I have posted here on the site a couple/three times that Glock started the polymer movement.  I've made comments like "Glock knotted the rope that all others are now climbing", etc.  That's not the case and I want to correct those statements.

In this months issue of American Rifleman Magazine (Nov. 2009), pg. 40, a guy wrote in and called out Mark Keefe of American Rifleman Television for saying basically the same thing I have been saying...that Glock started the polymer movement.

As Mark Keefe points out in the article and that I'd like to point out, that's not true.  Glock didn't start the polymer movement, Heckler and Koch did with the H&K VP70 (9mm) pistol.  The HK VP70 came out in 1970, but the pistol didn't do well and wasn't readily accepted for the most part. 

Thirteen years later, in 1983, Glock introduced it's first polymer pistol and of course, we now know that nothing has been the same since. 

As Mark Keefe sums it up, he should have stated that Glock was the maker of the first "successful" polymer-framed pistol. 

I didn't know that and all along I have been saying that Glock started the polymer movement.  I stand corrected.

-Recoil

So, let me get this straight... you guys are saying that the XD is not the first polymer pistol? Is that what is being said?

Stag may not be milspec but 250 them just went to Fort Benning.

Hehe, crow aint' bad, but I'll not downplay a workhorse.  Like I've said before, they ain't pretty, but well, you know the rest about the poontang. 

Glocks aren't for everyone that's for sure.  They are no frills, no bells, no whistles, utilitarian tools.  They just simply work. 

Also, like I have said before, I wish sales would bottom out on them so I could afford to buy a safeload of them!  One day I'll buy one of them thar purty pistols, but until then, I'll take my Glock.

OK Glock, send me my endorsement check. 

Speaking of the HK, whatever happened to the P7? Are any departments or special military groups still using that little jewel? When a friend tried to sell me one, I tried it and reject the P7 for personal use. I guess the 1911 Colt mechanisms are just to ingrained in my system.

In May of 2001 we were getting off a bus in Saltzburg and a squad that looked like Jagdkommando, double-time by us. Each one was carrying a Glock and a Steyr Aug. Very cool. I've never fired an Aug, but it sure looks sexy. Anyone have any experience with the Steyr?

The H&K VP70 was a cool looking 9mm pistol with an impressive 18 rd Mag....It was being offered to the German Army who decided not to go for it, I handled and fired one and it's biggest draw back was a horrible DBL Action only trigger pull that was very heavy and long, Also it's not the lightest pistol even though it was polymer...... I could have picked one up dirt cheap once - Now they're a collectors item.

They also made a "Full Auto" version with a shoulder stock.

The P7 and P8 pistols are in a league of their own as a "Squeeze Cocker" that can be carried locked and loaded with no safety(Excellent concealed carry) - Saw my fair share of "Polizi" carrying them in the 80's.

To set the record straight the "FIRST" Plastic Firearm was Remington's Nylon 66 first manufactured in 1959.

Max... I'm with you brother, but I think they were talking trash about handguns.....

RockDoc, the P7 isn't completely dead... There are several agencies here in Az that still authorize it and one large one that issues it (Navajo Nation tribal police). The P7 was one of my favorite pistols and I regret selling both the versions I owned (P7M13 9mm and a P7M10 .40 S&W).

As for the Steyr AUG, they are getting scarce. They are not imported in the numbers that they once were, before the AWB ban. Before the ban you could find them pretty easy, but they are harder to find and more expensive now than ever. A US company has started making them on an "improved" patent, called the MSAR Stg 556 (Microtech Small Arms Research). I own one of the MSAR's and it is turning out to be a fine rifle for CQB.

-Tac

Yeah, we were talking about handguns.  I had made several comments about Glock being the first polymer pistol a few times on the site.  Hey, you'll never find me to be one that doesn't admit when I'm wrong.  I'll set the record straight if I am.

Madmax,

I see your point about the Remmy 66, but plastic and polymer are two different animals.

i love it when someone starts talking about how glocks can go through metal detectors. i laugh at them and some times i correct them others i just keep on laughing.

Cohen, Tell them you bet they didn't know they could shoot "ice bullets" too!  Totally untraceable!!!

That's cool....I kinda figured it was a "Handgun" conversation - Have any seen a stripped down Nylon 66 ???

The whole thing including the receiver is just a 1 piece molded nylon body that the bolt group and barrel sit in, Along with a few pins,screws and springs - That's it, What looks to be a metal receiver is just a dust cover.

I'm on board with the Glocks.....My G19 has been a daily carry piece for 13 years.