Polymers for Firearms

Engineering polymers and elastomers are the perfect solution for use in firearm components. They provide lightweight, high strength, high stiffness, dimensional stability and excellent chemical resistance to meet the most demanding requirements. There are a wide variety of different types of polymers that offer specific benefits, and these polymers can be easily modified to meet almost any performance requirement. Engineering polymers have been successfully used in firearm components for many years because of the many benefits they bring.

Why polymers for firearm components? Polymers can offer multiple advantages in firearm components including:

• High Dimensional Stability
• Excellent Chemical & Stress Cracking Resistance
• Excellent Fatigue Resistance
• Lower Overall System Costs
• Reduced Weight
• Improved Performance
• Design Freedom
• Product Differentiation
• Reduced Recoil
• Resistance to Moisture / Corrosion

Typical firearm components that can be produced from polymers are:

• Grips
• Magazines
• Butt Stocks
• Recoil Pads
• Handguards
• Trigger Guards
• Pistol Frames
• Lower Receivers
• Optic Mounts
• Picatinny Rails

Each of these applications have different requirements. Some need high strength or high stiffness; others may need vibration damping; others may need softness or a tactile feel, while others may need high dimensional stability or specific chemical resistance. Because of this, multiple polymer types are used depending on the specific needs of each component. Common polymer types used for firearm components are various types of nylons (nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon copolymers and specialty nylons), polyesters, acetals, polycarbonates, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethane, and high-performance polymers like polysulfone, PPS and PPA. Many of these polymers will be reinforced with glass fiber or carbon fiber for high strength and stiffness.

TABLE 1. Firearm Component & Polymer / Elastomer Types

Table 2. Common Firearm Components & Requirements