What's the lifespan of a 1911?

[Gunsby_Blazen]

I have a colt 1911 made in the year 1928, and it is still fine.
i say they last........oh.............
FOREVER!


if you take care of it

 

[thegoodfight]

If anyone's willing to supply the ammo, I'll gladly test out how long it takes to destroy my kimber lol.

 

[Treo]

So we are getting into philosophy now. Over time, after you've replaced all the parts, is it the same gun?

Kinda like the Doobie Brothers. By the time they quit touring, there were no original members left in the band.

So were they still the Doobs?

 

[shotgunkevin]

Some say 20,000. Others say 150,000 or more. Let's do some math. We'll use the conservative figure of a 20,000 round lifespan.

20,000 rounds
divided by 50 (rounds per box of ammo)
times $16.50 (what I pay per box of hardball)
= $6,600 (lifetime ammunition expense)

That's not a bad return on the investment. When you wear it out, spring for a new one.

 

[JoeSlomo]

If the frame has cracked, it's dead.

Dead? Nah...it's just resting.

Once the STI frame shows up, it will simply tag out, and then it's GAME ON!!!!

 

[Wildfire]

Over 100K.

Hey there:
I am one with an older Colt "Series 70" that has over 100,000 rounds throught it . Same barrel, slide, and frame. Oh , grips are the originals too.
Years of IPSC. She still does it right.

 

[jr_roosa]

Mine is 95 and 1/2. Shoots great, no cracks yet. Barrel might be a tad bit worn. No idea of a round count, but probably 1000s since it left the Army in the 50s...god only knows before then.

Gotta get me a Springfield so the old Colt can get some rest.

-J.

 

[bwavec]

Considering the availability of 1911 replacement parts......a long long time.

You can shoot the parts to pieces...replace....repeat.

I bought a 1911 for exactly that reason.....I may wear out/shoot out some of my other .45s (HK USP, etc) and not be able to find replacement parts 50 years from now. But the 1911 I am sure I will be able to pass on to my descendents, and they will be able to shoot it....and keep passing it on...and shooting it....for a long time to come.

 

[wristtwister]

With the available replacement parts, they're like my old axe... It wore out 2 heads and fifteen handles...

Replace the parts that wear out, and they're "eternal"...

WT

 

[hoosier8]

I can't afford the lifespan test, so my 1911's will just have to wait!

 

[45auto]

So we are getting into philosophy now. Over time, after you've replaced all the parts, is it the same gun?

That's the question to ask, and what's financially "fit" to replace in today's world?

If your not a "smith", replacing a slide and barrel, for example, is an expensive deal. Your probably at 75% of a new production type 1911.

I'd consider it the same gun if the slide and frame are original. Barrels, and many other parts are just going to wear out.

 

[71Commander]

I had a Para P16-40 that had over 100,000 rounds through it. Only replaced the barrel.

 

[earl_simmons]

Over time, after you've replaced all the parts, is it the same gun?

Yes. Your body replaces all its cells, yet you remain the same person.

 

[blackcash88]

I'd say that once the frame gets replaced, it's a different gun.

Unless the original serial number was stamped on the new frame.

 

[Ed Wagner]

When the glacier reaches the gates of Hell, disassemble, inspect, repair as needed and carry on.

 

[Robert14]

When my great-grandsons inherit my Kimber Warrior & my Springfield TRP, they may need to replace a few springs....
Same thing with my Springfield M1A.....
I have a Krag 98 that I shoot on a regular basis & it's still just as deadly as when new.

 

[The Tourist]

Anyone here ever fired a 1911 to death?

Yes, I have. It was an early stainless Colt Officers ACP.

It was customized and then repaired three times by Terry himself of Tussey Customs.

If you need verification, I will call Terry and and ask him for some way to prove this claim.

Edit: I just sent this e-mail to Terry,and I will post his response in its entirety.

Terry,

The subject of the durability of the 1911 came up on a gun forum where I am a member.

During the mid 1980's you built and then repaired my stainless Colt Officer ACP three times before you told me to hang it up.

Can you tell me (if you remember or have records) on just why that gun wore out?--Chico

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Yes. Your body replaces all its cells, yet you remain the same person.

I own George Washington's hatchet and will sell it for $100,000. It's in great shape -- it's had three new heads and five new handles since George's time.

 

[stevemis]

Specifically all steel kimbers? I know there are 1911's still around from WW2, but were those really shot that much?

Not sure on the Kimbers. I've had a few 1911's over the years and haven't managed to "kill" any of them, except a 1911-ish Warthawg micro pistol from Para Ordnance. It went back to the factory twice in the first month I owned it (bought new) and it now sits in a spare bedroom on a bookshelf, collecting dust. Room in my safe is reserved for things that are special or work. The Warthawg is neither.

 

[blackcash88]

Why'd you give up on the Warthawg? Heck, if I have a problem gun that's brand new and doesn't work? Either the factory makes it right or I get my money back. I've even done it with my lowly cheapo Kel-Tecs. That Warthawg ain't exactly a cheap gun.