Polymer guns. Will they last?

[Boltz]

To counter your anecdotal evidence of non-polymer guns being passed down in good condition, what about all the non-polymer guns that have gone to crap from being neglected? Store any gun improperly, polymer or not, and it will not last a long time.

[Shenaniguns]

[H]

I hope this is a bad joke, I can post pics of 1911's, revolvers and other metal guns that kaboomed as well.

[Kendall6.8]

I hope they last, I have an XD. I thought the polymer was very durable and long lasting.

[meaty-btz]

Polymer is NOT a stable molecule. Exposure to heat, chemicals, and ultra-violet light can alter (denature) plastics of all kind. Some are just more durable than others. I doubt that a well cared for polymer frame will fail due to age any faster than guns that we have that are already over 200 years and whose metals have not fatigued to failure.

I expect that an abused poly frame will fail as often as their metal counterparts. Sunlight just won't break down a metal frame like it would a poly frame. Not all things are equal. What kills metal won't touch poly what touches poly wont harm metal. In the end, with care, centuries of life may not be unreasonable. Or rather, guns can easily exceed 100K rounds and not be EOL with proper maint.

[TNP'R]

Doubt they will wear as quickly under normal use.

[Safety1st]

I'm sure they're currently working on materials that are 1000x better than today's polymers. So when those come out just upgrade. Then your plastic gun will be guaranteed to last 1000 years.

Of course if you really want longevity, might I suggest titanium?

[SanPedroShooter]

I have a pre civil war revolver made out of steel and brass that still seems to work just fine, the cylinder rotation, lockup, trigger and hammer all work seamlessly. I havent fired it, but I'll bet I could if I had it checked out first.

I would love if my Glock was in some dudes hands in 150 years, but I dont know. I wonder if guns like Glocks and AK's and AR's will be much easier to find in a hundred years because of the volume made. I mean things like K98's, Mosins and M1 Carbines are all over the place, even if in private hands, and they made millions and millions of those.

In 200 years I can definitly see the plastic hand gaurd and stock on my AR being either missing of broken. Especially that damn handguard.

[Distro]

I have a dream, that one day guns will not be judged by the material of their frames, but by the ease of replacing their parts.

[Distro]

Also I envision everyone having 3d printed Glock frames made at home for cheap before the first Glocks start deteriorating.

[Jack L]

I have a dream, that one day guns will not be judged by the material of their frames, but by the ease of replacing their parts.

[ClarenceBoddicker]

I doubt normal US citizens will be allowed to own pistols or even most long guns long before properly taken care of Glocks will have issues with their frames. That is of course if America lasts that long. With the current path America & the 2A does not have a bright future.

[Maddog5150]

Modern man made polymers will last longer than carbon steel. Hell, lets make structures and firearms out of hardened styrofoam. It will last long after man had gone