Guns dont wear out they get left behind

Published on April 25, 2024
Duration: 5:29

This video discusses firearm longevity, emphasizing that guns typically don't 'wear out' in the traditional sense but are often 'left behind' due to component wear or the desire for newer models. The speaker, Ben Stoeger, shares insights from his extensive shooting experience, highlighting that high round counts (e.g., 200,000 rounds) on a single pistol frame are achievable with component replacement, such as fitting a new slide and barrel. He notes that catastrophic failures, like broken frame rails, are rare, and that issues often arise with extractors or other internal parts after tens of thousands of rounds, leading to a gun being retired from primary service.

Quick Summary

Firearms instructor Ben Stoeger explains that guns don't typically 'wear out' but are often 'left behind' due to component wear or the shooter's preference for newer models. High-round-count pistols can exceed 200,000 rounds with component replacement, though extractors and barrels are common wear items.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Do Guns Wear Out?
  2. 00:20Guns Get Left Behind, Not Worn Out
  3. 00:34High Round Count Pistol Example
  4. 01:05Wear Signs: Inconsistent Impact
  5. 01:36Replacing Slide and Barrel
  6. 01:56Potential Catastrophic Failure Points
  7. 02:18Example of a Gun Left Behind
  8. 02:35Internal Malfunction: Trigger Issue
  9. 02:49Wear Out vs. Being Replaced
  10. 03:00Cycling Through Firearms
  11. 03:10The Shooter's Cycle of Guns
  12. 03:33Parting Out Guns for Components
  13. 03:58Rifle Barrel Wear
  14. 04:07Problem Child Pistol: Extraction Issues
  15. 04:24Shadow 2 Specifics
  16. 04:31Setting Aside Problem Firearms
  17. 04:49Total Destroyed vs. Left Behind
  18. 05:06Guns Ready for Future Use
  19. 05:21Conclusion: Guns Don't Wear Out

Frequently Asked Questions

Do firearms actually wear out from shooting?

According to firearms instructor Ben Stoeger, firearms typically don't 'wear out' in the traditional sense. Instead, they are often 'left behind' when components wear to a point of malfunction or when the shooter decides to upgrade or cycle to a new firearm for training.

What is the typical lifespan of a pistol frame in high-volume shooting?

A pistol frame can endure extremely high round counts, potentially exceeding 200,000 rounds, especially if components like the slide and barrel are replaced. Wear is more commonly observed in these replaceable parts than in the frame itself.

What are common failure points in high-round-count pistols?

After tens of thousands of rounds, internal components like extractors and their springs are common wear items that can lead to malfunctions such as failure to extract. Accuracy can also degrade due to barrel or slide wear.

Is it better to repair a worn-out pistol or replace it?

For high-round-count pistols, replacing major components like the slide and barrel assembly is often a more practical and effective solution than attempting extensive internal repairs. If a firearm becomes a 'problem child' with persistent issues, it's often set aside.

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