Which frame material do you prefer on your semi's...Aluminum...Steel or Polymer ??

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vyper005

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I've had all three materials on past guns & each one has it's own special merits...Polymer is super light...very corrosion resistant but seems to kick more then the other two...Aluminum is rather light...soaks up most of the recoil but can scratch easily and sometimes even gouge...Steel is very heavy but kinda comforting...recoil is very minimal with steel...It can rust...but not if taken care of properly...I guess if I had to choose just one,it would be an all steel gun...It's just that solid feeling that gives me the warm fuzzies...Which do you guys prefer & why ?? Thanks...
 
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I prefer steel. My carry guns are all both stainless steel because I also like to shoot them frequently. I believe durablility and longevity is far superior in an all steel gun. I believe my carry guns could be in service by my children and my grandchildren. I don't have that same confidence about aluminum frames or polymers. Weight does not bother me. I prefer it's recoil dampening ability and it is of little consequence to me to carry it.

But, I still want to own a Glock sometime. ;)
 
I never really gave it a thought...

Each has its pluses and minuses, and I own guns made of all three. If a gun came out that was made of papier-mache, and was proven to be reliable and durable, I'd give it a whirl. ;)
 
I have a thing for stainless steel, because of its rust-resistant properties, and the fact that you can buff out scratches without a reblue.

I do like polymer for its absolute corrosion resistance, even when subjected to sweat and salt. Also, polymer tends to be a lot more tolerant of temperature variations than either steel or alloy. Polymer does not sweat when carried from the cold outside into a warm room.

So I guess it's stainless for looks, and polymer for practicality.
 
Alloys are sweet. An all-steel pistol just tugs at your hip constantly. Sigs, Rugers, the new CZ40, H&K USP's are all easy packin' pistols. A 38oz semi-auto in this day-n-age? Why?
 
For me

Steel too heavy

Alloy rings in my hand ater firing, had too many problems with frame rail gouging because of steel on alloy

Polymer, light, absorbs recoil better, better corrosion resistance
 
They all have benefits and drawbacks. Pick the right gun for the right application that you feel comfortable with and you will always win.

I think most would generally prefer steel as an all around material.

Shake
 
I think that nothing looks sweeter than a shiny stainless 1911.

However, the guns I would trust my life to (HK USP, GLOCK) are polymer/steel.

I think HK and Glock have proven that polymer-framed guns are every bit as reliable as the best all-steel gun.

I prefer all stainless for a target gun, something to keep shined up in the safe for paper punching. I prefer polymer guns for personal and home defense, and if I could carry (can't in CA) I would definitely carry a polymer framed gun. Lighter weight with zero chance of rust and every bit as reliable as steel? Packin' plastic, for me!
 
It really depends...:rolleyes:
I really like steel guns. Absorb recoil very well, have that feeling of substance and stability.:)
When I first started shopping for a carry gun, I went straight for the aluminum version of the gun I had grown accustomed to. Balance was different and the aluminum frame developed cracks w/ just a few thousand rounds.
Polymer....took me a while to jump on that band wagon. Now, I've got a few of them. Like the weight savings, the durability, reliability and expense (or minimizing of ;) ).
I still have my 1911's, but I have discovered USPs and really enjoy them :cool:
 
Guess I'm old-fashioned. No one will ever be able to convince me that plastic(especially)or aluminum can ever be as strong as steel.

Maybe I'll change my mind when 20 or so years have gone by and Glocks are still accurately/dependably popping off rounds after 100,000 like some of my old Colts.

If I (or anyone else) am still alive then,that is.
 
My preferences are Steel and Polymer, 1911's and Glocks. Its a tough call to pick one over the other. but I love 1911 steel frames and I just like Polymer glocks. but dont make me choose ;)

I think alloy belongs in only mag wheels and disposable guns.
no flaming me now, opinions are like @$$ ##(#$ every body has one.
 
The last four handguns I purchased have poly frames. KP95DAO, KP97DAO, KP95DC, and Glock 32. The next will have a poly frame also, just haven't figured out which one it will be.
 
Right now all of my handguns have either an Aluminum or polymer frame. However, I do insist that at least one of the listed materials be used when constructing the frame. :p
 
That is a tough choice. Everyone made the important points and I agree. All three will have their good and bad points. Of course, the polymer would be the most practical esp for duty carry being light, and most rust/environment resistant, and practically ergonomic and durable. The steel is a big NO for me unless it is stainless. Steel is heavy, but if stainless, will be very durable and rust resistant at the same time. And nice looking if I might add. Aluminum alloy frames do damage kind of easy, as far as scratches, but it does have a very nice feel to the shooter. It is light, yet has enough weight for balance and recoil reduction. To be honest, I couldn't pick just one. How bout one of each, hehe. It is more of a question of which gun type and brand, over frame material. My favorite are Sig and Hk, whatever frame is made of.
 
Steel (or stainless steel)

My preferences in order:

1. Steel (or stainless steel)....I like the extra weight (better balance and more recoil absorbing). I also like the looks of steel guns, and also the durability advantage they have over alloy guns. Since most of my shooting is target shooting, plinking, or competition; balance and heft are a must.


2. The two things I like about polymer guns is the light weight (for CCW), and more importantly the durability. Polymer framed pistols will match up to steel guns in durability. On the negative side, they are UGLY!


3. I Don't care for alloy framed pistols in general. I do love my two remaining Sig Sauers, but I would be much happier if they had steel frames. Alloy frames' long term durability is a question mark IMO. Additionally, they weigh more than polymer framed pistols (so some of the CCW benefits is lost); but, they weigh less than steel framed guns (the lighter weight affects balance negatively). One can make the argument that alloy framed pistols are a "compromise" in weight and handling, but I personally prefer having one or the other, not both at reduced levels.

Just MO.
 
Why is everyone saying that Aluminum Frame is bad? Isn't the SIG P226 made out of aluminum, and doesn't that gun absolutely ROCK?
 
I think that the material of the frame is secondary to how the gun handles overall. After all who of us wouldn't take a solid gold Raven if only to melt it down and sell? And, as has been said before, a perfectly functioning/reliable paper mache handgun would still find a plase in my safe too.

All of my handgun frames are either steel or polymer, so I guess those would be my preference. However, I would be perfectly willing to try an alloy frame - just haven't had the opportunity yet.
 
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