"semi-poly" frames

simonrichter · October 22, 2020, 03:13 PM

there are metal frames (like classic 1911, Beretta 92 etc.) and polymer frames (like the Glock). Are there any pistols that sport a hybrid form, with the frame being part metal, part poly? (I'm well aware that eg. the Glock frame features metal slide rails or the Beretta 92 has plastic grips - that is NOT what I'm referring to...).

lee n. field · October 22, 2020, 03:37 PM

Quote:

there are metal frames (like classic 1911, Beretta 92 etc.) and polymer frames (like the Glock). Are there any pistols that sport a hybrid form, with the frame being part metal, part poly? (I'm well aware that eg. the Glock frame features metal slide rails or the Beretta 92 has plastic grips - that is NOT what I'm referring to...).

Taurus had something like that in their catalog for a while, but it never materialized.

---edit to add---

This here: https://www.iammo.com/taurus-dt-hybr...ll-description

Was in the catalog for a while, never made it to the US of A.

Bill DeShivs · October 22, 2020, 03:41 PM

Many, if not most of the polymer frames use steel rails for the slide.
ALL of them have a steel plate embedded with the serial number.

FrankenMauser · October 22, 2020, 03:42 PM

You decided to post in General Handgun, not semi-auto. So...

Ruger LCR.

**Aguila Blanca** · October 22, 2020, 03:57 PM

As far as I know, all "poly" handguns have not only steel (or alloy?) frame rails but also a steel (or alloy?) insert to contain the action. There are a couple of "polymer" 1911s on the market, and the scaled-down Browning 1911-380 is only available that way. There are also some polymer clones of the CZ-75 family.

simonrichter · October 22, 2020, 03:59 PM

i

Quote:

Join Date: April 7, 2006
Posts: 10,420
Many, if not most of the polymer frames use steel rails for the slide.
ALL of them have a steel plate embedded with the serial number.

as I said, that's not what I meant with "hybrid frame"

LCR, right, that makes sense...

cslinger · October 22, 2020, 04:08 PM

I believe both Sphinx and STI have something along those lines.

jmr40 · October 22, 2020, 05:53 PM

Quote:

As far as I know, all "poly" handguns have not only steel (or alloy?) frame rails but also a steel (or alloy?) insert to contain the action.

The Ruger P series guns with plastic frames had no metal in the frame other than the plate for the SN. P95, P97 and P345. Not sure about their current production guns.

dyl · October 22, 2020, 05:57 PM

I know of the Sphynx. Saw a comparison between that and the CZ-P07 (polymer grip, no metal) and they are strikingly similar looking from the outside. But the Sphynx had an MSRP of ~$1,200! for that money, they could have made the whole frame out of aluminum rather than part of it.

Onward Allusion · October 22, 2020, 09:25 PM

I don't know of any pistol that has that design where it's poly over a thinner steel frame. I do have a ATI Omni Hybrid AR Pistol that has that type of design. There's very little advantage over an all aluminum design. It's slightly lighter, that's about it.

FrankenMauser · October 22, 2020, 09:58 PM

Quote:

As far as I know, all "poly" handguns have not only steel (or alloy?) frame rails but also a steel (or alloy?) insert to contain the action.

Ruger P95s were a 100% polymer frame, except for the small serial number plate in the grip. Even the rails were/are polymer.
The fire control group is all located and reinforced with polymer. The parts are metal, but there is no metal "chassis" or 'frame' to hold the bits in place, like nearly all other plastic pistols.

Edit: I see that JMR40 hit it first.

10-96 · October 23, 2020, 12:26 AM

A new Sig P320 Legend(?) is supposed to have steel impregnated polymer frame, unless I read that wrong. And STI has, or had, a 1911 frame where the front portion from trigger guard forward, and the back half & clip well is polymer.

simonrichter · October 23, 2020, 09:41 AM

cool, thx for the input so far!

dyl · October 23, 2020, 10:23 AM

Quote:

A new Sig P320 Legend(?) is supposed to have steel impregnated polymer frame

I hadn't heard of the P320 Legend, but I do know Sig makes a P320 full size frame that has Tungsten mixed into the polymer frame. It makes the frame several times heavier (and more expensive), not necessarily stronger. It was to add weight, originally for shooting sports, and I suppose for those who really like the P320 but wish it was heavier for recoil management. I think they've released an all metal (don't know if it's aluminum or steel) grip module too.

