HoosierHunter

Reading another thread last night got me to thinking. The thread was about a member putting his 27000th round through a .22 pistol of his and the malfunctions/replaced parts along the way. So here's my question: How many rounds do most shooters put through a particular firearm? Do you just shoot it until it starts breaking? And what do you do with firearms that are "past their prime?"

303lithgow

I have a 10/22 with more than 100,000 rounds through it and it still shoots fine. I've never worn out a gun before but have replaced extractors and springs. I"ve never shot out a barrel.

BuckJM53

HH ... since I was the author of the particular thread in question, my thoughts (for what they are worth) are as follows:

1. At least for me, the round count varies based on purpose. My firearms range from 200 (brand new CZ 2075 RAMI 9mm) to nearly 64,000 rounds on my MKIII512 and pretty much everything in between (I have quite a few in the 5,000 to 10,000 round range and don't believe in safe queens).
   
2. While I've sold and traded a number of firearms over the years, I've yet to retire one from service due to age or condition with the exception of my original CZ 2075 RAMI that was recently replaced by CZ due to a non-repairable bulge in the grip frame (at only 2,500 rounds). I honestly expected that the GSG 1911-22 would be the first one that I actually wore out, but realistically, as long as replacement parts remain available and I can shoot it safely, I'm likely to fix it up and keep it going.

Captains1911

Totally depends on the firearm. For my defensive handguns, I routinely replace recoil springs and guide rods, and mag springs as preventative maintenance after a specific number of rounds. Same with extractor springs and inserts, bolts, and buffer springs on my ARs. For all other guns I don't do any parts replacements unless a problem arises.

bwinters

I have a marlin model 39 in 22 lr that i purchased used and was 20 plus years lod and I have gone thru over 20k rounds thru it.

opos

Please, Please....in the name of safety for all concerned please make arrangements to send me any guns that have passed 5000 rounds total...better to get them out of the hands of someone that might be injured with an old and feeble weapon and store them with me...an old and feeble weapon storer....

moakes58

I had a 1981 Ruger Standard with 25,000+ rounds through it with all original parts except the magazine & a few months back I started having trouble & sent it to Ruger. The barrel was cracked & I had them scrap it & they gave me an SR22p at a "very special price".

I also had a Glock 17(Gen 2,1990) with over 20,000 rounds & all original parts. I finally replaced the recoil spring out of guilt & after getting the SR9c, sold it to my son who had wanted it for a while. I always cleaned my guns well, but I was not a fanatic about it. Guess I'm lucky!

Tater

I've heard of some rifles with MV in the neighborhood of 4,000'/sec. can wear out a barrel.

41 Magnum

I quit counting many years ago, & do have countless thousands of rounds thru most of my guns, & only a few problems ever W/ a couple of my S&W's.

computerdynamics

Do you guys feel the same about the LCP? I've been cautioned that I shoot it too much, about 3,000+ rounds so far. I've replaced the guide rod, recoil springs, and take down pin, all of which really didn't look that bad? And no opos you're not getting it, you gun hoarder, you.... ; )
Tony

fungun

I don't replace anything until it gives me trouble, which has only been the case on brand new guns so far. I haven't kept any count but I've got a 10-22 thats around 25 yrs old and has seen at least 20k rounds and no problems. Other peoples mileage may vary. My general rule is I do my part and keep clean and take good care and they take care of me

packnpaddle

My friend and I have had MK II's forever it seems. I know I have over 10k through mine and he knows (and I don't doubt him because he shoots it all the time and has had his for a lot longer than mine) that he has at least 40k through his. He is contemplating getting a new barrel on his, not because of performance, just.......because he can.

ThreeScrew

That's going to vary tremendously by gun/cartridge/load and ammunition. Most .22 lrs shooting modern, non--corrosive ammo are just about indestructible given decent care.

I've read reports of MKIs sold to govts of poor nations consuming over 4,000,000 and still going strong. Also range-rental Security Sixes over the 1,000,000 round mark.

High-velocity/high-intensity cartridges are another story, as someone noted earlier. Higher velocity + jacketed bullets = more friction and more hot gasses. Rapid-firing can ruin a barrel in seconds, which is why all modern machine guns (not machine pistols) allow for rapid barrel replacement and sometimes headspace adjustment.

I think Chuck Yeager who once commented that firing more than a 3-second burst from the 6 - 50 calibers on a P51 Mustang would shoot out rifling.

computerdynamics

Interesting comment about rapid fire ruining the barrel quickly. I shoot my 10-22 just about rapid fire only? How would I know if the barrel is ruined/shot out? It is very accurate and I've put a few thousand through her, almost all 25 at a time rapid fire. I average at least 250 in an hour at the range. I have all travel out of the trigger and it's lightning quick. I wonder if Ruger covers a shot out barrel?
Tony

Grampie not Grumpie

Rugers are like the proverbial "axe". It has worn out two heads and three handles but is still good as new! :>)

Grampie not Grumpie,