Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
I'll think about a plastic gun when I can order walnut stocks for it.
Your thoughts on Polymer handguns
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Unisaw
Member
I never thought I would get one. However, I bought a HK USP .45C a few weeks ago and have been very pleased with it. It has been completely reliable, extremely accurate, and I appreciate the ergonomics (YMMV) and lighter weight. It has become my carry weapon.
Polymer Handguns
About a year ago a guy at the range let me shoot his Glock 9mm. Quite a barrel flip and recoil. Shot my new Ruger p89 this week,and minimal barrel flip and low recoil. If I needed a CCW, a Polymer might be ok,but for range work the metal frames work best for me.
About a year ago a guy at the range let me shoot his Glock 9mm. Quite a barrel flip and recoil. Shot my new Ruger p89 this week,and minimal barrel flip and low recoil. If I needed a CCW, a Polymer might be ok,but for range work the metal frames work best for me.
I thought i would never buy one then After shooting a Hk 45 i wanted one And now i have one. Never cared for Glocks either till shoot them a bit now i wouldnt mind one for carry.
I buy both steel and the polymer plus auto/revolvers so it really dont matter to me its what i like at the moment
I buy both steel and the polymer plus auto/revolvers so it really dont matter to me its what i like at the moment
Your thoughts on Polymer handguns
Ugly, cold - in a busnisslike manner, have no character and no "soul", have very little to admire in the way of craftsmanship, have no asthetic value, have little to no appeal as a "work of art", would look rediculous with engraving, would look equally silly with wood or ivory stocks, have little or nothing to inspire tales of the exotic (think Patton's or Wild Bill's pieces),,in short an almost perfect work tool.
( I was watching Dirty Harry the other night for the umpteeenth time. Anybody else wince when he tossed his Smith across the concrete? All I could think was if it was poly-gun,,,pffft,,,who cares!)
Ugly, cold - in a busnisslike manner, have no character and no "soul", have very little to admire in the way of craftsmanship, have no asthetic value, have little to no appeal as a "work of art", would look rediculous with engraving, would look equally silly with wood or ivory stocks, have little or nothing to inspire tales of the exotic (think Patton's or Wild Bill's pieces),,in short an almost perfect work tool.
( I was watching Dirty Harry the other night for the umpteeenth time. Anybody else wince when he tossed his Smith across the concrete? All I could think was if it was poly-gun,,,pffft,,,who cares!)
Longbow
Member
Polymer guns
For some reason, they don't look good in leather holster to me. Keep them in kydex where they belong!
For some reason, they don't look good in leather holster to me. Keep them in kydex where they belong!
Treylis
Member
They're alright, but not my first choice. Personally, I like big, heavy steel guns, even in a carry piece. 40oz or whatever on my belt doesn't grate on me whatsoever and it feels reassuring, plus I can go bap people on the head with it if I run out of ammo and BGs are still running about. ;-)
turbonatr
Member
Poly guns work for me! I live in the northeast where we get our fair share of every season; from 30 below to over 100* and everything in between. That means the gun I am carrying will be exposed to every imaginable weather senario. From being stone-cold to sweated on all day, I don't worry about my poly. carry piece. I see a lot of people here downing poly guns because they aren't aesthetically pleasing. I don't choose a carry gun because it looks pretty. I choose it based on it's reliability, durability, etc. Do I have "pretty" guns? You bet. Do I carry them? Nope! I take them out of the safe to admire them or bring them along on a trip to the range, but I do NOT put them through the abuse of daily carry simply because they don't hold up as well as my "plastic" guns. plain and simple.
Quick story. Before I moved to PA, I hung out in a local gun shop in Belleville, NJ. One day a gentleman put a deposit on a stainless Springfield 1911 after spending about 10 minutes fondling it. About 2 months later, I was there when he picked it up. Upon inspecting it, he noticed a big, rusty thumb print on the slide from when he first handled the gun. Needless to say, he was sick. The owner of the shop got the thumb print off the gun with some Flitz on a soft rag after some heavy sweating. It's a heart-stopping reminder that even stainless guns require much more care than polymer guns when it comes to preserving the finish of the firearm. Polymer, for me, is a better choice overall.
Quick story. Before I moved to PA, I hung out in a local gun shop in Belleville, NJ. One day a gentleman put a deposit on a stainless Springfield 1911 after spending about 10 minutes fondling it. About 2 months later, I was there when he picked it up. Upon inspecting it, he noticed a big, rusty thumb print on the slide from when he first handled the gun. Needless to say, he was sick. The owner of the shop got the thumb print off the gun with some Flitz on a soft rag after some heavy sweating. It's a heart-stopping reminder that even stainless guns require much more care than polymer guns when it comes to preserving the finish of the firearm. Polymer, for me, is a better choice overall.
