Polymer Framed pistols

[Dave T]

A couple of salient points JohnKSa.

Dave

 

[Landpimp]

as long as its not a Bakelite frame......I think your fine

 

[steve s]

I would guess there is no way plastic would last as long as metal but then you can buy 2+ plastic framed guns for the price of a metal one.

 

[JohnKSa]

I would guess there is no way plastic would last as long as metal...

That depends on the type of plastic, on the type of metal, on the design of the pistol and on the type of use it gets. In a hard use situation, I'd give the durability edge to a good quality polymer framed pistol over a similar quality aluminum framed pistol.

 

[qwagmire]

I happen to collect old vinyl albums (jazz, rock, etc). Provided that the records haven't been over-played with a heavy needle, they play just fine. Some of my albums are close to 60 years old.

Now granted records are not the same plastic used in polymer guns, and they aren't exposed to the elements (sunlight, weather, dirt, etc), but plastics are very durable these days. Also consider the pvc piping that is used in modern sprinklers, or drip systems, etc.

 

[jmr40]

There are palstic guns out there that are nearly 50 years old that are holding up just fine. The plastics used today are even better than the ones developed for guns during the 1960's. Plastic will be working longer than aluminum framed guns.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

How long does plastic last in landfills, again?

Seriously, metal frames - whether steel or aluminum - can oxidize, rust or corrode away, while plastic would not.

 

[Micro]

Just how long will a polymer frame hold up before the solvents leech out and the "plastic" becomes brittle?

At least as long as the plastic bottle those solvents come in.