Wil, THAT is a lot of bullets. Thank you for the feedback. That is good information to know.
This question came to mind during a conversation with some fellow shooters. They continually encourage me to purchase a Ruger New Vaquero because it is "stouter", "more durable" than the 1873 Uberti and Pietta .45 Colt copies. My response has been that as long as I keep my rounds at 14,000 psi or lower that these guns should last a long time. But, then I realized I only have a few years shooting these revolvers and that perhaps I was mistaken in my beliefs.
I think the Ruger NV is a wonderful gun. BUT, it does not have the magic I feel when I pick up one of my 4 Uberti 1873's. They just fit when I handle them.
Wil, I so totally agree on the simplicity of changing out parts in these guns. That adds to the intrigue, for me. The design is timeless.