Polymer guns

[cmichael22]

Are they any weaker than steel and do they crack easy or can they withstand a good amount of force?

[Barth]

Are they any weaker than steel and do they crack easy or can they withstand a good amount of force?

No, No, Yes.

[Popeye]

http://harleytechtalk.org/htt/Smileys/classic/Popcorn.gif

[jocko]

http://harleytechtalk.org/htt/Smileys/classic/Popcorn.gif

:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

[CJB]

Steel does better when the dog chews on your pistol...

Other than that... polys ok!

[Tinman507]

http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o542/tinman507/dog_teeth.jpg

[ripley16]

Polymer gun have a steel frame imbedded inside the polymer. The rail guides are usually one of the areas you can actually see the steel, but it is there throughout the frame to strengthen it.

Both steel and polymer could potentially crack, although I've never personally seen a cracked poly frame. I have seen cracked steel however.

The most thouroughly tested and abused pistol that I'm aware of is a polymer framed pistol. A well made, high quality polymer gun should last several lifetimes, just as steel guns should.

[cmichael22]

Just as long as your not going around pistol whipping people haha then there might be problems with the gun!

[warbird1]

Handguns Magazine has a TV show on Sportsman Channel that you need to see. Torture testing an XD. In addition to the usual torture tests they have thrown it off a building on to a gravel parking lot, dragged it down a gravel road tied behind a vehicle and run over it with a Suburban. It still fires. I have absolute faith in polymer frames.

[chrish]

Steel guns are also better when brought to a knife fight, because when your attacker begins to attempt whittling your frame away to prevent you from shooting them, the steel tends to hold up better in that regard. Polymer on the other hand, can be chopped up pretty quickly with a sharp knife.

Otherwise, buy polymer. It's lighter and just as strong. Reducing recoil or personal preference (pretty guns) are the only two reasons I can see to consider all steel pistols these days.

[CJB]

Yah but... in the Apocalypse to come shortly, when in need, you can always whittle a little polymer for kindling to start that zombie warding fire.

[cmichael22]

If someone hit someone with a polymer gun would it crack or break or would it just break their face?

[Charlie]

They are as duarble as steel,or aluminum alloys. They are the future and I like them. I have a S&W 4506 I carried as my duty weapon, my G-21 with two extra mags is lighter than the 4506 with on 8 round mag.. Which is stronger? if we were throwing them or using them for hammers I would choose the Smith.

[cmichael22]

You wouldn't use the glock as a hammer or throwing?

[Charlie]

The Smith would do more damage because of the weight, not the material.

[cmichael22]

Isn't it only like a 8oz difference? That isn't much

[les strat]

I wouldn't want to be pistol whipped with either. Or shot.

[cmichael22]

But im pretty sure the polymer would crack or break upon impact with someone.

[mightymouse]

But im pretty sure the polymer would crack or break upon impact with someone.
Don't think so. I had a sub compact Beretta that was ready to be retired. Took a small 2.5 sledge hammer to the poly frame, expecting it to shatter, and it just bounced. Amazingly strong.

[JFootin]

But im pretty sure the polymer would crack or break upon impact with someone.

The Kahrs are made with a softer plastic that is about impossible to break.