Plastic Components in Rifles
Question:
>I am considering a new rifle and have noticed several posts mention >that certain rifles have plastic components. My initial reaction is >that this is not what I would want. But is there really anything to be >concerned about? Is the plastic prone to fail? What should I steer >clear of? >NRA Lifer
From my experience, sometimes solvents will attack the plastic parts of the firearm. i.e. the plastic cap on the magazine follower of my Browning BPS. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
> I am considering a new rifle and have noticed several posts mention > that certain rifles have plastic components. My initial reaction is > that this is not what I would want. But is there really anything to be > concerned about? Is the plastic prone to fail? What should I steer > clear of? > NRA Lifer
Reputable manufacturer would have checked the plastic part for stability against weather and solvents which are the main enemies of plastics. As with any new product, failures unfortunately do not show up until several years in production, e.g. you take a chance in buying a new model car. Frank Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
My Remington 700 Has a plastic stock and I like it. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
> I am considering a new rifle and have noticed several posts mention > that certain rifles have plastic components. My initial reaction is > that this is not what I would want. But is there really anything to be > concerned about? Is the plastic prone to fail? What should I steer > clear of?
Alan, There’s plastic and then there’s plastic. Some of the synthetic polymers being used in firearms wear as well, or better, than steel (the Glock and the Steyr AUG come to mind). Some older plastic stocks frequently have cracks; perhaps ozone and UV have gotten to them over the decades. Some of the injection molded plastic stocks are too flexible, and some almost rubbery (Savage Scout and Remington Seven), for my taste. Whether the synthetic internal bolt guides in the Tikka or Remington 710 will wear out sooner or later than steel would it may be too soon to tell. It’s a personal thing, but most of my guns are made of blue steel and wear wood handles. Good hunting! Michael Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am considering a new rifle and have noticed several posts mention > that certain rifles have plastic components. My initial reaction is > that this is not what I would want. But is there really anything to be > concerned about? Is the plastic prone to fail? What should I steer > clear of? > Alan, There’s plastic and then there’s plastic. Some of the synthetic > polymers being used in firearms wear as well, or better, than steel (the > Glock and the Steyr AUG come to mind). Some older plastic stocks frequently > have cracks; perhaps ozone and UV have gotten to them over the decades. > Some of the injection molded plastic stocks are too flexible, and some > almost rubbery (Savage Scout and Remington Seven), for my taste. Whether > the synthetic internal bolt guides in the Tikka or Remington 710 will wear > out sooner or later than steel would it may be too soon to tell. It’s a > personal thing, but most of my guns are made of blue steel and wear wood > handles. Good hunting! Michael
I have 3 hunting rifles and the newest is a 1967 Steyr Manlicher (Schoenaur action) the other 2 are orriginal manlicher Schoenaur and the only thing’s that have been replaced on any of these rifles are the barrels. I also have a 222 Anchutz (forgive the spelling) and the magazine floor plate on this rifle was plastic, needless to say it broke when it was dropped and now has a galvanised piece of sheet steel as a floor plate. In my oppinion a synthetic stock is far more practical than a wooden one but plastic components in the rifle itself, youre welcome to them but please don’t give the rifle to me. I’ll stay with the old weapon’s that were made by craftsmen that took pride in their work not the mass produced excuses that are being made today. Plastic is for toys. Dan Hockly > Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: > http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
> I am considering a new rifle and have noticed several posts mention > that certain rifles have plastic components. My initial reaction is > that this is not what I would want. But is there really anything to be > concerned about? Is the plastic prone to fail? What should I steer > clear of? > NRA Lifer
When it comes to plastic in firearms, I look at it this way: if the plastic is there because it works better than anything else, it’s OK. But if it’s there simply because it’s cheap to manufacture, I’ll pass up that firearm. In the case of Glocks, nothing works better than the polymer frame. But I don’t like plastic trigger guards. For long guns, I like walnut and steel. > Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: > http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
