Quote Originally Posted by usabaker View Post
It has nothing to do with being 'set in ... ways' It is a matter of preference and having something that will stand the test of time, gain value and therefore provide an income when or if needed, and something that can be handed down from generation to generation. I'm sorry, but your plastic gun is good for now and that's about it. I still have the Remington Model 12 first rifle my grandfather gave me when I was a kid. He bought it new sometime in the 20's as a kid, my father used it for target and small game when he was a kid, I got it when I was 9 and was out shooting it every week until I joined the military at 17, it sat pretty much idle, being used only so often until I had my kids, it's gone through 5 kids now and is still running strong and still a tack drive near 97 years later. That rifle that my grandfather bought could not have paid more than $25.00 for it back then and it will fetch well over $400.00 now.

I wonder what a plastic mass-produce .22 rifle or pistol will look like, perform in 90 years, and be valued at? It's a shame we live in a throw-away society that's all but void of quality and craftsmanship.

Oh.. and I have handled and fired plenty of polymer handguns I may not have access to as many as you or as often but as a range office I am always offered the opportunity to try the latest "do dad" when at the range, and as I said have no use for them as I am no longer active duty military or in law enforcement.
Why do you think they won't stand the test of time? Polymer doesn't really degrade. The main components are steel (and better quality steel than any of the older firearms). So far I haven't seen anything in there which indicates they won't be around in 100 years. I have revolvers with plastic grips from the 1900s, and they are still fine despite the fact the quality of those plastics are much lower than modern ones. In terms of value steel framed pistols may or may not go up in value as time progresses, it all depends on what peoples preferences are. Sporterized rifles that were worth more than military rifles are now worth significantly less thanks to the interests of the buyers changing. Supply and demand.

That rifle your grandfather bought in roughly 1923 isn't worth as much as he paid based on inflation today. that 25$ then is worth about 647$ today.