Polymer frame question

[JNG]

Lately, I've seen and handled a lot of pistols designed with a polymer frame w/steel inserts for the slide rails. The FNP-45, Kimber Ten II, Ruger SR-9--all designed this way (I'm sure there are many others, these are just the ones I've handled).

Does anyone know how these designs stand up to heavy use? What kind of round count (assuming normal factory loads, not +p) can a gun with this design endure before the frame cracks, as compared to a steel or aluminum frame?

 

[jdhaines]

Glocks have this same design and they have been proven to stand the test of wear and tear. From a purely material standpoint, polymers will be much more resistant to cracking than steel or aluminum when it is designed to handle the stresses. Aluminum and steel are subject to fatigue stresses where polymers are very elastic. If whatever you do to a polymer frame doesn't break it, it essentially didn't hurt it. I would assume the pistols you mention were designed correctly and therefore should be as reliable as any other pistol.

 

[BIG TIM]

I believe the weak point you will find in some polymer frame pistols that have steel rails is that point where the manufacturer joins the steel rail to the polymer frame. I have read where some owners after a certain period of time find these rails separating from the frame. It is definately the first thing to check when buying a used pistol. I think as a general rule most manufacturers will repair/replace the problem when contacted and asked to do so.

 

[AFA1CY]

I am sure the police departments (Glock G-22) shoot much more then you or I ever will.

 

[punker39]

xd

well i have an xd tactical and have put 2000 rounds through it in the past few years and have not noticed any problems with the rails to frame mount i have even taken the whole gun apart not noticed any extra movement in the fit up

 

[HandK]

When the FBI did there test on the Glock they shot a total of 33000 rounds thru one with no malfuctions and no trouble with frame cracks or anything like that, I you stop and think about it the polymer allows for more give in the frame than a steel frame or aluminum, the steel or aluminum will crack under the same stress before a matrial that is ment to bend will,

 

[cosermann]

Based on recent history (circa 1982 to present) I expect a well made polymer gun to last as long as a similar steel or aluminum framed gun.

 

[indykid]

When Ruger first came out with the P95, an all polymer frame with no steel inserts, a magazine did a 20,000 plus round torture test on it. They measured the pistol before starting and after the shooting was done, they remeasured it and found no measurable wear. With all the lawyers around these days, be sure that manufactures over test their stuff before selling.

The Ruger test sold me, and my P95 is almost always my constant companion. With several thousand through mine, it has been accurate, flawless, and still looks new.

Properly done polymer is amazing!