Polymer vs Steel frame...which do you prefer?

Polymer or Steel?

  • Polymer

    Votes: 36 26.3%

  • Steel

    Votes: 101 73.7%
  • Total voters
    137
  • Poll closed .
I have found I prefer steel, but I also know I am not averse to polymer.

I think it is an excellent material for guns and would have no qualms about getting another if the situation developed.

From a tactile point of view I like the feel and weight of steel. However, I think I'd go polymer rather than aluminium alloy, though.
 
Wait, how does steel "sit" much better in your hand? That sounds like you're talking about the shape of the grip/frame, not the material it's made from.
 
true

sorry...I should've said that it feels better not sits better...had a bad night's sleep last night. Time for a fifth coffee of the day!
 
It took me a loooooong time to like polymer handguns, but now I like them so much I don't own a steel framed pistol.
 
I voted polymer. To be fair, I have only fired one steel framed gun, and it was ill fitted to my hand, so the comparison is skewed. I own hand guns for the express purpose of concealed carry, though, and polymer is just plain lighter.
 
I'll not vote because my choice is not there. I have steel, polymer, Titanium and aluminum framed firearms. I like them for different reasons and they serve different purposes. To me, it is a useless debate as form and function are not constrained by only the choice of steel or polymer.
 
I like steel more but don't own a steel framed handgun. I have a p07 and p09 on the way. Previously owned a M&P and still have a glock. My next purchase will be a full size sp01 most likely.
 
Let's change that a bit to polymer, or metal.
For carry I prefer Tupperware, even in a wheelgun like my LCR
For just range shooting, and target shooting I do enjoy my metal guns. Blued steel, stainless steel, and light weight alloy.
 
I simply like the look/feel of a steel gun – think classic 1911. However, the reality is I generally carry either a polymer or aluminum framed gun.
 
I voted poly, because I really think it changed the game, but it really depends on the gun. My absolute favorite is probably aluminum (Beretta 92 and the Sig P-series guns) but my poly guns like my G19 are very comfortable as well, and extremely light for the capacity.
 
Steel.
I carry and have mostly revolvers.
But the semi's I have owned and still own are steel.
I did try a Ruger P345 for a while. It carried well, and functioned flawlessly.
But I ended up selling it to go back to steel. I tried, for two years, but couldn't get used to the felt flexing / twist in the grip when I fired it. I know it was miniscule, but I could feel it, and after while it bugged me to no end.
 
Canik Stingray - Steel, resides next to my bed.
Taurus PT111 G2 - Polymer - to be my CCW.

I could never carry the Stingray, simply too heavy to even consider. I shoot better with the Canik but have had it longer. The Taurus is new and needs a lot of work before I secure my CCW permit. I purchased it based on size and weight.
 
I think the reason some of you guys like steel framed guns is the way it balances in your hand. The gun feels more top heavy with polymer or aluminum frames unless you have a nice full mag weighing it down. The additional weight from steel framed guns helps tame recoil and muzzle flip. The polymer helps with recoil in its way by flexing slightly. Polymer has to be slightly thicker that metal though to have the strength.

With that said, I prefer polymer guns for carry due to the lighter weight and its ability to stand up to the elements (read sweat and salt). I have a couple of nice all steel guns, but those are range toys.
 
Steel guns are equal to or superior to polymer guns in most circumstances. The notable exception is for every day carry where polymer is so much lighter. But steel guns are so much easier to shoot well because of their recoil absorption and a variety of other factors. Plus steel guns are just plain prettier most of the time.
 
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Both, kinda

I voted steel. I am counting aluminum in there too. But I have a few polymer guns also, Ruger SR-22, Ruger mark 3 22/45. I have yet to find a striker fired gun that I like. I admit I am old fashioned. I like and prefer hammers, safeties, and at least the option of cocked and locked. Therefore I do have an EAA Witness poly 9mm. But I like my metal guns better. They look better IMHO. And I can change grip panels. (Looking at you 1911, and you too CZ-75:)). I carry steel or aluminum most of the time. They are heavier, but a good belt and holsters pretty much negates that problem for me. Live and let live, whatever works for you.
 
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