Life expectancy of a rifle?

[arthurj]

Hey guys,
Yep I've been pondering this question for a while. What determines the accurate life of a rifle, assuming new barrels are put on it? What is usually the first thing to fail or the weakest point in an old rifle? What is the life of an epoxy bedding job? Just curious...
Thanks

 

[jackie schmidt]

Arthur

Epoxy, left to it's own devices, is more or less inert. (Ultra Violet Light will break it down). Cleaning fluids, oils, etc, can deterioate the integrety of the base. Moisture in the wood can also affect the overall stability of the bedding.

As for what other things can wear out, springs, not only the firing pin, but those in the trigger can, over long periods, loose a little tension. It depends on the quality in the first place.

Sears and firing pins take a lot of abuse, but they seem to be very resolute in lifespan. The fact is, very few fail under normal use.

Of course, if shot a lot, the Barrel's throat, sooner or later, will show the wear and tear involved with ignition. But,
the truth be known, the vast majority of Rifles never see any where near this number of rounds, even over a lifetime.

The truth is, if you keep it clean, and keep it lubricated, don't abuse it with over pressure loads, and keep it dry, a Rifle will last just about forever........jackie

 

[arthurj]

Thank you Jackie,
That was just the information I was looking for.