Ruger revolver lifespan

tightgroup tiger said:

I don't think Rugers barrels are any good. My SP101 doesnt' have 1000 rounds through it and it starting to burn on the inside edge already.
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Nonsense. I have had .454s with many thousands of full-tilt rounds through them and the barrels were fine. The .454 at 65,000 psi is one of the most abusive rounds in existence.

That said, and not relevant to this discussion, at least Ruger never fitted locks on their revolvers like S&W. I still have trouble getting past that.

I have had .454s with many thousands of full-tilt rounds through them and the barrels were fine.

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I have a GP100 .357 mag with a burned up forcing cone face and an SP101 in .327FM that is starting to burn off the face now. The GP is only about 3 years old. The SP 101 is about 5years old but doesn't even have a thousand rounds through it.

Maybe they use better steel in the high pressure guns like 454 Casull barrels than they do in the lower pressure guns. I don't know.

My GP100 started out looking like lead splatter so I took a tooth brush to it with bore cleaner and that was what I found.

I doubt many people clean off their forcing cones and look at them.

My old 3 screw Blackhawk in.357mag, in fact all my vintage guns look fine.

I'll call Ruger on the GP100 to see if they will replace the barrel on it.

Unless you have deep pockets, lots of time and no arthritis in your hands you are highly unlikely to live long enough to wear out a Ruger revolver.

I had a new 4" GP100 357 mag I shot about 1500 rounds through, mostly 158 grain Perfecta(Fiocchi) 357 mag and the rest factory 38 spl target loads. I noticed excessive wear on the forcing cone and contacted Ruger CS. They re-barreled and re-blued the gun no charge. After getting it back and shooting 800-900 rounds I can see the wear starting again but not too bad. I've got a 5" GP100 that has at least 2000 rounds of 357 Perfecta and target 38 spl that shows no sign of wear on the cone. So they don't all leave the factory exactly the same and some will wear out sooner than others. I'm very happy with both my GP100s and SP101 plus I know if I do wear them out Ruger will repair them cheap or NC.

Mr. Mosin said:

*Theoretically* if one was to purchase a GP100 or SP101, and run only full house .357 Magnums through said gun, how many rounds would it take before the gun was just... worn out ?

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I think you should find out.

Step 1: Buy one.
Step 2: Buy ammo.
Step 3: Record how much you shoot at each session.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3, til you break it.
Step 5: You broke it.
Step 6: Let us know how many rounds it took.
Step 7: Give Ruger a call so they can replace it.

I'm guessing you won't get to step 5. But you should definitely do 1 thru 4.

As far as double action Rugers go I've had a Redhawk .45 LC for about 20 years, but I have a S&W .38spl that was made in 1902 and still shoots fine.

I think that if you buy quality and treat your guns well they should outlast you AND your kid.

If you’re asking the question...never.

My single 6 has been a champ 500,000 rounds at least through it, and it still shoots amazingly.

All 3 of my centerfire rugers have had issues. Never again. Contenders and 1911s from here on out for me.

tightgroup tiger said:

I have a GP100 .357 mag with a burned up forcing cone face and an SP101 in .327FM that is starting to burn off the face now. The GP is only about 3 years old. The SP 101 is about 5years old but doesn't even have a thousand rounds through it.

Maybe they use better steel in the high pressure guns like 454 Casull barrels than they do in the lower pressure guns. I don't know.

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Correct. The .454 cylinders and barrels are made of much tougher steel than that used on other Rugers.

My brother could break it. He could break a bowling ball.

It’s going to take a hell of a lot to wear one out.

And they’re cheap enough to replace. Better yet, buy two now and live content for the rest of your days.

I wish your grandchildren luck in accomplishing your goal.