How long should my .22 last?

[colorado_handgunner]

I have a Beretta Neos .22 that I purchased about 2 years ago. In that time, I have put around 12,000-15,000 rounds through it, sometimes 500 or more rounds in a session. The rivets and bolts have started to loosen up, and the finish is starting to wear. This being a fairly inexpensive firearm, I was wondering how long I should expect it to last? Just as a side note, I do clean it after each range session, but I do shoot the bulk .22 ammo through it. Thanks.

 

[bigfatdave]

You can tighten rivets and bolts, are you seeing actual structural damage?

Most guns chambered in .22lr are overengineered, I doubt you've worn out any gun-killing components except possibly springs that are easily replaced.

 

[jakk280rem]

the cleaning will wear it out faster than the ammo.

 

[gym]

Just replace the worn parts and you should be fine

 

[pikid89]

hmm shoulda got a ruger MKII lol

 

[plexreticle]

Like Jakk said, cleaning wears most guns out faster than shooting.

As long as the gun is running ok it should be fine. Anything that wears out should be easily replaceable like the springs or extractor.

Some .22s semis are rated for standard velocity ammo only, high velocity will eventually break parts or cause other problems. I don't think this is the case with your gun, however, if longevity is a concern you may consider using standard velocity only.

 

[ColeK]

Quote pikid89
“hmm shoulda got a ruger MKII lol”


+1 My Ruger MkII US Gov’t Target Model is 30 years old and has had over 50,000 + rounds fired through it. It is just as tight as ever. It has never had anything wrong with it.

 

[T.A.Sharps]

No one is talking about Rugers here...

To the OP:
Are you noticing a shift in your zero at all, or a loss in accuracy?

If not then just try to tighten what is loose and keep going. Sounds like there are no performance issues?

I have a semi auto Marlin from '72, it jams pretty regularly anymore, but accuracy it perfectly fine.

 

[Lakeshore]

Obviously the finish wear will not affect performance. Just keep it clean, lubed and all parts snugged up. If you identify a worn part(s) you can take comfort in the fact that virtually every individual part, including the barrel, in your Neos is easily replaceable from outlets such as Brownells.

 

[doc2rn]

Thats why I bought a Ruger Standard with my dad at age 11. He said it would just keep going and I just had to send it in last Feb for a rebuild at aproximately 700,000 rds through it.
If your Neos is falling apart at the rivets I would think its time to send it back in for a rebuild.

 

[gym]

A lot longer than 2 years. Finish is subjective, it depends on what you are doing and where you are doing it. Under normal conditions if you take proper care of any gun. It should outlast you.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Rivets and bolts?

 

[colorado_handgunner]

Let me clarify, I meant pins, not rivets, my bad. I was able to get them pushed back in, but some are somewhat damaged. As far as bolts, the bolts hold the rail for a scope mount. The hex heads are stripping after only being removed once, as is the bolt holding the sight in. I am not overly concerned about the aesthetics of the finish, just more wondering why it is wearing along the barrel assembly where there are no moving parts, just heat.

Thanks for Brownels, by the way. I did not know about them. The problem I am having is that it seems many of the replacement parts have been discontinued by Beretta, and I can't find any. I need a new front sight, and can only find one on gunbroker (and wrong color) for $20 all said and done for a $1.41 part, or a 5 pack for almost $50. Just irritates me that a 2 year old gun is wearing so much and I can't get replacement parts.

I will get a Browning or Ruger in another 6 months to a year, I think. if the Neos lasts that long.

 

[Diggers]

You seem to be an avid shooter of your .22. I think a high quality gun, such as a Ruger, would be the way for you to go...next time.

Its always fun to have your next gun on deck, so to speak.

 

[hardluk1]

I have a colt huntsman that 40 years old and still looks good and could not even begain to tell how many rounds have been run through it. A hunting buddy passed his to his youngest daughter at it is a 1940's version. Looks pretty bad but shoots real well.

 

[22-rimfire]

Gun parts do wear out if you shoot them enough. Replace the parts. That's one of the reasons we have gunsmiths. How many rounds it takes is purely a guess.

 

[wishin]

That, cleaning your gun will wear it out before shooting it will, is an urban myth. No need to clean it after every outing, but normal cleaning is not going to hurt any well made gun.