Synthetic materials have been used in firearms manufacturing since the early 20th century. Franzite was one of the first plastic-like materials that replaced hard rubber, wood and ivory grips for a wide variety of handgun models. These materials were relatively inexpensive, durable and could be formed into nearly any shape, texture, style and eventually, color. The lack of aesthetic charm was counterbalanced by practicality. By the 1950s, firearms manufacturers began using similar “space-age” materials for rifle stocks, pistol grips and fore-ends. Most of us have heard about the cool reception the original M16 received from troops forced to trade in …read more

Related