Need 2 autoloaders to last a lifetime....

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Davo

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The Governator (Arnold) has just signed into law a requireing a microstamping device on all new autoloaders.
I will be making a few purchases soon...Im wanting a pair of firearms that will last me a lifetime if needed, and be capable of easy repair. Im averaging<500 rds per year/per gun. I would prefer to not have a gun that eventually wears out in a non-repairable or expensive area like the reciever.
As of now I have a Makarov, and a Ruger 22/45.
Im thinking of purchasing a 1911, since I like the caliber and the gun. With moderate use and cleaning will this gun last me 50 years?
Im also wanting a "plinking" gun, probably a polymer framed gun. Im eyeballing the glock and XD series, in 9mm since that will help a bit with ammo costs. Will these last me 50 years?
What would you purchase and why?
 
The only problem is that no one knows what will happen to polymer after 50 years. Sunlight and temp changes take their toll on everything.

Eventually everything breaks. It's a wise endeavor to find something that repairs easily.
 
There are a few proven designs that have already laster 70+ years. Browning HP, Colt 1911. Plus lot of parts (including firing pins).
 
I'd purchase a 1911 from a reputable manufacturer. As an armorer in the Marine Corps during the early '90s, we phased out Colt 1911's that had been in service since WWII. 50 years and they still worked. Don't skimp, buy something that will last your lifetime.

For a plinker, try a Glock 19. Cheap, plentiful, and easy to repair on your own. Even if the polymer degrades you can get it replaced fairly easily.

Although, to be honest, moving to a different state wouldn't be a bad idea, either.
 
Real Makarovs, not the other pistols that shoot the same caliber.
Just 27 parts and very easy to fully disassemble and reassemble.
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to be honest, moving to a different state wouldn't be a bad idea, either.
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That would be my vote as well. Come to Texas, where you can have pretty much any gun you can afford.
"...there's a girl in her bare feet asleep on the back seat, and the trunk's full of Shiner Bock and Lone Star...."
 
What is considered the "firearm" on a glock? If its the slide I can swap out the polymer lower later on.
Im not planning on moving at least for the next 3-4 years, until im done with school.
 
The plastic frame is the functional part. Typically, in a handgun, it the part where the serial number is stamped.
 
The only problem is that no one knows what will happen to polymer after 50 years.
Click to expand...
NO ONE KNOWS???

Gee, you'd figure that someone would have done some accelerated aging tests on polymers given that so many important items are made from polymer these days... :rolleyes:
 
The SIG P220ST or any of their ST framed guns are built hell for stout. Any high end 1911 will treat you right. How about a CZ or a Ruger if you are on a budget.
 
Get a Colt 1911 new manufacture Series 70. Stainless would be nice. And a cigarbox full of small parts which are readily available.

Get a Ruger Standard Pistol. I cannot imagine anything breaking on those guns, but after 55 years of manufacture parts must be all over the place. Those guns should certainly last your lifetime, even with extended use.
 
As a project gun, I wanted one handgun I could fix in my kitchen. I went with a Glock, a gun you can almost completely detail strip with a ballpoint pen. Even better, they seldom break on their own and the springs and whatnot last for more rounds than most people shoot in their lifetimes, so the odds of having to fix it are very low.

The 1911 et al. isn't a bad idea other, but that takes more skill. Glocks are more like AR15s: just change the parts out and generally speaking you're good to go.
 
Something from the major companies would serve you well & last a good long time. My suggestion would be to get those guns that appeal to you the most. If I were to anser this question for myself, I would look at something from HK's USP line & another Colt 1911 -- :D
 
1911 for sure, no need to go total custom house on it though. Then maybe a S&W 5906 or similar. Ruger p89 also another option.
 
Buy a Colt or S&W Steel 1911 and maybe a Steel 9mm like the S&W Model 910. If you want something smaller maybe a Colt Defender in .45 Auto, a S&W CS45 in .45 Auto, or S&W M908S or CS9 in 9mm. Buy a handful of Mags for each too. I would even suggest a 3rd pistol, get yourself a nice .22 so you can plink all day long for $10.
 
Most any decent autoloader will last a lifetime if you don't shoot it to death at the range. I suggest a Colt 1911 and a Sig P220 if .45ACP is your thing.

For a plinker, I'd go with a Glock 17/19 or CZ 75.
 
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The only problem is that no one knows what will happen to polymer after 50 years.
NO ONE KNOWS???

Gee, you'd figure that someone would have done some accelerated aging tests on polymers given that so many important items are made from polymer these days...
Click to expand...

Accelerated aging tests are not the same as lasting a true 50 years. En vitro does not equal en vivo.

I have yet to hear of any accelerated aging tests.

Glock and HK have torture tested the beeswax out of their fine products, which is one of the reasons I own an HK USP. But that being said, it won't surprise me if down the road the polymer is weakened. This is actually one of the reasons I also keep 1911's around. The future is uncertain.
 
Any of the big names would likely do, particularly the steel framed models (proven over time).

1911 parts will be available and easy to find for decades to come, until California catches on and regulates their sale and transport.

But I have to ask, why would you choose to remain in a location where a few individuals in power are on their way to creating an Orwellian estado?
 
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