Most durable pistol?

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Josh D

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Which pistol is considered the most durable? I am selling my 92FS, not because I am worried too much about it, but at 5-10K rounds, I would probably have to replace the block, which is no big deal, but that is one major part. Also, I am upping caliber.

I am planning on getting a HK USP .45, since I hear they are one of the toughest .45's around. I know they are in use by a few military units when they can get them.

So, are there any things I need to worry about for the USP? I plan on having this pistol for at least 50 years, or as long as I live. Now you understand why I want durability!

I also thought about the Glock, but I just don't like that micro slide release and the fact that it has no manual saftey. They do fit me good though.
 
Josh, if you can, rent a Glock 30. The slide release is not a problem if you "rack" the slide during a reload. The Glocks lack of no manual saftey is more a plus than a minus after you shoot the pistol a while. Less clutter to interfear with shooting while under stress, and we all know to keep our finger off the trigger until the sights are on the target.
The HK is a fine pistol, and this note is not a slam by any means. But the Glock 30 is one fine pistol with a outstanding record of service behind it. Just my 2 cents worth.
Good luck on what ever you purchase. dk
 
If you must have a .45 then I'd suggest the Glock; no extra buttons to get in the way; safe handling is the answer not more buttons and levers IMO. If the caliber were not the most important factor; then of course the answer is Makarov.

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Talk is cheap; Free Speech is NOT.
 
Glocks, put one in your ammo can with a 1,000 rounds pull it out 50 years from now, it will go bang!!! The other rust buckets will never go the distance. The titanium are probably good for the long haul but not much semi auto with any amount of mags. Lots of Glock mags around in 9 and 40. Glocks work and they are the most durable!
 
As for the beretta the locking block is supposed to last 25,000 rounds so it's not really that bad yet. also a replacement is only about $50 which isn't a huge investment. berettas are supposed to last quite some time. i think they can go for over 50,000 rounds pretty easily.

as for HKs. i don't know much about them but their catalog only says that the USPs are supposed to last over 20,000 rounds. i don't know how much over though.

i believe the record holding glock 17 is now probably nearing 200,000 rounds. about a year ago i think it was at something like 165,000 rounds and still going strong. glocks are by far the most durable guns out there. as for your complaints with them you can get an extended slide catch for only about $5 or so and glocks are quite safe. glocks will only fire if the trigger is pulled. that means that the only way the gun can have an AD is if your finger is inside the trigger guard. all you have to do is follow the 1 rule and you will never have a problem with glocks. that rule is to keep your finger outside the trigger guard untill your sights are on the target.

i have a beretta 92FS and its at about 2500 rounds and i too plan to keep it for quite a bit more time. i also plan to get a glock soon which will mostslikely be my great grandsons some day.
 
I have owned Berettas, SIGs, S&W, Colt and most any obscure European brand. The most durable and indestructible ones, however, are my Glocks. The long-term durability of a Glock is unbeatable. They just don't wear out.

The H&K is a fine gun also, kind of a Glock for traditionalists who like manual safeties/decockers and DA/SA triggers.
 
Based on my experiences with Glock, SIG, S&W, HK and Taurus, the Glock is the most durable and also the most reliable under severe conditions. No doubt, Glock.

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Watch your six...

R6
 
Besides, if your only complaint about the Glock is the slide release, you shouldn't have a problem. In combat situations it is not a good idea to rely on ANY gun's slide release.

Operating ANY slide release by manipulating a small lever with your thumb is considered a fine motor skill. As you probably know, in a combat or high stress situation fine motor skills go out the window immediately as a result of your body's defense mechanisms, better known as "fight or flight syndrome".

In a tactical/combat situation reload, you should insert the mag firmly, grab the rear of the slide with your entire hand (not just thumb and a finger or two), pull it all the way rearward and let it slam forward.

This method utilizes the large muscle groups of the hand and arm to disengage the slide release, which is considered a gross motor skill. Much more tactically reliable, IMHO.

I like to call it a "slide lock" instead of a release. I act like it isn't even there when I am shooting/reloading. The only purpose the lock serves with me is to let me know when I need to change mags when I ain't countin'. :)

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Watch your six...

R6
 
I cannot agree more with the decision you have made. The HK USPc or fullsize is an
outstanding weapon. I have had mine for over 6 months now, with absolutely no problems. It's accurate as all get out. It's been dropped, kicked, scratched...but I know it will still save my tail 50 years from now. I plan on getting the 45 Tactical here soon to finish my HK collection. If you do purchase an HK, I assure you that you won't be sorry.

One thing I refuse to do is attempt to change your mind on your preference. Recommendations are nice, but if a certain brand fits well in your hands, and YOU feel comfortable with it, then go for it. Glocks are good guns, but they're just not for me. If I am going to spend a few hundred bucks
(atleast $500.00 for HK) on a weapon of my choice, then it better be something that I am completely confident in and efficient with. Just MHNSO.