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fastbolt
Member
Well, I'm pretty much ambivalent about polymer versus metal framed pistols.
When it comes to issued weapons, which are first and foremost just safety equipment, whatever's suitable for our needs is fine. Reliability, ease of maintenance & service, long term durability, the ability to accomodate a wide spectrum of "users" regarding size & strength issues, etc., etc. Handguns carried as defensive weapons in the holsters of cops commonly take a "beating", and aesthetics just doesn't figure into it.
Even my personally owned weapons, which are purchased for defensive use, aren't selected for their aesthetic qualities. Sure, if there's a choice to be made, and all else is equal ... then appearance may play be a factor.
But appearance, ergonomics and balance are all factors that come into play when I select my single action revolvers ...
Polymer offers some weight saving advantages, as well as some maintenance advantages (no oxidized thumb prints).
While polymer is possessed of some qualities of "strength" equal to, or even exceeding, metal frames in many circumstances ... it has some potential "weaknesses" which must be considered when deciding upon which frame material would be most suitable for anyone's purposes.
Firstly, polymer may withstand "shock" very well when the design of the semiauto pistol is built and taking a polymer frame into consideration, such as when a locking block is used to absorb the initial "impact". However, polymer frames have been damaged when "struck" against hard objects ... or dropped, and especially when colder temperatures are involved ... and polymer frames probably aren't the best material to have between you and some "unexpected, uncommon & unanticipated" high pressure ammunition problem, such as a case head failure.
Polymer frames have cracked and chipped ... but then, they aren't really designed to be subjected to the types of impacts and forces which can cause such problems, are they? And, as long as they remain serviceable, who really cares if service weapons suffer minor dings, scratches, gouges and minor damage which can sometimes be expected to occur during the course of its use. They may certainly better survive a cop's unintentional "abuse" and neglect, compared to ... say, blued steel.
Although ... I've seen firsthand how polymer sights can be severely damaged by a short drop onto a hard surface ... and I've seen how a kydex holster can be broken beyond repair, and become instantly unserviceable, when subjected to the same short drop onto an asphalt surface (less than 2ft).
I've also seen firsthand how an "unintentionally bent" spring can dig into a polymer frame and damaged it. If it had been "allowed" to continue further, it would've probably quickly reached the point where the frame most likely would've required replacement. Hard to imagine the same extent of damage occurring with an aluminum or steel frame, though ...
I've seen how a "commercial reload" can be involved in a case head failure in an aluminum framed pistol, and aside from a surprised shooter, there was no damage to the weapon or the shooter ... and then I've held a polymer framed 9mm that had suffered damage, when a case head failed, which required replacement of the frame. No permanent damage to the shooter, other than a stinging hand, when a piece of the polymer frame departed for parts unknown ...
I think that polymer pistols are here to stay, and serve a very viable purpose when it comes to providing for lightweight defensive pistols that are easy to carry and maintain ... and are suitably strong enough to provide for service lives that are MUCH longer than anyone even considered necessary many years ago.
Of course, nobody's going to be nailing up wanted posters with them, that's for sure.
Personally? I like metal & wood ... but a tool is a tool, as long as it gets the job done.
Of course, I also like metal in my knife blades, too ... even though ceramic composit blade material is within reasonable cost, and offers excellent "cutting" characteristics, and can maintain its sharpness for much longer than most steel alloys. Don't go dropping it a lot, though ...
So, hey ... while many folks like wooden furniture on their rifles, the AR15/M16/M4 rifles have done acceptably well with plastic stocks, pistol grips and forends ... They lack a certain je ne sais quoi, however ...
When it comes to issued weapons, which are first and foremost just safety equipment, whatever's suitable for our needs is fine. Reliability, ease of maintenance & service, long term durability, the ability to accomodate a wide spectrum of "users" regarding size & strength issues, etc., etc. Handguns carried as defensive weapons in the holsters of cops commonly take a "beating", and aesthetics just doesn't figure into it.
Even my personally owned weapons, which are purchased for defensive use, aren't selected for their aesthetic qualities. Sure, if there's a choice to be made, and all else is equal ... then appearance may play be a factor.
But appearance, ergonomics and balance are all factors that come into play when I select my single action revolvers ...
