Smith & Beecham Prototype Polymer High Power

Published on June 12, 2019
Duration: 5:15

This entry details the disassembly of the Smith & Beecham Prototype Polymer High Power, a rare firearm experiment from South Africa. Expert analysis highlights its unique polymer frame with an internal steel skeleton, comparing it to the standard Browning High Power. The guide covers the basic disassembly steps, emphasizing the tight slide stop pin.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Beecham Prototype Polymer High Power, developed in South Africa in the mid-1980s, features a polymer frame with an internal steel skeleton. It weighs 808g (28.5 oz), a 10% reduction from the standard 900g High Power, but this was limited by the necessary steel reinforcement.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction
  2. 00:46Comparison to Standard High Power
  3. 01:11Weight Analysis
  4. 01:58Disassembly and Internal Frame
  5. 03:09Republic Arms Collaboration
  6. 04:53Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Smith & Beecham Prototype Polymer High Power?

The Smith & Beecham Prototype Polymer High Power is a rare experimental firearm developed in South Africa in the mid-1980s. It features a polymer frame with an internal steel skeleton, aiming to reduce weight compared to the traditional all-steel Browning High Power.

Why was the Smith & Beecham prototype's weight reduction minimal?

Despite using a polymer frame, the weight reduction of the Smith & Beecham prototype was only about 10% (92g) because a heavy-duty internal steel skeleton was required for structural integrity, adding back significant mass.

What was the collaboration between Smith & Beecham and Republic Arms?

Republic Arms attempted to use the Smith & Beecham polymer frame for a lighter version of their RAP 401 pistol. However, the South African police were not interested in the marginal weight savings, preventing mass production.

How does the Smith & Beecham prototype compare to a standard High Power?

The prototype's polymer frame is narrower than a standard High Power with wooden grips. While lighter, the standard High Power is noted to feel better in hand, and the prototype's weight savings are limited by its internal steel reinforcement.

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