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Would you depend on a Bryco firearm? Could you, other than in a situation where you had no other choice?

There is a difference between the reality and the reputation that SNS type small autos have acquired. Their manufacturing and material standards are certainly much lower, and from some manufacturers perhaps the engineering and quality control is not what it might be, but are these pistols really so bad?

I disagree that SNS autos are disposable. I will agree that they will not withstand heavy, constant use nearly as well a steel firearm, but I do think that they will last fairly well under moderate usage, and with good care.

I purchased a JB Model 32 more than fifteen years ago. The black teflon finish looks horrible now, and has worn badly around the frame. The gun isn't pretty, but it is functional. I have practiced with this gun once a month since it was new, firing several magazines on each range excursion. I have put close to perhaps 750 rounds through this gun, and the only breakage I have ever had with it was a magazine, which split. There is certainly some loosening, but there have been no cracks or breakages to date. I paid $75 for this pistol, new.

Mechanically, the weak point with these pistols is in their primary construction, which is die and investment cast zinc alloy, often referred to as "pot metal" or "base metal". Zinc alloy granulates far more easily than steel does, and is considerably more brittle. Thus, it is more prone to crack or shatter than is steel, and must be thicker to provide enough strength to contain the pressures of firing a cartridge. This is the same reason that reinforcing bands were added around the breaches of cast cannon in the civil war.

The integral slide stop, cast into the frame is probably a likely candidate to develop cracks, especially if the pistol is abused by using heavy loads. Areas along the molding joins, and the areas of the slide just forward of the breachface where the metal is thinner are also areas that have to be watched for cracking, especially if you insist on using heavier loads.

Being aware of this, and using mild or light loads in your pistol will greatly extend it's service life. If you need more power from your gun, get a bigger gun. Don't hot load.

These pistols have other disadvantages: small sights that can't be adjusted, poor trigger feel, and generally a heavy pull, especially for a single action. A safety that only blocks the sear, and not the striker, mandating that the pistol, when being carried, must be carried hammer down on the empty chamber is another disadvantage, and the magazine release at the grip heel is not the fastest way to change magazines.

There are certainly far better pistols available. I would much rather carry the best firearm that I can afford if I have to go into harm's way. What I cannot find, however, is a reason not to carry a SNS, if available.

I purchased the M32 as something to put into the kit that I carried with me to dangerous places, as a backup, in case of emergency, that I wouldn't feel too upset about losing, or having the finish marred, that basically I wouldn't have to care too much about, and that would be small and light enough to carry easily. I wanted a bit more power than was available in a rimfire, and also centerfire reliability, and for this reason selected the .32 over .22 or .25.

The M32 has ridden in the cargo pocket of my BDU's in South America, a map case in Kuwait, and tucked into my protective mask carrier during the Los Angeles Riots in 1992... (was that really 18 years ago?) I was always very happy to know that it was there, and do not hesitate to carry it whenever it may be useful.

These are not the world's best firearms, but they are functional, and especially when well cared for, reliable. Training, and practice can make up for many of the deficiencies that the firearm itself may have. You can learn to rack the slide as you draw, you can buy mild loads and take other steps so as not to be too hard on your pistol. You can do the required maintenance and keep your pistol in good repair. If you do, you will find that these pistols will be reliable, and will serve you well. Like anything mechanical, they will eventually wear out, but with proper care, and safe judicious use the pistol may last as long as you do. With the proper attitude, training, and mindset, you will understand that any pistol is just a tool in your kit. Some people have Snap-On wrenches, and some have Stanley tools. Both will work. So will your pistol.

Personally, I never rely on any firearm. I rely instead on my ability to use the firearm that I have, my understanding of it's functions and the tactics that I have learned and practiced. You would preflight check an airplane before you flew it. Do the same with your pistol before you carry or shoot it, and you will never have to worry about whether or not you can depend on it: You will know that you can, whether it's a $60,000 Korth or a $60 Jennings/Bryco/Jimenez.