How long do polymers last?

[valor1]

There are so many polymer framed pistols in the market today (Glocks, HKs, Waltheres, SW, etc.) because of their lightweight and durability. My question is, will the polymers be the same in the next 50 years or 100 years? Will they hold up (sturctural integrity, durability, etc.)? Many old pistols made of steel do sometimes hold up even though there are rusts (which can be re-plated) on some parts. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[otomik]

no they won't last, polymer becomes brittle over time with exposure to sunlight and air so if you want something you can pass down the generations don't look at polymer. i had one of those gardenhose spool things crack apart on me the other day, mileage will vary on formulation but the effect is the same.

this really doesn't matter most of the time and i don't think anyone is trying to start a polymer love/hate fest here.

 

[Ala Dan]

I think the jury is still out on polymer frame pistols? But, you got
to ask yourself when you get too my age does it really matter.
I'm 57, and I think today's polymer pistols will certainly be here
when I'm dead and gone. How many generations that may see
them will probably vary to some degree.

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

 

[cratz2]

I've seen several first gen Glock 17s and I have yet to have one crumble in my hands!

As to leaving guns to your grandkid's kids... I mean, leave them a 1911 and a BHP and a couple Garands. They'll love them. But if you want to carry a Glock or a SIG Pro, knock yourself out.

 

[middy]

Polymer pistols aren't exactly heirloom pieces...

"This is the GLock my grampa carried. Yeah, it's ugly and worn-looking, but it still works! *crack* oops"

 

[outofbattery]

No one knows how long they will last and certainly , it will depend upon usage and storage . I would suspect a Glock or Sig Pro kept mostly in a safe with little exposure to UV and ozone and temp change will last pretty much indefinately . If someone wanted to keep a G17 as an heirloom I have no doubt that it will still be servicible in 100 years . Whether it will be legal to own in 100 years will probably be another matter .


Anti-polymer pistol people like to use the *disposable* arguement against poly guns but it's a red herring . Everyone could still easily function in a nostalgic world of : pre 1960 cars , dial in the test pattern to watch tube televisions and fly in DC-3's . It will be nice that there will still be 66 Mustangs , DC-3's and digital episodes of Andy Griffith to watch at whatever point in the future you'd choose , but I'd just as soon chose modern options for my day to day life .


* P-38 , BHP , M-1 carbine , M-1 Garand , K98 , Land Rover Series II A owner speaking .

 

[RON in PA]

I would suggest that nobody really knows. As for steel guns, unless they are properly treated they will ultimately become a pile of ferric oxide.

 

[valor1]

Well, nothing really lasts (even relationships sometimes ). Anyways, just thinking of how durable these polymer toys are and wouldn't it be nice to see them last for a 100 years. Then your grandchildren will see it and say,"look at those ugly guns they were using then, no batteries or LED inidicators."

 

[deputy tom]

I'm with Ala Dan on this one,(hmm we both agree on most issues?) being a geeser I'm using my poly guns ,Spyderco knives and Bic lighters.Save the Colts & Springfields,Case knives and Zippos for the kids.tom.

Enjoy living for you're a long time dead.old Scottish proverb.

 

[JohnKSa]

Not many guns get the same kind of UV exposure as a hose reel.

Besides there are a ton of different kinds of plastics with a ton of different sensitivities to UV.

Saying that because your hose reel broke down in sunlight a USP will too is about like saying that because your copper bracelet turned green, your gold nose ring will also turn green because it's metal too.

 

[Big Mike]

My 2 cents...

Having just come off of a year of Chemistry, with a Lab professor who has a patent on polymers and other plastics for marine applications, my gut feeling is that "polymers" used in handgun frames and parts will last just as long as any metal pieces in similar applications, if not longer. Mike

 

[DaleJunior]

FWIW, i've seen some early-model corvettes with fiberglass bodies that look pretty sweet years later and have become "collectibles", while some all-steel model cars from the same era have long since found their final resting place in a junkyard

course, i don't collect gardenhose spools; wonder how many chicks i could impress with a vintage all-steel one of those?

 

[MeekandMild]

I wonder if silicone would help. A few years ago I gave some 30 year old silicone-preserved scuba gear to one of my kids. It was in perfect condition.