Which is better for a handgun and why: Polymer or steel?

Answer 1

For straight, hardcore service use I am going to have to say polymer, assuming that the manufacturer knows what they are doing. Polymer is extremely durable, does not rust, is self-lubricating, and very light for carrying. For recreational use, steel is king (aluminum if you shoot .22 suto pistols of high quality). Steel provides felt recoil reduction, can be finished beautifully, and tolerances can be extremely tight for accuracy.
I have owned and shot polymer recreationally and really did not think much of it. As a dual purpose gun, plymer is ok-but not for sole recreation. Steel is better in that regard.

Answer 2

I admit I'm a traditional type guy. Nothing feels as good as steel. There is something about the weight and the way it feels in your hands. Polymer reminds me of toy pistols I played with as a kid. Let's get away from an old man's prospective and review reality.

As previous answers claim, polymer wears better. For conceal carry, it is less irritating then metal. Upkeep is less. There is one question we can't answer at this time, and it probably doesn't matter, but what will a polymer gun be like in 100 years. From a collector's standpoint, this may make a difference.

One question a person should always ask himself when buying a gun is how does it feel holding it. An uncomfortable gun will not be enjoyable to shoot. There will be accuracy problems. How does it feel if you are conceal carry?

As far as what is better, this is like asking someone about Ford or Chevy. People will have there own preferences, and these may not be factual. Quality steel or polymer makes no difference. Pick what feels good.

Answer 3

I have to agree with most, its a preference, but i have torn up more polymer handguns than i have steel. you have to look at it from a few vantage points..
a. what are you going to be using it for?
1. fun, hunting
2. Carry, home protection.

if you just want a gun to take to the range and plink. then go with a heavy gun. There are so many you can consider.

Now this is where it gets complcated. If you want to carry it...
how long at one time are you going to be carrying?
what are the protection requirements that you want to maintain. and how concealed do you want it.
If concealed is what your looking for, then a smaller gun is your winner.

the longer you carry a gun, the lighter you want it. TRUST ME. I carry a Sig 229R with 2 extra mags, every day. and i have gotten used to it.

I was at a training class and they all were issued glocks, they had more issues out of the box in that one class than i have ever had with any of my sigs or my 1911 put together. (Slide Siezing, Severe Jams, a broken frame,ect)

Dont get me wrong steel can have flaws as well. i have had a barrel connector snap, and a frame crack.

There are trade offs with every gun, you just have to find out what your requirements are, ask around (like your doing) try both if you can. Read reviews of people who test weapons, they have a great prespective on comparing weapons.
Most of all, make sure your 110% confortable with it. I own many weapons, both polymer and steel, I carry what is most confortable to me. my best friend carries an HK P2000, its a polymer, and its a great gun.

sorry to throw so much info out there, its not a simple question.
There really isnt a better. Its whats best for you.

Answer 4

Polymer is the wave of the future. It is at least as strong as steel, it wears better, it is lightweight and polymer absorbs a lot of the gun's recoil.

Aesthetically steel may look better but steel wears poorly (blue wears off, nickel pits, stainless steel may scratch) and requires more attention than polymer. Drop a well-tuned Colt 1911 or Python in the mud and watch the tears roll; drop a Glock in the same mud hole and just pick it up, wipe off the excess mud, make sure the barrel is clear, and you can actually shoot it.

For a service weapon I pick polymer, the Glock Model 20 in .10mm to be exact.

Best.

H

Answer 5

Depends on use and preference.

Polymer is lighter and works well if you will be carrying the firearm for long periods. Really good guns are made with polymer...HK, Glock.

If weight is not an issue and you're into an older style firearm...then look at steel. Again very good firearms are made of steel.

Have fun looking and be safe.

Answer 6

Individual preference; polymer is lighter and steel doesn't burn. I prefer steel but won't kick out of bed a couple of polymer framed models I have; especially a Taurus Millenium 45acp.

Answer 7

Both materials are good. Because steel is heavier you might feel a little less recoil. If you have to carry the gun all day a steel gun gets kind of heavy after a while.
So what kind of material to choose is very personal.
I, personally, prefer polymer, love my Ruger P345 in 45ACP.

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Answer 9

It depends on its primary function - target, home defense or carry. If you're carrying you want as light as possible, for target you want heavy because it will absorb recoil better.

Answer 10

Polymer because Gaston Glock says so and most police departments agree.