Monkeybear
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Why are there no polymer revolvers? If there were polymer revolvers who here would buy one?
polymer revolver
- Thread starter Monkeybear
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Nightcrawler
Member
Well, I don't think there's a need. The big idea behind polymer handguns was lower cost of production and lighter weight. Alloy revolvers are already so light that they can hardly be controlled (the 28oz .44 Magnum is the epitome of this).
Moreover, the revolver frame absorbs a lot more energy than the automatic's frame (I think). The revolver frame doesn't have the recoil spring to absorb energy. Would a polymer frame hold up to hot .357s? .44 Mags? The lockup between the cylinder and frame is extremely important. I don't think a metal-on-plastic lockup would be solid.
But above all that? Revolver shooters can be a traditional, sometimes crotchety bunch. I don't know that a polymer-framed revolver, even if practical, would sell all that well, especially since it likely wouldn't offer any practical advantage over current lightweight alloy designs.
Myself? I'm not a fan of polymer autopistols. I can't imagine liking a polymer revolver much more. I would like to see Glock introduce a revolver, though. Might make them a bit less insufferable. ;-)
Moreover, the revolver frame absorbs a lot more energy than the automatic's frame (I think). The revolver frame doesn't have the recoil spring to absorb energy. Would a polymer frame hold up to hot .357s? .44 Mags? The lockup between the cylinder and frame is extremely important. I don't think a metal-on-plastic lockup would be solid.
But above all that? Revolver shooters can be a traditional, sometimes crotchety bunch. I don't know that a polymer-framed revolver, even if practical, would sell all that well, especially since it likely wouldn't offer any practical advantage over current lightweight alloy designs.
Myself? I'm not a fan of polymer autopistols. I can't imagine liking a polymer revolver much more. I would like to see Glock introduce a revolver, though. Might make them a bit less insufferable. ;-)
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
Plastic revolver? You'll see one in my holster the day after it snows in Miami on Independence Day.
Humph!
"crotchety"?
Well ... *sputter* ... I never ...!
--
To the OP - I've shot a 12 oz .357 magnum before. Please don't make me try something lighter. (Even if you could keep it from going kaboom!
Edit - Hmmm - just looked it up, and a (polymer) Kel Tec P11 weighs 14 oz. That's 2 oz more than an S&W alloy J frame. One has to wonder what it is that plastic could possibly bring to that dance.
/j
Owen
Moderator Emeritus
The frame of a pistol has almost no stress on it. The frame on a revolver has to hold the cylinder and the barrel together under the forces of firing. I imagine that polymers are too stratchy to provide appropriate performance with a resonable amount of bulk.
It's going to be along time before you see an all polymer pistol slide for the same reason.
Now disposable polymer cylinders are a distinct possibilty...
It's going to be along time before you see an all polymer pistol slide for the same reason.
Now disposable polymer cylinders are a distinct possibilty...
SwampWolf
Member
Ugh! The very thought disgusts me. You'll be throwing snowballs in the proverbial hotplace before you'd catch me with a plastic revolver in my hands. What would they call it? A Glockvoler?
eastwood44mag
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I would probably die of embarassment if I owned a polymer revolver. Granted, I've come to want a polymer pistol, but that's a horse of a different color.
eastwood44mag
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Clint never saw an XD-45
James T Thomas
Member
twentyfirst century adjustment
If you like the synthetic knives, such as with the ceramic blades, then perhaps you would like a plastic revolver.
Part of my enjoyment of metal guns is the fact that they are made from steel.
Designed, machined, fitted, polished, blue or stainless, they are made by human craftsmanship. My age is revealed here, but I have an appreciation for what other skilled men can make.
Now, I have a full attic at my home, just brimming with plastic toys that were given to my sons. On every box is a claim that they were made rugged, to last, child tested, etc. Every one. Every one has either cracks or chips or some defect. Plastic is good for picnic spoons and the disposeable isle at the supermarket. I set out a bin full of plastic -recyclable trash each and every week, curbside at my home. Come to think of it, I don't even like aluminum
much.
Do you know who Gabby Hayes was? Sorry, but I suppose I'm becoming him.
If you like the synthetic knives, such as with the ceramic blades, then perhaps you would like a plastic revolver.