Polymer offers some weight saving advantages, as well as some maintenance advantages (no oxidized thumb prints).
While polymer is possessed of some qualities of "strength" equal to, or even exceeding, metal frames in many circumstances ... it has some potential "weaknesses" which must be considered when deciding upon which frame material would be most suitable for anyone's purposes.
Firstly, polymer may withstand "shock" very well when the design of the semiauto pistol is built and taking a polymer frame into consideration, such as when a locking block is used to absorb the initial "impact". However, polymer frames have been damaged when "struck" against hard objects ... or dropped, and especially when colder temperatures are involved ... and polymer frames probably aren't the best material to have between you and some "unexpected, uncommon & unanticipated" high pressure ammunition problem, such as a case head failure.
Polymer frames have cracked and chipped ... but then, they aren't really designed to be subjected to the types of impacts and forces which can cause such problems, are they? And, as long as they remain serviceable, who really cares if service weapons suffer minor dings, scratches, gouges and minor damage which can sometimes be expected to occur during the course of its use. They may certainly better survive a cop's unintentional "abuse" and neglect, compared to ... say, blued steel.
Although ... I've seen firsthand how polymer sights can be severely damaged by a short drop onto a hard surface ... and I've seen how a kydex holster can be broken beyond repair, and become instantly unserviceable, when subjected to the same short drop onto an asphalt surface (less than 2ft).
I've also seen firsthand how an "unintentionally bent" spring can dig into a polymer frame and damaged it. If it had been "allowed" to continue further, it would've probably quickly reached the point where the frame most likely would've required replacement. Hard to imagine the same extent of damage occurring with an aluminum or steel frame, though ...
I've seen how a "commercial reload" can be involved in a case head failure in an aluminum framed pistol, and aside from a surprised shooter, there was no damage to the weapon or the shooter ... and then I've held a polymer framed 9mm that had suffered damage, when a case head failed, which required replacement of the frame. No permanent damage to the shooter, other than a stinging hand, when a piece of the polymer frame departed for parts unknown ...
I think that polymer pistols are here to stay, and serve a very viable purpose when it comes to providing for lightweight defensive pistols that are easy to carry and maintain ... and are suitably strong enough to provide for service lives that are MUCH longer than anyone even considered necessary many years ago.
Of course, nobody's going to be nailing up wanted posters with them, that's for sure.
Personally? I like metal & wood ... but a tool is a tool, as long as it gets the job done.
Of course, I also like metal in my knife blades, too ... even though ceramic composit blade material is within reasonable cost, and offers excellent "cutting" characteristics, and can maintain its sharpness for much longer than most steel alloys. Don't go dropping it a lot, though ...
So, hey ... while many folks like wooden furniture on their rifles, the AR15/M16/M4 rifles have done acceptably well with plastic stocks, pistol grips and forends ... They lack a certain je ne sais quoi, however ...
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P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
fastbolt ... you just covered that all rather nicely! My sentiments exactly.
fastbolt
Member
P95Carry
Thanks. When I started writing my posting, however, I wasn't really sure where I was going to end up ...
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Thanks. When I started writing my posting, however, I wasn't really sure where I was going to end up ...
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cratz2
Member
I've said it many times before... I'm a 1911 guy. And to a lesser extent, a CZ/EAA/Sphinx/BHP guy. They are beautiful guns with graceful lines. If you want something to take out and clean up over some gun talk and a drink with a couple buddies, it's hard to beat a nice used but - not abused - blued 1911.
When deciding on what should ride on my hip, I feel every bit as secure with a Glock, SIG Pro, poly Kahr etc...
Guns are tools first and foremost. If they go bang every time and are tolerable to carry, that's good. If you want it to be pretty as well, the plastic Steyrs can stay at home though I do think that the mid size Glocks have a certain business like grace to them.
When deciding on what should ride on my hip, I feel every bit as secure with a Glock, SIG Pro, poly Kahr etc...
Guns are tools first and foremost. If they go bang every time and are tolerable to carry, that's good. If you want it to be pretty as well, the plastic Steyrs can stay at home though I do think that the mid size Glocks have a certain business like grace to them.
Abominable No-Man
Member
Thay're okay. I've had a few-
Glock 19- first 2 rounds I tried out of it were malfunctions. Worked pretty good after that. Still couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it.
H&K USP- Worked 100%. Had it for a while, couldn't warm up to it.