hemiram · October 25, 2020, 05:36 AM

If you paid $1200 for the Sphinx SDP, you're paying way too much. Before the prices went crazy, you could get one for around $700 or so. I bought one recently, slightly used for $685. Really nice gun, BTW,

**Aguila Blanca** · October 25, 2020, 01:10 PM

Rock River Arms makes a "polymer" 1911 that has the entire action housed in a steel insert, with the surrounding bits of the frame made of polymer.

https://ezine.m1911.org/showthread.p...RA-1911-Review

Fuzzy memory says that some other 1911 maker (possibly Wilson Combat) did much the same thing a decade or more ago. And then there's the Browning 1911-380 Black Label, which I'm pretty certain is built the same way.

https://ezine.m1911.org//showthread....80-Black-Label

lee n. field · October 25, 2020, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aguila Blanca

Rock River Arms makes a "polymer" 1911 that has the entire action housed in a steel insert, with the surrounding bits of the frame made of polymer.

https://ezine.m1911.org/showthread.p...RA-1911-Review

Fuzzy memory says that some other 1911 maker (possibly Wilson Combat) did much the same thing a decade or more ago. And then there's the Browning 1911-380 Black Label, which I'm pretty certain is built the same way.

https://ezine.m1911.org//showthread....80-Black-Label

Bul, maybe? Or were they the source of the RRA guns?

jackstrawIII · October 26, 2020, 02:28 PM

I believe there's a gun in the Sphinx line that has a hybrid aluminum and poly frame.

MillCreek · October 27, 2020, 12:27 AM

The Taurus Poly Protector revolvers have a stainless steel frame over-molded with polymer.

**Aguila Blanca** · October 27, 2020, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee n. field

Bul, maybe? Or were they the source of the RRA guns?

I believe BUL was the source manufacturer of the earlier one (which I'm fairly certain was sold by Wilson Combat), but I don't think they are the source for the RRA version. I can't find any photos of it showing the complete right side in any detail, but I believe RRA says their poly pistol is made in the USA.

The earlier Wilson Combat poly 1911 was, IIRC, a sort of one-and-a-half stack configuration. The RRA uses standard 1911 single stack magazines.

Forte S+W · October 27, 2020, 11:05 AM

Technically, a lot of frames are hybrid frames these days due to the implementation of metal chasis within the polymer frame to extend their life and reduce flexing.

The Smith & Wesson M&P Series and Ruger LC Series for example have such metal chasis imbedded in the polymer frames.

Jim Watson · October 27, 2020, 11:08 AM

Wilson had two different plastic 1911 mutants.
The KZ series and the Spec Ops 9.
Wilson still carries KZ9 and Spec Ops 9 magazines but if you have a KZ45 you may be out of luck.

FrankenMauser · October 27, 2020, 06:14 PM

Quote:

The Smith & Wesson M&P Series and Ruger LC Series for example have such metal chasis imbedded in the polymer frames.

They're pinned in, not embedded.

**Aguila Blanca** · October 27, 2020, 08:11 PM

It was the KZ-45 I was thinking of.

https://www.handgunsmag.com/editoria..._032807/138813

Big Shrek · November 23, 2020, 02:02 AM

I think the very first hybrid pistol was the Star Ultrastar model 205.
Has an unusual metal skeleton frame wrapped in polymer.
Also has one of the most interesting slides I've ever had.

Both the 9mm & 40 versions are a true joy to shoot.

October 22, 2020, 03:13 PM	#1
simonrichter Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2011 Location: Austria Posts: 771	"semi-poly" frames there are metal frames (like classic 1911, Beretta 92 etc.) and polymer frames (like the Glock). Are there any pistols that sport a hybrid form, with the frame being part metal, part poly? (I'm well aware that eg. the Glock frame features metal slide rails or the Beretta 92 has plastic grips - that is NOT what I'm referring to...). __________________ "Get off of my lawn!" Walt Kowalski . ISSC PAR .223

October 22, 2020, 03:41 PM	#3
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 11,108	Many, if not most of the polymer frames use steel rails for the slide. ALL of them have a steel plate embedded with the serial number. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

October 22, 2020, 03:42 PM	#4
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 26, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,776	You decided to post in General Handgun, not semi-auto. So... Ruger LCR. __________________ -Unwilling Range Officer -Unwilling Match Designer -NRL22/PRS22/PRO -Something about broccoli and carrots

October 22, 2020, 03:57 PM	#5
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 19,051	As far as I know, all "poly" handguns have not only steel (or alloy?) frame rails but also a steel (or alloy?) insert to contain the action. There are a couple of "polymer" 1911s on the market, and the scaled-down Browning 1911-380 is only available that way. There are also some polymer clones of the CZ-75 family. __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

October 22, 2020, 04:08 PM	#7
cslinger Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 2,049	I believe both Sphinx and STI have something along those lines. __________________ "Is there anyway I can write my local gun store off on my taxes as dependents?"