Part of my enjoyment of metal guns is the fact that they are made from steel.
Designed, machined, fitted, polished, blue or stainless, they are made by human craftsmanship. My age is revealed here, but I have an appreciation for what other skilled men can make.
Now, I have a full attic at my home, just brimming with plastic toys that were given to my sons. On every box is a claim that they were made rugged, to last, child tested, etc. Every one. Every one has either cracks or chips or some defect. Plastic is good for picnic spoons and the disposeable isle at the supermarket. I set out a bin full of plastic -recyclable trash each and every week, curbside at my home. Come to think of it, I don't even like aluminum
much.
Do you know who Gabby Hayes was? Sorry, but I suppose I'm becoming him.
Owen
Moderator Emeritus
Mr. Thomas,
I bet your plastic garbae cans are a lot more durable that your metal ones.
I bet your plastic garbae cans are a lot more durable that your metal ones.
mrmeval
Member
The most traditional knife you can get is also the sharpest knife that can be made. It's one done the old fashioned way. Obsidian has a monomolecular edge and flint can rival it. Those pesky neolithic technologists actually got something right.
Giolli Joker
Member
GunnySkox
Member
Woah! That revolver looks pretty cool.
I've always kind of had the hots for break-top revolvers, and I'm diggin' that new-production polymer one.
~GnSx
"I'm the most Swedish person I know."
"Do you know any Swedes?"
"No."
"Well, then I'm forced to agree with you."
I've always kind of had the hots for break-top revolvers, and I'm diggin' that new-production polymer one.
~GnSx
"I'm the most Swedish person I know."
"Do you know any Swedes?"
"No."
"Well, then I'm forced to agree with you."
mmmm, maybe
The thing I found particularly nice about shooting a plastic gun versus a metal gun is when I shoot in the winter. Plastic guns don't make your hands cold.
I did not think it would be an issue, but that plastic has an almost warm feel to your hand at 20 degrees, the metal guns....well, they don't. They feel like you just pulled them out of the freezer.
jeepmor
The thing I found particularly nice about shooting a plastic gun versus a metal gun is when I shoot in the winter. Plastic guns don't make your hands cold.
I did not think it would be an issue, but that plastic has an almost warm feel to your hand at 20 degrees, the metal guns....well, they don't. They feel like you just pulled them out of the freezer.
jeepmor
I don't even like polymer framed semi autos, I'd never consider a polymer revolver with so many light weight metal choices available. I just don't see an advantage.
I own several polymer pistols and wish they were alloy instead. The fact that I can't change grip panels to fit my personal taste without serious machining and customizing (been there, done that) is just one of a number of complaints I have against them.
Plastic doesn't make things better, it doesn't always make them worse either. It just makes them different.
I own several polymer pistols and wish they were alloy instead. The fact that I can't change grip panels to fit my personal taste without serious machining and customizing (been there, done that) is just one of a number of complaints I have against them.
Plastic doesn't make things better, it doesn't always make them worse either. It just makes them different.
What polymer DOES do is make pistols cheaper to manufacture. Plastic is CHEAP and injection molding is CHEAP. That's what's so cool about high-tech materials: they let us make strong complex shapes for cheap.
What polymer apparently does NOT do is make pistols cheaper for the consumer. We as buyers don't get to see the benefit of cheaper manufacturing.
THAT is why I am not itching to buy a polymer gun, when a metal one is clearly superior -- not because metal is necessarily better, but because I want to be able to change grips. And I want something that is chemically stable.
What polymer apparently does NOT do is make pistols cheaper for the consumer. We as buyers don't get to see the benefit of cheaper manufacturing.
THAT is why I am not itching to buy a polymer gun, when a metal one is clearly superior -- not because metal is necessarily better, but because I want to be able to change grips. And I want something that is chemically stable.
SwampWolf
Member
James T. Thomas: Yeah, I know who Gabby Hayes was. Used to watch him on some of the old oaters when I was growing up. Where I trout fish in Pa. (Potter County) on Kettle Creek, there's a tavern in the little town of Cross Forks that has a photo of him over the bar . Folks there tell me Gabby was from Cross Forks. In the oaters, he was always playing the role of "side kick". I wonder if Gabby would have cottoned to carrying a polywhatever Colt Peacemaker?
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