How Durable?

[zinj]

It seems there are alot of things that can go wrong with a revolver. Some of the things I have read about include:

-Frames Stretching
-Going out of time
-You can only use a certain number of full power loads
-The gap between the barrel and cylinder can be too small or too big
-Crud can build up in the gap and jam the gun

Just how common are these kinds of things? Is some of this stuff only going to happen to people running 10,000 rounds a year through their guns? Is some of it limiting to older designs? Would these concerns effect a revolver like a GP-100?

 

[Colt46]

GP-100 is overbuilt

A regular diet of factory hot loads will not harm it. Ever!
A barrel/cyclinder gap too wide lessens velocity.
Barrel/Cylinder gap too tight increases velocity, but fouling buildup will interfere with the ability to turn the cylinder. Gunsmiths can adjust the gap on most revolvers.
Frame stetching can happen, but isn't that common. Only time I've heard it is certain black powder era revolvers that used a brass frame to save precious steel for cylinders and barrels. S&W M-19's had problems with a steady diet of full power magnum loads that led to flame cutting and premature wearing of the top straps. I don't think the frames stetched though. Smith and Wesson solved the problem by designing the 586/686.

I think there are more things that can go wrong with a semi-auto than will affect a typical revolver.

 

[XavierBreath]

Just how common are these kinds of things?

It depends on the gun.

Is some of this stuff only going to happen to people running 10,000 rounds a year through their guns?

See above.

Is some of it limiting to older designs?

No.

Would these concerns effect a revolver like a GP-100?

No.

 

[ronto]

Ruger = Durable

Keep it reasonably maintained and the GP100 will outlast you...and many future generations.

 

[Starter52]

S&W N-frame = just as strong as a Ruger and, hey, it's a Smith & Wesson . . . .