Defensive Carry banner

Polymer is superior to metal

2 reading
17K views 63 replies 37 participants last post by  Xader  
#1 ·
Polymer weighs less, is cheaper to manufacture, resists the elements much better, is easier to maintain, and it is stronger than metal.


Metal is sexier though.
 
#4 ·
They both have their place IMO.

For me, I'd probably take a modern polymer as a carry/duty weapon, but I still think metal frames make great choices for range and HD use. Of course, there are others who swear only by 1911's, revolvers, etc. and don't tuch the polymer stuff (or "combat tupperware" as they perjoratively call them).
 
#6 ·
I have both. My Windicator and my Taurus. I tend to carry the Windicator because it's narrower and easier to conceal despite being a .357mag. I love my Taurus, and when I feel a need for more bang, I carry it. Simply because 11 rds .45ACP without reloading is A LOT of bang.

The main advantages I see in metal are:
Keeps recoil down a bit
Makes a WONDERFUL club between reloads or when you're out of ammo
Just feels good in your hand

Also, the thought of (in close quarters) putting a cold STEEL barrel against someone's ribs might take the fight out of them without pulling the trigger.

Just my thoughts.
 
#7 ·
Polymer is OK some of the time, but there are times when it is not.

For instance,pistol whipping someone with a plastic gun just doesnt have the same authority that bouncing a steel gun off the head does.

Cracking pecans with the butt of your gun is more difficult. Breaking a car window is tougher. When using the butt of one gun as a hammer to knock a pin out of another gun, steel just works a whole lot better.

Getting some chemicals on a polymer gun will see it turn to liquid, when a steel gun is virtually untouched.

Yeah, Polymer is OK but it does have its disadvantages.
 
#8 ·
Polymer is OK some of the time, but there are times when it is not.

For instance,pistol whipping someone with a plastic gun just doesnt have the same authority that bouncing a steel gun off the head does.

Cracking pecans with the butt of your gun is more difficult. Breaking a car window is tougher. When using the butt of one gun as a hammer to knock a pin out of another gun, steel just works a whole lot better.

Getting some chemicals on a polymer gun will see it turn to liquid, when a steel gun is virtually untouched.

Yeah, Polymer is OK but it does have its disadvantages.

Hey! HGs, you made me snort in my coffee on those.... good one...:hand10:
 
#12 ·
Polymer stronger than steel??? Call me old fashioned if you want but I still like steel guns. Also if polymer is stronger than steel why are slides, barrels, and revolver cylinders still made of steel? Why hasn't someone made these parts out of polymer? Polymer is lighter than steel. That I will agree with, stronger I don't think so. Yes I do have a polymer firearm (SIG SP2340).
 
#13 ·
Everyone should own at least one all steel handgun...and at least one polymer handgun....and an alloy framed gun...and a pre lock Smith...and a Colt revolver...and a 1911...and a High Power...and an AR based zombie zapper...and a lever action rifle chambered the same as your favorite revolver...and a Model 70...and an 870...and an M1...and a Ruger Blackhawk with only three digits in the serial number...

(I don't have many other hobbies...)
 
#17 ·
Debate much similar to the "caliber" wars we see.

Advantages and disadvantages to any material used in the manufacture of a firearm. I have several old steel revolvers, but would not hesitate to purchase the Ruger LCR in polymer, in fact, my wife has an LCP (polymer & steel) and wants the LCR.

My S&W 39-2 is an combination of steel slide with anodized aluminum frame. Have had no problems with it and well over a thousand rounds have been fired with it. It isn't all steel and contains no polymer.

I don't believe any material is superior over another, it's just a matter of how it is intended for use as to what material you think would do the job.
 
#18 ·
I don't believe any material is superior over another, it's just a matter of how it is intended for use as to what material you think would do the job.
Some materials are clearly better for use than others in certain situations.

On the other hand, if everything were all the same, we wouldnt be having all of these cool discussions on which is best and we'd all be sitting around the computer thinking of something to type about.
 
#20 ·
Nope, not for me. The doctor told me I was allergic to aluminum and polymer. I loathe polymer and don't want any polymer guns. I like steel. That's all. No aluminum. No polymer. It's not a popular notion and runs contrary to conventional wisdom but I particularly like weight. I'm uninterested in any lightweight handgun models. The only nod to the flea-weights that I've given are the acquisition of a Smith & Wesson Model 642 and a wretched Kel Tec P3AT and they are not favorites.
 
#24 ·
This actually drags the thread off topic but here's a link to a nice article on the M&P and it's origins.

The First M&P - the Smith and Wesson Military and Police Hand Ejector Model of 1899

The earliest M&P kept around here dates from 1904 and I have them from every decade up through the 1950s when they became the Model 10 in 1958.

I still occasionally carry a 1950s M&P IWB. Here's a best effort shooting it single-action at the yellow card from 19 yards, shooting an hole in the card and then aiming at the hole.
Image


To drag this thread back toward the topic at hand; if I had to own a polymer pistol to use as a primary carry piece it would be an M&P rather than anything else. I've tried them out and they were OK for what they are. I just don't like any DAO triggers, preferring the single-action 1911 design.
 
#27 ·
I number of the firearms that I regularly shoot are well over one hundred years old. I plan to pass them on to my relatives when I pass on and hopefully they will do the same when they pass on.

While I agree that polymer weapons have a use I have to question whether or not they will be good shooters in 150 years. They are great service weapons but have doubt they would ever become a family heirloom.

Michael
 
#29 ·
bmcgilvray, thanks for the link, enjoyed the information. I've seen a few of his videos on gun reviews before, the guy seems very knowledgeable.


Awesome group outa that revolver, and the shooter.. :hand10: