"Torture tests"? Really?
Ah, the internet ... and the ability of anyone to post video clips and their opinions, nowadays.
As a firearms instructor & armorer I've seen some of the "big name" semiauto pistols choke when used on a sand-covered range, after something as simple as having a magazine was dropped onto the sand and then used to try and continue a course-of-fire. Some pistols could be restored to normal functioning after some gymnastics & frantic manipulations of the user ... and every once in a while the pistol became non-functional, requiring bench time by an armorer or a gunsmith. Things happen in real life.
I remember several years ago when I attended an armorer class for one of the big name gun companies. (I've been to more than 20 armorer class, BTW, including first times & recerts.)
I met an armorer who had served in one of our armed forces a year over in the sandbox. While we were trading experiences about different weapons, me from LE and him from a military perspective. He told me about having had the opportunity to "practice" with some service-type pistols from 3 of the gun companies while over there. Only one of them finished the first day without repeated stoppages or malfunctions caused by the fine sand. Machines generally don't like sand.
I try not to abuse my handguns, meaning both revolvers and semiauto pistols. I don't mind seeing them used hard, meaning to the point where parts may require replacement. I do my best to prevent them being needlessly exposed to harsh/hostile environments, though, and I practice preventive maintenance and pay heed to manufacturer recommendations about routine replacement of springs, etc. If a weapon is dropped into sand, submerged in water, exposed to contaminants, etc, I inspect and clean the weapon as an armorer.
Just a few years ago I was called to inspect a metal-framed (stainless steel) .40 S&W duty pistol belonging to an agency other than my own. I was told it was exhibiting some functioning problems. Apparently, that agency didn't have someone certified as an armorer for that make/model weapon.
I was further told it had been dropped and fully submerged in salt water about a year previously.
From what I was able to learn, the weapon had never been inspected or cleaned after being submerged in salt water a year ago, and apparently because the submersion incident hadn't been reported by the issued user.
As you might expect, I found some rusted & corroded parts, as well as some nasty fouling. Replacement of the affected parts & assemblies, and a thorough cleaning/lubrication, and the weapon was once again running as intended.
FWIW, as an armorer for some different makes/models of pistols, and S&W revolvers, I'd much sooner detail strip and clean ... or replace parts ... in most any pistol before doing so with a revolver.
That might just be my lazy streak, though.
