Tag
Member
I'd like to hear some thoughts on Polymer pistols, why you love them or why you hate them... whatever the case.
I've had great luck with both the polymer guns I've had.
I've had great luck with both the polymer guns I've had.
Your thoughts on Polymer handguns
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Black Majik
Member
The only polymer pistol I've shot was the Glock 19 and the Glock 23. Aside from a truly crappy trigger, I felt the plastic frame didn't absorb the recoil worth a damn and my hand started to hurt (Glock 23).
The range sesison that got me into shooting we rented the Glock 19 along with a Sig P226. We had two shooting booths and shot both at the same time. Towards the end the Glock was put down and we all took turns shooting the P226. Funny how the people that re-introduced (I was interested as a kid) me back into shooting was 2 girls
I'll stick with non-polymer framed guns.
The range sesison that got me into shooting we rented the Glock 19 along with a Sig P226. We had two shooting booths and shot both at the same time. Towards the end the Glock was put down and we all took turns shooting the P226. Funny how the people that re-introduced (I was interested as a kid) me back into shooting was 2 girls
I'll stick with non-polymer framed guns.
Amish_Bill
Member
Glock doesn't fit me. not fond of it.
Walther P99 with thick backstrap - fits perfectly!
Love the polymer for carry - nice and light. In a High Noon Leather belt holster it just floats there.
Walther P99 with thick backstrap - fits perfectly!
Love the polymer for carry - nice and light. In a High Noon Leather belt holster it just floats there.
Chupacabra
Member
I like the plastic 'cuz it's light.
More comfortable to carry during the summer months.
More comfortable to carry during the summer months.
They're easy to carry, take abuse well, and don't rust. It doesn't hurt you inside when you hit one on something or it gets a scratch.
In short, they make good tools. If you want a tool, get one. If you want something that will turn heads at the range you might look into something else.
In short, they make good tools. If you want a tool, get one. If you want something that will turn heads at the range you might look into something else.
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
Funny - I used to be a ''no polymer at any price''! I still loathe Glocks ... and I don't say that to upset all the Glock guys .. just the way it is.
However, once I got know my P95 ... and later P97 ... I can and do accept the whole principle .. this extends also to my 22/45. There IS of course a weight saving .. and that's good ... and with my examples ... they shoot and shoot good.
However, once I got know my P95 ... and later P97 ... I can and do accept the whole principle .. this extends also to my 22/45. There IS of course a weight saving .. and that's good ... and with my examples ... they shoot and shoot good.
They function just fine like any other quality firearm, but I hate them with a passion. The triggers have a feel reminding me of the days of playing with the first plastic toy guns. You feel that spring vibration. Also polymer is cheap in materials and manufactoring compared to metal alloy, but the price of the polymer firearms don't equate to a dollar savings for the buyer. For the prices being charged I will stick with strength and durability of metal alloys. The few ounces of weight saved by polymer doesn't matter to me.
7.62FullMetalJacket
Member
I love all guns.
True, polymer is lighter and possibly easier to maintain,
but I keep gravitating back to metal frames
True, polymer is lighter and possibly easier to maintain,
but I keep gravitating back to metal frames
Amish_Bill
Member
I adore the sheer abuse you can heap on a polymer & tennifer-steel or blackened stainless gun. Leave a walther 99, SW 99, Glock __ out in the glovebox for a month or three in the humid south, not a problem. Do the same to a parked, blued or to a lesser degree, plain stainless gun? I don't think so.
bad_dad_brad
Member
I grow weary of this debate.
Good quality polymer guns like Glocks and HKs are outstanding weapons.
Good quality all steel guns like many BHPs and M1911s are outstanding weapons.
Good quality alloy guns like SIGs are outstanding weapons.
I like them all. But I do appreciate the warmth and lightness of polymer pistols.
Good quality polymer guns like Glocks and HKs are outstanding weapons.
Good quality all steel guns like many BHPs and M1911s are outstanding weapons.
Good quality alloy guns like SIGs are outstanding weapons.
I like them all. But I do appreciate the warmth and lightness of polymer pistols.
Penforhire
Member
Yep, I like the lightness of polymers, self-lubricating possibilities, and the no-care finish of polymer parts. I know the joy of a P99. Nothing wrong with all-metal construction. But you asked.
Amish_Bill
Member
I guess that deep down I'm really conflicted....
... My two favorite cary guns are a Walther P99 and a Kimber Pro CDP.
... My two favorite cary guns are a Walther P99 and a Kimber Pro CDP.
pauli
Member
to my mind: as long as the parts are made from quality materials, it doesn't matter what those materials actually are. i suppose the frame material might matter if you cared about weight, magnetic properties, or resistance to a particular chemical... but beyond that, i'd tend to ignore the material and focus on the *gun.* if the gun meets the needs at hand (function, fit, and price), who cares?
sm
member
- I have never buggered up the grip screws on my Keltec P-11, or the Glock 26 and 17 range guns.
-I have never had to use a sight adjustment wrench on my P-11
-Just like my 1911 the Mags will not "drop up" on my P-11 no matter how hard you press mag release, and having to shoot overhead.
-They are available in black right from the factory.
-I have never broken a safety latch or grip safety on my P-11.
