Is a zinc alloy frame as strong as polymer?

[Cosmoline]

AFAIK it's called pot metal because it will melt in a lead pot. That's disconcerting.

 

[MachIVshooter]

AFAIK it's called pot metal because it will melt in a lead pot. That's disconcerting.

Well, not quite.

There are two definitions for "pot metal"

The first would obviously be metals used to make pots other than elemental metals or well establshed alloys like steel or bronze (cast iron or copper pots were usually referred to as such, not lumped into the pot metal group). The common denominator is pretty much that they're cast metals with low melting points.

The second definition is close to what Cosmoline wrote, but it doesn't specifically refer to melting in a lead pot, especially since lead is the lower melting point element in many of the alloys in this class. The most common elements are zinc, lead, copper, magnesium, aluminium, and sometimes tin or even iron. Tin is about the only pot metal element with lower melting point than lead. Anyhow, though, yes, the colloquial definition does refer to an alloy of these elements that doesn't require foundry temperatures and really could be melted together and cast from a pot over a good, hot fire.

 

[Kiln]

I'm creating a new phrase:

Pot plastic, aptly named because it is such low quality plastic that it melts in a pot.

 

[hentown]

"Saturday Night Special" has been around at least from the 60's.

 

[meanmrmustard]

I wanted to say that, but resisted because I've never actually shot the PK380. P22 I have plenty of experience with its turdiness.

I have. Don't fret, I said it for you. After reading your post, called my coworker who has one, and a magnet sticks to it.

The SR22 is what the P22 should have been.

 

[Jaymo]

Soldering iron plastic, because you can melt it with a soldering iron. (I prefer to use my plastic welders)

 

[brickeyee]

30,000 PSI sound like a strong material to you look at decent grades of steel.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Zinc is brittle, polymer isn't.

 

[Cosmoline]

Well then there's that notoriously dangerous WOOD that will burn in a mere fireplace.

 

[Kiln]

Well then there's that notoriously dangerous WOOD that will burn in a mere fireplace.

So true. I say we ban all firearms using zamak, polymer, or wood in their construction.