It seems like most Replica Airguns collectors are looking for their Replica Airguns to be made out of metal. I even get people complaining about the frames of their airguns being made out plastic (polymer), when in fact the real steel version the gun is designed to replicate also has a plastic or polymer frame.
Most modern real guns are made as light weight and compact as possible, utilizing high grade plastics (polymer) and light weight metals. Of course they use high grade hardened steel in areas where the gun receives the most pressure and continuous wear and tear.
In the real steel gun world, lighter is often better since carrying around a 3 pound pistol all day can be uncomfortable. On the other hand in the Replica Gun world it can be the other way around as replica airgun collectors want that heavy clanky gun that feels solid and real in the hand.
Read full article here:
https://www.replicaairguns.com/2014/2/28/what-is-better-plastic-or-metal-replica-airguns.html