-Spilled Coke on a P-11 really really enhances the "grip" ...even better than the skateboard tape on my 1911's
-"If" one were to say "keep one hidden" in a bathroom ( home or office) or in a warehouse, barn, farmhouse, combine... for months and months at a time, like a P-11...It concieveably "could" fill a "niche" very well. Low cost, maintanence...etc. [Not that I have any knowledge of such of course].
-Some guns even without a soul will work.
I only own one polymer gun, this P-11. It will be my last. I was asked to T&E this one , and kept it. I have used others. I have no problem with those that do have polymer- heck I've even recommended polymer for some folks. Just not MY preference. I prefer the gun fit , the actions and the metallurgy of others much much better.
-I have never had to use a sight adjustment wrench on my P-11
-Just like my 1911 the Mags will not "drop up" on my P-11 no matter how hard you press mag release, and having to shoot overhead.
-They are available in black right from the factory.
-I have never broken a safety latch or grip safety on my P-11.
-Spilled Coke on a P-11 really really enhances the "grip" ...even better than the skateboard tape on my 1911's
-"If" one were to say "keep one hidden" in a bathroom ( home or office) or in a warehouse, barn, farmhouse, combine... for months and months at a time, like a P-11...It concieveably "could" fill a "niche" very well. Low cost, maintanence...etc. [Not that I have any knowledge of such of course].
-Some guns even without a soul will work.
I only own one polymer gun, this P-11. It will be my last. I was asked to T&E this one , and kept it. I have used others. I have no problem with those that do have polymer- heck I've even recommended polymer for some folks. Just not MY preference. I prefer the gun fit , the actions and the metallurgy of others much much better.
Beetle Bailey
Member
I think having the choice of polymer or steel/alloy/whatever is great. While it would be nice if the price more closely matched the production costs, just having variety is a good thing for all gun owners IMO.
Tamara
Senior Member
They work just fine, and I've never had a problem with any of the ten or so that I've owned.
That Being Said (tm), however, they don't do a thing for me in the aesthetics department.
Thank heavens they make all different kinds, no?
That Being Said (tm), however, they don't do a thing for me in the aesthetics department.
Thank heavens they make all different kinds, no?
Ivy Mike
Member
I don't have a preference either way. If a gun is a good gun in feel (which is a personal thing anyway) design and operation, than the matierial isn't a huge consideration. Polymer frames have proven themselves time and again. My FN Forty-Nine is very comfortable to shoot and the polymer frame helps make this full size gun light enough for everyday carry.
SirPorl
Member
Plastic Fantastic!!
I really like my CZ100. It fits my hand well, is nice and light, and is easy to take care of. I also love my 75bd. For me though, the 75bd is to heavy and large for carry.
SirPorl
I really like my CZ100. It fits my hand well, is nice and light, and is easy to take care of. I also love my 75bd. For me though, the 75bd is to heavy and large for carry.
SirPorl
Smoke
Member
I was impressed the first time I shot an XD. I still don't own one though.
Blue steel and wood. Stainless even. ....guns should be metal. Just a thing I have.
Smoke
Blue steel and wood. Stainless even. ....guns should be metal. Just a thing I have.
Smoke
My glock is great for what I use it for, a tough, reliable, relatively inexpensive carry pistol that will give a life time of use. Even though it still looks like new, I don't care about the finish because it's so ugly anyway.
I love the feel of all metal pistols, they are just great to hold. So buy one of each kind, or two if you can afford it. The firearms industry will thank you.
I love the feel of all metal pistols, they are just great to hold. So buy one of each kind, or two if you can afford it. The firearms industry will thank you.
Hkmp5sd
Member
Rapidly approaching 20 years of CCW with my Glock 17 and still going. Light weight, holds a bunch of bullets, reliable, accurate, no manual safety to mess with, easy to clean, rust proof finish and goes bang every time I pull the trigger.
Like it so much, had to go buy a few other makes, models and calibers of polymer handguns.
Like it so much, had to go buy a few other makes, models and calibers of polymer handguns.
Zeke Menuar
Member
I try not to think about Polymer pistols. I am old school. I like good old fashioned steel and 1911 semi-autos.
My only experience in owning a plastic pistol turned out to be the worst gun experience I have ever had. The gun was a big POS. The fault wasn't in the Polymer. It was a defect that the manufacturer wouldn't stand behind even after admitting in writing the problem was their fault.
I don't care for the oversize clunky grip frame and bad triggers associated with plastic guns. Almost every plastic gun I have seen is butt-ugly. They may run OK but they are not my style.
I went back to what worked for me, a 1911 made out of metal.
ZM
My only experience in owning a plastic pistol turned out to be the worst gun experience I have ever had. The gun was a big POS. The fault wasn't in the Polymer. It was a defect that the manufacturer wouldn't stand behind even after admitting in writing the problem was their fault.
I don't care for the oversize clunky grip frame and bad triggers associated with plastic guns. Almost every plastic gun I have seen is butt-ugly. They may run OK but they are not my style.
I went back to what worked for me, a 1911 made out of metal.
ZM
SirPorl
Member
What was it?
Zeke,
Just out of curiousity what make and model did you have trouble with?
SirPorl
Zeke,
Just out of curiousity what make and model did you have trouble with?
SirPorl
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