Plastic/polymer framed autos (how strong?)

[LightningMan]

Hello, I'm kind of new to this forum and new to buying auto pistols made out of plastic/polymer. I've own and shoot a lot of wheel guns and have had semi-auto pistols before but their frames were all made out of metals like steel or aluminum. I've been noticing that many gun makers are making polymer framed autos, other than Glock and I was wondering how strong/durable is this plastic/polymer? I know it's lighter than a all metal gun but is it better? Opinions wanted please and thanks in advance, LM.
PS. Looking at buying another auto so this is why I'm asking.

 

[CountGlockula]

Yes, polymer pistols like Glocks are great. It absorbs recoil, durable and weightless. The only factor that you need to put in is the weight, it's so light that you'll have to adjust, since you've shot mostly revolvers.

 

[NG VI]

Welcome to THR!

I've got three poly autos, one all steel auto, and two revolvers. My poly guns are all very rugged, they are far lighter than my other three handguns, I don't see much if any drawback to having a polymer framed gun opposed to a metal framed one. My guns are a S&W Sigma, a Glock 27 (that kicks like a bastard), and a USP 40.

Whats interesting is when manufacturers of polymer guns claim that the frame 'flexes' during firing so that reduces recoil, then steel guns are advertised as having 'recoil taming weight'. I guess that means alloy framed guns have nothing going for them then...

Check out some polymer guns, especially if you are going to carry, thats where I feel they really shine.

 

[HungSquirrel]

I've had no problems with my polymer-framed Baby Eagle. Glocks essentially started the polymer trend, and have a great reputation for reliability. In my experience, the only thing you sacrifice going the "combat tupperware" route is weight; the reduced weight makes the gun lighter for carry, but you feel the recoil a bit more than with an all-steel pistol.

Plastic/polymer framed autos

For future reference, threads exclusively regarding autoloaders should be posted in the autoloader forum.

 

[Lonestar49]

A couple of thoughts for ya, avoid Beretta's Px4's

Quote: Plastic/polymer framed autos (how strong?)

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Hello, I'm kind of new to this forum and new to buying auto pistols made out of plastic/polymer. I've own and shoot a lot of wheel guns and have had semi-auto pistols before but their frames were all made out of metals like steel or aluminum. I've been noticing that many gun makers are making polymer framed autos, other than Glock and I was wondering how strong/durable is this plastic/polymer? I know it's lighter than a all metal gun but is it better? Opinions wanted please and thanks in advance, LM.
PS. Looking at buying another auto so this is why I'm asking.
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...

First and foremost, DO NOT get any of the Beretta Px4's 9mm, 40cal, 0r 45cal "at this time".. as my Px4 40cal 1yr old last month with 6250 flawless rounds thru her developed a trigger sting issue shortly last Feb 07, but others with the problem found that by using gun grease, Tetra in my case, on the rotating barrel groove/slot and the return spring housing that clks on top of the grove, along with the entire exterior of the barrel, and even on the part of the interior of the slide that cycles over this area, as a means to stop whatever it is, Plastic harmonic's or metal to metal contact with each shot, and trigger sting, went away with such grease applications. But

But, as this last fall, winter, and spring, no amount of grease, helped, in-fact, it got a lot worse, along with, more owners of 40cals, then some 9mm's and so far 2 NIB 45cals from the first shots on, and the disappointed owners sold them quick..

Basically, a great ccw gun, accurate, but there is something wrong, whether straight out of the box, or with round counts, using new ammo, be it 165gr or 180gr, no matter, the sting hurts every shot..

BUSA, acknowledges this trigger sting problem "may occur" and to solve it, the owner need simply "wear shooters gloves, like the pro's".. but I don't have the luxury here in So. Calif, to need gloves at all, anytime, other than to shoot my gun, and open finger shooters gloves don't cut it.. Ya need full fingered, thin, cotton gloves for any benefits..

Buy any Polymer/plastic gun other than a Beretta Px4, because IF you buy one and get the on-going sting, be prepared for Beretta to stall, in correcting this problem, trust me, I have tried, along with others, and they will not communicate with us any further than, "We are forming a team to look into it", and that was of the 19th of last month, and no further communications from them as I type..