2 S&W Sigmas- Best-feeling polymer frames I have felt. Both worked with whatever I stuffed in the mags. Both went bang whenever I pulled the trigger.
Bottom line- not my thing.
ANM
Glock 19- first 2 rounds I tried out of it were malfunctions. Worked pretty good after that. Still couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it.
H&K USP- Worked 100%. Had it for a while, couldn't warm up to it.
2 S&W Sigmas- Best-feeling polymer frames I have felt. Both worked with whatever I stuffed in the mags. Both went bang whenever I pulled the trigger.
Bottom line- not my thing.
ANM
sturmruger
Member
I love all of my mine. 3 Steyrs and a Ruger. Ther are all super rugged and easy to clean. I just bought a XD to add to my collection.
Peter M. Eick
Member
My glock 20 convinced me that polymer is cute but not for me. I would not likely (read ever) buy another polymer gun again.
I like and will continue to buy, blued steel guns, and if I absolutely had to would consider stainless. No more "plastic".
I like and will continue to buy, blued steel guns, and if I absolutely had to would consider stainless. No more "plastic".
Pappy John
Member
I only own one and its a rimfire Ruger 22/45. I must admit that the polymer Kahrs appeal to me, though. At least the ones with the full size grip.
frenchwrench
Member
Steel........Bang!
Polymer...Bang!
No difference except for artistic sake.
Polymer...Bang!
No difference except for artistic sake.
41mag
Member
Well,someday my NIB AA2000 will be worth something
Until somebody makes a polymer revolver....
Until somebody makes a polymer revolver....
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
Pray never, never, never.!! <shudder>
SapperLeader
Member
My first handgun was a xd-9 and I love it. Balanced against that, all my guns since have been aluminium and steel. I find polymer guns to be excellent in the tool category, they just never give me that feeling of warmth at the beauty of the gun. I will probally buy polymer guns again, but metal and wood will be my first choice.
I just can't warm up to polymer frame pistols, nor .40 S&W for that matter. I would rather go with an alloy frame to save weight if I want that. I have an HK USP Tactical, just because I wanted a big .45 that was accurate. Frankly, I'll probably sell it and get another 1911. While the HK seems like a well made, accurate pistol, it just feels like a toy to me. That hollow plastic feel and sound when you dry fire it. Glocks are a great tool also, just not for me.
(Not bashing HK, I will never get rid of my P-7's)
(Not bashing HK, I will never get rid of my P-7's)
My Glock 17 broke me forever of the urge...
to ever want, or even work with, another polymer handgun for the rest of my life. I got rid of that gun like a bad habit. If they work for the other guy, fine. But the only tupperware in my house is in the fridge, holding leftovers.
to ever want, or even work with, another polymer handgun for the rest of my life. I got rid of that gun like a bad habit. If they work for the other guy, fine. But the only tupperware in my house is in the fridge, holding leftovers.
Zebulon Batty
Member
I prefer polymer frames. I learned to shoot with a Glock 19 and I haven't been able to find a gun that I shoot better or is as easy to carry.
spacemanspiff
Senior Member
i had two polys, steyr m9 and m40. probably the most undesirable feature is the trigger. i liked the steyrs trigger better than the glock, but not as much as the walther p99.
while i was at the range yesterday, another guy asked if i could take a look at his baby eagle in .40 and see if its shooting accurate or if it is human error. now my experience with my steyr m40 was less than stellar, as it has real snappiness to the recoil, moreso than my kimber (obviously comparing apples to oranges).
so i wasnt optimistic with this guys baby eagle, but after shooting one magazine through it (accurate gun, was human error) i might be tempted with getting a .40 in a baby eagle. the grips were perfect for my stumpy fingers, and the trigger breaks smooth. i wasnt trying my hardest, but i got a two inch group at 10 yards.
i tried to cram as much advice as possible to the guy, and he was appreciative, hopefully some of it will be retained.
while i was at the range yesterday, another guy asked if i could take a look at his baby eagle in .40 and see if its shooting accurate or if it is human error. now my experience with my steyr m40 was less than stellar, as it has real snappiness to the recoil, moreso than my kimber (obviously comparing apples to oranges).
so i wasnt optimistic with this guys baby eagle, but after shooting one magazine through it (accurate gun, was human error) i might be tempted with getting a .40 in a baby eagle. the grips were perfect for my stumpy fingers, and the trigger breaks smooth. i wasnt trying my hardest, but i got a two inch group at 10 yards.
i tried to cram as much advice as possible to the guy, and he was appreciative, hopefully some of it will be retained.
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