Plastic vs Metal

*** Originally posted by steveuk ***




Why is it that so many model guns are made from ABS plastic?
If it is some kind of legal issue, then why are any metal guns available at all?

The only metal handguns I have spotted are the Dirty Harry Automag, the Broomhandle SchnellFeuer (QuickFire), and some revolvers. All the others are plastic, which is a crying shame!

However, the situation seems to improve a bit when it comes to SMG's and Assault Rifles. On the SMG front there are full metal Uzi's, Scorpions, Stens, MP40s, Thompsons, PPSH, MP44 etc etc.

I'm sure I'm not alone in prefering metal to plastic, particularly when you're spending several hundred pounds.

Also, why is no-one making modern arms such as the MP5?

If you dont mind wood and plastic, there's a prop company in the UK that does all sorts of weapons. e.g. http://www.relics.org.uk/po147.htm , try standing next to an airport with one of those and see what happens

*** Originally posted by mark ***

Quote :

Why is it that so many model guns are made from ABS plastic?
If it is some kind of legal issue, then why are any metal guns available at all?

SteveUK,

The main reason that the modelguns (Pistols/Revolvers are made from ABS/HW plastic is that Japanese law requires that modelguns that feature removable barrels cannot be manufactured out of metal. (usually non-weapons grade zinc alloys) Now, the all metal Marushin M725 Schnellfeuer pistol,AutoMag,etc. don't feature removable barrels.

The barrels have to be solid zinc with a piece of pointed carbide that is cast in the center of the barrel during casting to prevent drilling the barrel out to convert it. If you did try to drill the barrel, the drill bit would wander off and ruin the barrel. All of the all zinc modelguns must be identified as metal by gold plating or simply spray painting them gold. The rifles and submachineguns just don't fall into the same class as the easily concealed pistols/revolvers do in Japanese law so, they are treated differently. However, They do have some restrictions, such as as they cannot be manufactured out of pressed steel like the old MGC Sten MK3,MP40,Sterling etc.

As for the modern arms like the MP5, well, the problem is-airsoft-is "killing" the modelgun market off slowly and surely and most of the modelgun manufacturers are also producing airsoft guns that are more profitable than the modelguns. This leads to less newly re-leased models and more versions of the same gun. Although, the modelgun hobby is far from dead at this moment...

*** Originally posted by rizzo ***




Haw San also make the PPK/S and some revolvers.

*** Originally posted by mark ***

Quote :

Haw San also make the PPK/S and some revolvers.

That's probably now: Haw San also made the PPK/S and some revolvers. As John has noted that the sale of new Haw San all metal modelguns is banned in Taiwan. (to better protect the politicians obviously)

*** Originally posted by mark ***




Yes John, you can't have the politicians being worried about being shot for their actions so they banned the modelguns!