Metal frame pistol recommendations and discussion

C

Charlie_K

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Jul 16, 2012
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In the world of handguns, polymer-framed pistols have really grown by leaps and bounds in popularity and reliability. Now anytime someone asks about what sort of gun they should get, a Glock is always among recommendations.

But for the sake of a little fun, what would folks suggest for range use, defensive use, and other purposes, if polymer simply wasn't an option? What would be getting discussed if Glocks, Springfield XDs, Kel-Tecs, and various FN models simply didn't exist in this day and age? Where would we be with steel and aluminum framed handguns? What would be getting recommended, and what would be getting carried?
 
As a committed hater of plastic, I would NEVER suggest a Glock (or anything else of that ilk).

For the past twenty years, my pistol of choice has been either a S&W 4516 or 6906. S&W has more or less abandoned the Third Generation pistols in favor of the M&P series (spit!). So while the various and sundry springs for these models are still abundant, magazines and assorted action and control parts are no longer being made. If something breaks, you will be down hard with little recourse in sight.

Neglecting the 1911 pattern, that pretty much leaves SIG and CZ in the non-polymer role. I like them both but I think the SIG is more refined and I prefer their DA/SA with decocker system to either of the CZ options. I just wish they would stop putting those damned rails on everything....
 
I like CZ75 variants and the SIG P225A1.

And Ruger Six revolvers and S&W K-frames.
 
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CZ and Sig is king in that department. I think I'd have to say the CZ SP01 and even the base 75 would be a damn fine pistol to have if you could only have 1 and it had to have a metal frame.
 
A little old school but a CZ75 is a phenomenally good shooting gun and amazing value for money. Here is mine.........

IMG_0108.jpg
 
Here's a list

1911s
Sigs
CZs
Hi-Powers!
Ruger Mk series
Beretta
Kahr
North American Arms
Makrovs?
Remington R51...

The funny ones:
Hi Points...
Desert Eagles...

Various odd balls like Cobra's, Bersa's, others which are typically knock offs of older designs with expired patents.
 
Plastic models seem to be mostly striker-fired. Metal frame guns are older styles and are mostly single action or double action (DA/SA). I happen to like 1911s for range use and such. I also like the full size SIGs. I've never been interested in the High Power or the Beretta but I don't know that there is anything wrong with them. The older HK USP models are very good guns, just a bit big and chunky.
 
1911's for the 45 or nothing crowd, gamers love their CZ's and im a big fan of the Sig 226 and M11.

I also have 8K rounds on a sig 320 (plastic gun) but its a fantastic performer and great EDC.

More to your question, I think higher capacity 1911 style firearms in 9mm would be more popular if poly frames didnt exist. From 2011's down to the kimber solo.
 
If there were no polymer framed pistols I suspect we would see pretty much the same designs but with metal lowers. Likely still a lot of striker fired, double stack, 4-5" pistols. Firearms are one classic example of "what's old is new", most modern designs can be traced back to a mix of pre-existing designs being combined differently. I doubt you would see something like double stack 1911s taking over, it's a fairly unsupported feed system that requires a lot out of the magazines especially once you get into shorter cartridge cases.

Probably more wheel guns, and some Colt Hammerless designs.
 
EricV said:
If there were no polymer framed pistols I suspect we would see pretty much the same designs but with metal lowers. Likely still a lot of striker fired, double stack, 4-5" pistols.
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I've been wondering about that and whether or not I would like/prefer an all-metal SFA pistol. I think I would still choose DA/SA but at this time the question is moot.
 
rbmcmjr said:
I've been wondering about that and whether or not I would like/prefer an all-metal SFA pistol. I think I would still choose DA/SA but at this time the question is moot.
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Maybe so, but it's still something fun to consider, how today's technology might be different if one course of action never transpired.
 
Sigs, 1911s and Kahr are my go tos.
For whatever reason Berretas & CZs just don't do it for me.
 
I like everything!

If I had to narrow it down I'd go with a Wilson Combat 1911 if I was super rich, or a Sig Sauer P226 if I was only moderately wealthy.
 
Hello,

I EDC a 1911.

Next will be a Hi-Power.

I trained on Glocks and carried a Taurus 92 for years.

The 1911s are solutions to problems with both.

Regards,

Josh
 
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