Semper Gumby-

JJC
 
With experience's with H&K's, Sig's, Glock's,
Beretta's, Smith's, Colt's, Walther's and
a few more I forgot about; my vote most
definitely would have to go to the Glock's
for durability. :)

Regards,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
The Glock 21 in .45acp is probably the most durable pistol made in that caliber in the world, bar none. I am a LEO Firearms Instructor certified by the FBI and the NRA and I'm also a Glock Armorer. The last time that I went back to Glock Armorers recertification school, they told us about an early model Glock 17 9mm, at a public shooting range in California that has rental pistols. This particular Glock 17 has over 1 millon rounds, through it on the same slide, reciver and barrel. That is astounding longevity and durability. The FBI told us back in the 80s in a firearms instructor school, that any manufacturers alloy framed gun had a projected life expectancy of 10,000 rounds. They said that the steel framed Browning High Power and Colt 1911 had a life span in excess of 100K rounds. Somebody on this thread earlier, told you to forget about the slide stop on any semiauto pistol, that is very good advice. When you want to release the slide on a full magazine, simply pull the slide slightly to the rear and release it. Train your self to do it this way, its fast, consistent and fumble free and it works on any auto pistol that you pickup.

...7th

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SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POLICE, KEEP THEM INDEPENDENT.
 
Well, one reason I use the slide stop is because of the gun I have been shooting. If you have ever shot a Beretta or others with a slide mounted saftey, you pull the slide back, pull the trigger, and....nothing.

You will put the gun on safe if you pull the slide back hard probably 1/2 the time. One reason I am all for the HK is that it is slabside and you can carry it cocked and locked, or revolver ready, at least that is what I have heard.

And other things can make the gun go off besides your finger. Ever heard of a woods? You know, with all the limbs? I know the range doesn't have those, but it would be easy for a limb to get in your guard to pull the trigger. I don't keep my shotgun off safe when I hunt, the same way with the pistol. The Beretta has a long, hard pull, and it would be OK to carry it off safe, but the Glock I pulled the trigger on had about a 5lb pull, IMHO
 
The most durable pistol is one that is cleaned regularly...



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.45 Super... Fat and FAST...

"No provision in our Constitution ought to be dearer to man than that which protects the rights of conscience against the enterprises of the civil authority" - Thomas Jefferson
 
The Ruger P-series pistols are the toughest handguns you will ever own. These guns give fresh meaning to the phrase "large heavy automatic",which used to be a good thing, and in my opinion, still is. :)

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BOYCOTT SMITH AND WESSON!!!!!
The only justice for a traitor is at the end of a rope!!!!
Off my meds (quit smoking), armed to the teeth, and loose on an unsuspecting society!!!
 
The slide stop issue is an interesting one-I agree wholeheartedly with 7th fleet. I have had to retrain myself on my duty carry SIG 229 to always pull the slide after a mag change; there were too many times that hitting the slide lock (FKA release) did not have enough oomph to effetcively chamber a round. It really sucks to have to bang the back of your slide with your weak palm to chamber a round during qualifications.

Also, as to the concerns over the slide mounted safeties; that is the reason why I would never even consider using BHP, Berretta, S&W, etc.

Another very important thing to realize is that you should never carry any gun, ESPECIALLY a DAO, in a holster that does not have a covered trigger. Personally, I think kydex is the best way to go for Glock or HK. They afford excellent, secure retention and still provide very quick presentation-Mad Dog (Gun Glove) is the best and Pierside is also excellent.

Back to the matter at hand, I own a USP45F, and I just handled a G30 yesterday and I'll probably have one in the garage by the end of next week. Both are among the absolute best in terms of accuracy, reliability and long term durability-with 2 guns this good, it's much more a matter of ergonomics, type of action preferred, ease and comfortability of carry, etc.-in other words, all subjective issues. BTW, guns, and knives and everything else made of steel, do not rust---careless, lazy owners permit them to rust through neglect. Ask any of the grunts on the forum to explain "Officers' dust"...

pojim
 
Gun Tests had a durability study in their March, 2000 issue. Unfortunately, it was limited to revolvers. However, it is unlikely that any of us will wear one out.

Ruger SP101 went 10K-12K, still going strong.

Ruger Redhawk .44 Mag (shot with full power loads): 10K-12K, still shooting fine.

S&W M19 .357: 65K rounds, but mostly .38
Spl. had to have pins which index ejector star replaced at 40K rounds.

Considering that S&W estimates about half of their guns are never fired, I think that revolvers are made commendably strong. Walt
 
For the amount of trade-in value you will get for the 92 FS, you can buy a new Ruger P 90 at a gun show or you can wait a little longer and save your money for a Glock. If you look on the website of HK, you will find that they have a design-build philosphy of 20K rounds. A Loaded Springfield Armory 1911 is not a bad choice either.

In these days and times, I would try to hang onto every pistol I could. It's not a bad idea to have a 92FS hanging around the safe due to the fact that parts and mags will be abundant for a long time to come as are the components for the 1911. Another virtue of a 1911 is that there are literally thousands of people who can work on them.

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"When guns are outlawed;I will be an outlaw."
 
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