Originally Posted by ratsmacker
I THINK the projected life of a Browning Hi-Power is 30K, but I might be wrong about that. However, that's about the point I've reached when things started to "go wrong" with them, extractors breaking, slides getting real loose, etc.

I've done a LOT more with 1911s, but they're larger and more robust than the BHPs.

I have no other input on other guns, though. Except maybe an old Polish Radom (1944 vintage) that was probably a bit more robust than the BHPs. It was certainly used when I got it, and used HARD, but it was in pretty great shape function-wise.

I haven't been able to wear out a Tanfoglio CZ copy, either. Stout guns.


I can confirm 20k for a Hi Power, but never personally put 30k through one. I sold mine at 20k and I know it's still going strong (sold it to a friend who just HAD to have it), but I don't think he's put more than another thou through it. For mine, I went 20k without a single problem. No malfunctions, no parts breakage, and no appreciable wear to anything; not even the finish (hard chrome).

I have put about 60k through a particular 1911 when I was shooting competitively, then I switched to a custom S&W 59 series in .356 TSW, and put a good 30k through that one.

The 1911 had a pretty worn barrel, and the guy I sold it to probably had it replaced.

I put 18,000 of Egyptian SMG ammo through a Taurus 92, which was just a cruel thing to do to that gun, but hey, it's a Taurus. I finally had a round that was so hot it impaled the bass on the ejector and bent the ejector extension. Other than that, the Taurus held up just fine, no locking block or slide issues. Taurus sent me two new Ejectors for free, I put the replacement in myself.

I have 40k through my S&W 617, and everything about it is still tighter than a prom queen.