majority of guns sold today are of polymer, so that ought to tellyou something, except you 1911 guys, Ur exempt "YET".

 

[flynlr]

.40 cal.

 

[GTSteve03]

I'd take a GLOCK with a cheap plastic frame over a Beretta with an aluminum frame made out of empty Coke cans!

 

[Duke of Doubt]

jocko: "Seems the biggest majority of guns sold today are of polymer, so that ought to tellyou something, except you 1911 guys, Ur exempt "YET"."

Well, it tells us they're cheaper (therefore easier for poor folks to afford), and lighter (easier for weak folks to carry).

The "cheap plastic" comment wasn't intended as a simpleminded insult. I should have been more specific. As it happens, my family is involved in the manufacture and distribution of industrial specialty chemicals, especially coatings and plasticizers. The plastics which compose pistol handles are cheap plastic. The expensive plastic goes into things like rocket and jet engines, electronic warfare arrays, surgical instruments, industrial electronics and the like. On a scale of one to a hundred, with a hundred being the most expensive plastic, the plastic in a pistol handle is about a three, and tupperware a two.

 

[atblis]

Before people their feelings all hurt, you should realize that he's not saying that polymer frames don't work as they're are intended, just don't fool yourself into thinking they're made out of some exotic type of plastic.

They're made out of the cheapest type of plastic that works. That's good engineering, nothing more.

 

[kyo]

Duke, until you prove that I just can't buy it. Just above tupperware? Idk man. It sounds a little far.
Yea ok, cheapest plastic that works, fine. But saying its next to tupperware when it obviously isn't I disagree with

 

[MisterMike]

You guys aren't gonna convince the Duke--he'll take a steel turd over a plastic one any day of the week.

Let's move along, folks. No need to stare.

 

[MAKster]

There are clearly differences in the plastic frames. For example, some models have the slide move on plastic rails while others use metal insert rails. Whether that means one model is stronger than another is up to debate.

 

[tomkatz]

If tupperware is a 2 and my glocks are a 3, the scale must be like the one used to measure earthquakes.

 

[atblis]

Tupperware is actually pretty darn durable.

 

[sidspappy]

Well! Thanks for all of the responses folks! It was very enjoyable and enlightening. I guess I should not look too critically at the "polymer" makeup of these pistols. Point taken that they are the cheapest plastic that the manufacturers can get away with to save money. As long as they don't crack or break under normal use, then why spend anymore money on better composition, right?

And although comparisons to Tupperware are painful, I agree that it is probably closer to truth than fiction. I have some Tupperware going on thirty-years old in my cupboard, so if that isn't an endorsement, what with all the abuse they've suffered, then I don't know what is.

I also believe the poster who said if there were truly any differences in the longevity or strength of their particular plastic blend, then I'm certain the Marketing departments of the gun companies would be totally playing it up!