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Looking at the sea of polymer-framed handguns on the market (SIG, Ruger, S&W, Glock, etc.), does everyone use essentially the same type/grade of polymer for their frames or is there a variety of polymers for this application?
 
Posts: 293 | Registered: July 10, 2018Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Firearms Enthusiast
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No idea but several years ago the FN had issues with theirs going all soft and deforming around the magwells.

I sold mine after owning it a short while for other reasons.

All the other polymer guns I own seem to be hard and hold shape without issues.
 
Posts: 18686 | Location: DFW | Registered: December 26, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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"Glass-filled nylon" in all their proprietary composition seem to be the go-to.

I asked AI about the SP2022:

The SIG Sauer SP2022 features a frame molded from a high-durability, fiberglass-reinforced polymer composite.Like most high-end polymer-framed firearms, the underlying material is a specialized formulation of Polyamide (Nylon)—specifically engineered for chemical resistance, structural rigidity, and temperature tolerance.Key Characteristics of the SP2022's PolymerFiberglass Reinforcement: SIG Sauer infuses glass fibers directly into the polymer. This stops the frame from flexing (or "oil-canning") under heavy recoil and prevents the material from becoming brittle over time.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SigSentry,
 
Posts: 3899 | Registered: May 30, 2011Reply With QuoteReport This Post
E tan e epi tas
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At a base level yes but each one uses a “special blend” if you will. Glocks polymer is absolutely different than HKs for example.

Why and what are the differences? I dunno I’m neither in the know nor am I a materials engineer so I probably wouldn’t understand it anyway.

All I know is I have damn near 30 year old polymer pistols that are as good as the day I bought them and that’s good enough for me.


Take Care, Shoot Safe,
Chris
 
Posts: 8658 | Location: On the water | Registered: July 25, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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KelTec and S&W use Zytel (or at least they used to) just like Spyderco and Cold Steel do for knife handles/scales. However, Zytel is a brand name in and of itself - the company has a few different formulations of glass-filled nylon, all branded Zytel.

So I agree with those who posted above me. Glass-filled nylon is what they're all made of, but many have an exclusive formulation and/or supplier.
 
Posts: 795 | Registered: April 14, 2018Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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