October 22, 2020, 05:57 PM	#9
dyl Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,310	I know of the Sphynx. Saw a comparison between that and the CZ-P07 (polymer grip, no metal) and they are strikingly similar looking from the outside. But the Sphynx had an MSRP of ~$1,200! for that money, they could have made the whole frame out of aluminum rather than part of it.

October 22, 2020, 09:25 PM	#10
Onward Allusion Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Back in a Non-Free State Posts: 3,133	I don't know of any pistol that has that design where it's poly over a thinner steel frame. I do have a ATI Omni Hybrid AR Pistol that has that type of design. There's very little advantage over an all aluminum design. It's slightly lighter, that's about it. __________________ Simple as ABC . . . Always Be Carrying

October 23, 2020, 12:26 AM	#12
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,190	A new Sig P320 Legend(?) is supposed to have steel impregnated polymer frame, unless I read that wrong. And STI has, or had, a 1911 frame where the front portion from trigger guard forward, and the back half & clip well is polymer. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

October 23, 2020, 09:41 AM	#13
simonrichter Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2011 Location: Austria Posts: 771	cool, thx for the input so far! __________________ "Get off of my lawn!" Walt Kowalski . ISSC PAR .223

October 25, 2020, 05:36 AM	#15
hemiram Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2005 Location: Toledo, ohio Posts: 762	If you paid $1200 for the Sphinx SDP, you're paying way too much. Before the prices went crazy, you could get one for around $700 or so. I bought one recently, slightly used for $685. Really nice gun, BTW,

October 25, 2020, 01:10 PM	#16
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 19,051	Rock River Arms makes a "polymer" 1911 that has the entire action housed in a steel insert, with the surrounding bits of the frame made of polymer. https://ezine.m1911.org/showthread.p...RA-1911-Review Fuzzy memory says that some other 1911 maker (possibly Wilson Combat) did much the same thing a decade or more ago. And then there's the Browning 1911-380 Black Label, which I'm pretty certain is built the same way. https://ezine.m1911.org//showthread....80-Black-Label __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

October 26, 2020, 02:28 PM	#18
jackstrawIII Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2016 Location: Upstate NY. Posts: 912	I believe there's a gun in the Sphinx line that has a hybrid aluminum and poly frame. __________________ In God we trust.

October 27, 2020, 12:27 AM	#19
MillCreek Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2004 Location: Snohomish County, Washington USA Posts: 326	The Taurus Poly Protector revolvers have a stainless steel frame over-molded with polymer. __________________ Regards, MillCreek Snohomish County, Washington USA

October 27, 2020, 11:05 AM	#21
Forte S+W Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2019 Posts: 822	Technically, a lot of frames are hybrid frames these days due to the implementation of metal chasis within the polymer frame to extend their life and reduce flexing. The Smith & Wesson M&P Series and Ruger LC Series for example have such metal chasis imbedded in the polymer frames. __________________ Conspiracy theorists are the greatest political spin-doctors of all time. Only they can make the absolute worst political blunders sound like spectacular feats of ingenuity.

October 27, 2020, 11:08 AM	#22
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 19,186	Wilson had two different plastic 1911 mutants. The KZ series and the Spec Ops 9. Wilson still carries KZ9 and Spec Ops 9 magazines but if you have a KZ45 you may be out of luck.

October 27, 2020, 08:11 PM	#24
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 19,051	It was the KZ-45 I was thinking of. https://www.handgunsmag.com/editoria..._032807/138813 __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

November 23, 2020, 02:02 AM	#25
Big Shrek Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: NorthWest Florida Posts: 1,358	I think the very first hybrid pistol was the Star Ultrastar model 205. Has an unusual metal skeleton frame wrapped in polymer. Also has one of the most interesting slides I've ever had. Both the 9mm & 40 versions are a true joy to shoot.