Why are there no poly-framed super-compact semiautos

In reference to pistols with barrels shorter than 4.25", Baer commented: "Its just too hard to get those small guns to run 100 percent. Some people can come close, but close isn't good enough for me."

While I can see that for the 1911, I've owned a number of subcompacts with barrels shorter than that and were reliable. M&P 9c, Glock 26, P2000sk, and probably some I'm forgetting.
 
"If you mean .22s and .25s specifically, it's probably a matter of there not being much demand.

There are some small, polymer-framed .380s. "

Exactly. Given how easy it is to carry one of the small .380s, like the LCP, why would you want a .32 or less? There are even some 9's approaching that size.
 
While I can see that for the 1911, I've owned a number of subcompacts with barrels shorter than that and were reliable. M&P 9c, Glock 26, P2000sk, and probably some I'm forgetting.
His business isn't limited to only 1911s, but you are correct that his focus is probably some what narrower than most.

I didn't intend for the quote to be viewed as proof that a pistol with a barrel under 4.25" can't be reliable. I quoted it as supporting evidence that pistol reliability tends to be reduced when the gun size/weight is reduced.

Is 4.25" the lower barrel length limit for a reliable pistol? Nope, I carry a CW9/P9 which has a barrel length of 3.6" and clearly I believe it's reliable or I wouldn't carry it. But I do realize that its small size and light weight means it likely won't be as tolerant of ammo variations or poor shooting grip as a larger, heavier gun would be.
 
I cannot imagine needing anything smaller or lighter than an LCP in .380 ACP. It has the minimum cartridge size that I would ever want for self defense, and with a weight of around 10oz, it does not sag my jeans or shorts. With just enough polymer grip to hold onto, and a slide just long enough to accurately aim, what more (or less) could I ask for?

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Why? My Ruger lcp weighs the same as the Baby Browning clone it replaced. The Kel Tec .32 is even lighter.
 
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