Polymer vs Metal frame

[1911cat]

I want to hear opinions on the benefits/disadvantages ona polymer frame vs a metal frame

[michael0594]

I want to hear opinions on the benefits/disadvantages ona polymer frame vs a metal frame

Polymer is lighter, rust-free, easier to maintain. Metal is sturdier, almost indestructible, doesn't melt.

[1911cat]

What about weight and performance/recoil?

[Catch]

There's that too. Polymer will flex slightly with recoil, but it's still very strong. 10mm pistols are polymer.

[nikki#2]

Polymer is lighter, rust-free, easier to maintain...

+1. For me the question is, am I going to carry it? Otherwise, I prefer a quality steel pistol for HD,
range, target, idpa, uspsa, etc. Plus, I like a smooooooth SA or DA/SA over a stryker-fire....
but that's strictly personal preference. A quality steel gun has heft... It's a piece of engineering and art,
one that you can enjoy taking the time to appreciate. Polymer doesn't give me the same feeling. It's a tool.

For me, a carry pistol would be concealed, so in addition to the above reasons (e.g., lighter, easier to maintain...),
a polymer striker-fire has no external hammer and trigger pull weight is consistent.

[Che762x39]

I am 58 with a serious arthritis problem. Lifetime 1911 shooter but I manage the Glock 19 (9mm) very well and it is my EDC.

Now I got the Glock for my wife but even the 9mm is snappy to her. She actually manages the heavier Colt Gold Cup in 45 ACP better.

In my youth I prefer the 1911 but you need to shoot it a lot to master it in 45 caliber. 100 rounds plus monthly and every month. That is why I started reloading in 1982.

Of course it also depends on home/self defense or just for target shooting.

[Che762x39]

+1. For me the question is, am I going to carry it? Otherwise, I prefer a quality steel pistol for HD, ...

That is a great collection. Thank you for sharing.

[MosinVirus]

I want to hear opinions on the benefits/disadvantages ona polymer frame vs a metal frame

Wouldn't it all depend on what pistol it is for? Some designs do better with polymer, others with metal.

In general, it depends on wear characteristics, stresses, and weight in my opinion.

[Sutcliffe]

I like steel

The extra weight makes for more comfortable shooting. Carrying a steel frame is more of a burden than polymer.

I have an inherant mistrust of plastics, but Glocks and other polymer frames have held up quite well over thousands of rounds of ammo.

[onelonehorseman]

I am comfortable with polymer handguns, but I only own ones with proven track records . . . H&K USP, Glocks . .

[Drew Eckhardt]

I want to hear opinions on the benefits/disadvantages ona polymer frame vs a metal frame

A metal framed handgun is less likely to malfunction if you limp wrist it shooting with your weak hand or whatever. It'll stay on target a bit better. It may feel nicer with more weight for recoil to act on.

Polymer pistols weigh less which is good for carrying. Polymer allows a shorter grip circumference which can be an issue for people with small hands shooting double-stack pistols. These aren't significant issues for ordinary Californians who can't get a license to carry or buy (or possess next year) 13-20 round magazines to fill full-size guns.

Glocks only come in polymer.

[CandG]

Great replies in this thread - I think I pretty much agree with everything above.

My carry guns are all polymer, for the variety of reasons listed above. My dedicated range and HD guns are all metal, also for the reasons listed above.

Regarding recoil, yes polymer does flex a little bit, but the affect on recoil is negligible. Kind of like how a carbon-fiber bicycle frame flexes more than an aluminum frame, but your butt is going to hurt the same after riding either one down a set of stairs. Besides, the reduced mass of a polymer frame would negate any recoil benefits caused by frame flex.

[XDJYo]

I like a lot of the benefits to a polymer gun. Less weight, easier maintenance (typically). They feel very sterile to me. An all steel gun has a much different feel. More heft and a sense of purpose. Weird, I know. Almost like it has a personality. I enjoy shooting my 1911's more than a polymer gun.

Either way, as long as you can get shots on target, all is well in the world. Even better if that gun serves it's intended purpose should you ever have to call on it to save yours or a loved one's life.

Be safe all.

[Calguns77]

I am comfortable with polymer handguns, but I only own ones with proven track records . . . H&K USP, Glocks . .

Great choices. Not only do USPs and 9mm Glocks have proven track records but you wont find more durable firearms in the world. No company has put their handgun through what H&K put the USP through during development and the amount of 9mm Glocks with 100,000+ rounds through them speaks for itself. All steel handguns are sexier though.

[dyson]

Metal frames feel like a 22LR pistol