Longest lasting rifle?

[Big Bill]

The criteria is simple: Which rifle would remain in working condition the longest? Assuming proper care.

There are flintlock rifles that have been around almost since rifles were rifles. Most of the newer type bolt rifles with some care will be around almost forever.

 

[CZguy]

I guess that I'm wondering who came up with the idea that rifles wear out quickly?

I have rifles from both Grandfathers that I shoot routinely, and they work just fine.

 

[CajunBass]

I guess that I'm wondering who came up with the idea that rifles wear out quickly?

Wearing out a firearm is about like trying to wear out a trailer hitch ball. I'm sure it can be done, but I'll bet it's pretty hard.

I don't have any rifles 100 years old, but I do have a Colt Pocket Positive 32 pistol that was made in 1912. The finish has some wear, and I have no idea how many times it's been fired, but as far as shooting it is concerned, as good as new.

 

[SaxonPig]

There are plenty of rifles that are sturdy and would last a long time. But if I had to pick one as the best candidate for longevity it would be the M98 Mauser. It is rugged and nobody has really improved on its design since 1898.

BTW- The '03 uses a 2 piece firing pin which makes slighly less bullet proof than the 98.

 

[Slamfire]

I can't think of a single rifle that would last 100 years and still be in working condition (assuming proper care, once again). Anyone here think of a design or one rifle in-particular (that was made in 1910) that still shoots today? Not a reproduction mind you, but an original.

I have a Mauser M71/84.

And I shot it.


The action is original to this Martini Henry. The stock and shilen barrel are modern.

Since this was made in the 1880's, it is a late comer.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I can't think of a single rifle that would last 100 years and still be in working condition (assuming proper care, once again). Anyone here think of a design or one rifle in-particular (that was made in 1910) that still shoots today? Not a reproduction mind you, but an original

Think harder

I have many firearms that are very near or well over 100 years old, and I shoot them regularly. My oldest cartridge firing gun is a S&W model 1 second issue, made in 1868, and it shoots just fine. My 1903-manufacture Swedish M-96 is one of my favorite mil-surps to shoot. I have a Comission carbine that was made in 1892, still perfectly serviceable. Same with my 1907 G98 Mauser. Many of my mil-surps haven't quite celebrated their 100th, being made in the teens, but I assure you, they'll still be shooting 10 years from now, when they are more than a century old.

The only ones you really have to watch out for are twist-steel shotguns, since corrosion from the black power and mercury primers of the day leeches into any tiny imperfections in the seams and deteriorates the welds and the steel itself over time.

I can't speak to how modern plastics used in guns will hold up at that mark, since it is known that long chain polymers do degenerate with time, but steel and alloy guns should be just fine when my great, great grandkids inherit them.