Factors for reliability--and who's got them

[Shmackey]

What do you think are the factors that account for a handgun's reliability--or lack thereof? And which manufacturer best takes these into account?

For example:

Feed ramp angle
chamber support
relationship between magazine-top level and chamber
Feed ramp on frame or on barrel
Method of action of safety (blocking sear or trigger)
Method of cycling (locked/blowback)
Magazine quality

[George Hill]

Oh man... this is a debate land-mine just waiting to be stepped on.

HK P7.


Boom.

[bokchoi]

Originally posted by George Hill
Oh man... this is a debate land-mine just waiting to be stepped on.

HK P7.


Boom.


I concur.

[Shmackey]

OK, OK, forget the manufacturers. What about the factors themselves? I will say one thing about your P7: the relationship between the top cartridge in the magazine and the chamber probably contributes to feeding reliability.

I also think it's interesting that the 1911 was designed to have a gap between the feed ramp and barrel.

[BamBam]

My Glock G-22 was used when I bought it. I've put over 20,000 rounds thru it. I honestly can't remember a single failure with factory ammo. I have never replaced a part on this pistol (I did add a LazerMax).

I've also had other Glocks with perfect records but fewer rounds.

Flame away.