07-29-2011, 04:18 PM
I remember when polymer handguns came out and NO ONE thought they would last, either.
Can they break, yes. But I've seen regular lowers be out of spec, lose retention pins, etc. too. I've seen the threads work loose on buffer tubes and become stripped.
Polymer lowers are just an extension of the polymer handguns and the fiberglass/polymer/carbonfiber revolution we see with bolt guns as well. There are a lot of "plastic fantastic" bolt gun stocks out there, and they seem to be fine.
The AR is a little weird in that the trigger group is located by pins passing through the lower, but similar setups on pistols are fine.
If you accept the inherent advantages (light weight, price, etc.) and understand potential problems and monitor them, I think it would be an interesting experiment.
The vast majority of Glocks sold in the last 30 years are STILL serviceable, polymer can't be too bad!!
Can they break, yes. But I've seen regular lowers be out of spec, lose retention pins, etc. too. I've seen the threads work loose on buffer tubes and become stripped.
Polymer lowers are just an extension of the polymer handguns and the fiberglass/polymer/carbonfiber revolution we see with bolt guns as well. There are a lot of "plastic fantastic" bolt gun stocks out there, and they seem to be fine.
The AR is a little weird in that the trigger group is located by pins passing through the lower, but similar setups on pistols are fine.
If you accept the inherent advantages (light weight, price, etc.) and understand potential problems and monitor them, I think it would be an interesting experiment.
The vast majority of Glocks sold in the last 30 years are STILL serviceable, polymer can't be too bad!!
You seek escape from pain. We seek the achievement of happiness. You exist for the sake of avoiding punishment. We exist for the sake of earning rewards. Threats will not make us function; fear is not our incentive. It is not death that we wish to avoid, but life that we wish to live. - John Galt