Smith & Beecham Prototype Polymer High Power

Published on June 12, 2019
Duration: 5:15

This entry details the Smith & Beecham Prototype Polymer High Power, an experimental firearm developed in South Africa in the mid-1980s. It explores the design's attempt to integrate a polymer frame with a steel skeleton, comparing its weight and ergonomics to the standard High Power. The entry also covers the limited production attempts and reasons for its failure to reach mass production.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Beecham Prototype Polymer High Power, developed in South Africa in the mid-1980s, aimed to reduce weight using a polymer frame. It weighed 808g (28.5 oz) compared to a standard High Power's 900g (31.7 oz), a 10% reduction. However, a heavy internal steel skeleton limited weight savings, and a lack of interest from the South African police prevented mass production.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction to Prototype Polymer High Power
  2. 00:46Comparison: Polymer vs. Standard High Power
  3. 01:11Weight Reduction Analysis
  4. 01:58Disassembly and Internal Frame
  5. 03:09Failed Production with Republic Arms
  6. 04:53Conclusion and Video Appreciation

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the Smith & Beecham Prototype Polymer High Power?

The Smith & Beecham Prototype Polymer High Power was an experimental project in South Africa during the mid-1980s to create a lighter version of the High Power pistol by utilizing a polymer frame. This was an attempt to innovate after their previous unsuccessful .380 pistol.

How much weight did the polymer frame save on the High Power prototype?

The polymer-framed prototype weighed 808g (28.5 oz), a reduction of 92g (3 oz) or about 10% compared to a standard High Power at 900g (31.7 oz). This modest weight saving was due to the necessary heavy-duty steel skeleton integrated into the polymer frame.

Why did the Smith & Beecham polymer High Power prototype fail to reach mass production?

Despite attempts by Republic Arms to integrate the polymer frame into their RAP 401 pistol, the South African police were not interested in the limited weight reduction offered. This lack of interest from a key potential buyer prevented mass production.

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