You have been updated.. consider it a fair warning

BTW, I just did receive a brand new guide rod and spring from a Beretta owner just yesterday, (as BUSA is out of stock and will take min, 3 - 4 weeks, if not longer, to send) and will try it out today or tomorrow, but he and I both think it is not gonna solve, or is, the problem, but will post an update here..





Ls

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Polymer is as strong or stronger than it needs to be for normal handling and firing, even an immense number of rounds. On most such guns the actual sliding/impact areas are metal reinforced anyway. One thing they often don't handle well is a cartridge blowup. These will often shatter the frame whereas a metal one might survive. They also should not be left on hot stoves, and any large dog could probably make short work of at least the grip area as a chew toy.

 

[cornman]

Unless you carry a firearm daily I do not see any reason to own one. A glock is a fine $250 gun, but unfortunatlly the cost far more than that. If you are getting your first auto get a metal one.

 

[Lonestar49]

...

I totally agree with the last 2 post above..

One thing I can tell you is; now that you're going to "get back into shooting", the heavier Sig Aluminium frames, etc., type guns or all Steel frames are gonna feel a lot heavier to you right now compared to any plastic framed gun..

The other thing is the flex issues of plastic and metal..

Remember, plastic and metal flex far less in cold temps, as they will and do in warm temps.. thus Harmonic's can come into play with plastic, being cold, tight, far less flex and more brittle than any metal frames.

But getting back to what you're gonna feel not far up the road, with continued shooting, is your arms are gonna get stronger as many tiny motor muscles memory fibers are gonna come on-line (you'll feel it shortly after the first few shoots) and what feels light now, and heavy now, will change "a lot" not far up your new road of travel.. And those heavier guns you felt then, at first, will feel "a lot lighter" several months up the road, no matter what you end up buying first.. It just works (for the good) that way, and I will never buy another plastic gun, based on the above correct post replay's, whether for ccw or just range use, as everything that has to do with guns, ccw wise, shooting wise, aiming wise, gets stronger and better with time and use..


Ls

 

[TS537]

So, if I might, I'd like to add to this question. I like the look and weight of polymer framed pistols, and I normally would get a Glock, but for some reason, with this being the first one I will purchase; I'd like one with an external manual safety.

I just finished grad school and don't have that much money, so the time for many guns will no doubt come, but if I wanted to buy a polymer frame that would be both a good CCW gun and a good range gun, what would anyone recommend? I'll be posting a more general but similar question encompassing non-poly-frame guns, but I was thinking of a Glock 19 as about "the right size." At this time I am only interested in 9mm for this gun. I will also likely buy a mousegun, but that's a seperate topic.

 

[RyanM]

Polymer is more than adequately durable. It's enough that the first things to wear out on a Glock are the upper half and small parts. I.e., everything except the frame.

 

[Silvanus]

How a GLOCK works!!!

That's awsome And I love Glocks



Back to topic: I can assure you that you will "wear out" before your Glock (or M&P, XD, P99, ect.) does...

 

[lee n. field]

I was wondering how strong/durable is this plastic/polymer?

Strong enough. I read somewhere that Ruger actually expects their polymer P series pistols to last better than the metal ones.

Looking at buying another auto so this is why I'm asking.

Don't worry about it.

 

[JesseL]

Unless you carry a firearm daily I do not see any reason to own one.

What? You mean you don't carry a firearm daily!?

Seriously, polymer framed pistols have thoroughly proven themselves. They are light, strong, and less expensive to manufacture. I've got guns with steel, aluminum, and polymer frames; and for a gun that's supposed to be practical I'll gladly take any of them, though aluminum would trail the others in my preference.

Steel is nice for adding weight to a gun when you want less recoil, and it can certainly be prettier, but I don't think it has much else going for it.

 

[cornman]

Nothing wrong with polymer, it is just that they are sold because they are lighter for those who carry, mainly LEO's. That is really the only benefit IMO. Yes, they are cheaper to make, but they do not cost less than many metalic guns. It is just that the mark up is greater. Not sure what the import markup is on a Glock, but I bet it is a substaintial chunk.


What? You mean you don't carry a firearm daily!?

Nope. I just shoot for fun. I have a hard enought time finding my wallet, keys and phone. I don't need another item to think about. ;-)