How long will a Glock last?

***F14Scott*** · 11-13-2012, 19:24

In years, not rounds. In other words, is there anything about the polymer parts that will make them break down, oxidize, or otherwise die?

I know one can take an all-metal firearm, dip it in Cosmoline, and store it virtually forever, provided moisture is controlled. Are Glocks and other plastic guns capable of this sort of long-term storage? Museums house collections of functional 16th century guns; will a museum 500 years from now have a functional G19, or will they become brittle or in some other way non-functional?

CDW4ME · 11-13-2012, 19:25

Keep it out of the sun.

***F14Scott*** · 11-13-2012, 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDW4ME

Keep it out of the sun.

Makes sense. Any data (even anecdotal) about sun damage?

ditto1958 · 11-13-2012, 19:36

And long, long time.

Phaze5ive · 11-13-2012, 19:40

I would venture to say that, with bare minimum maintenance, it'll outlast you.

SiberianErik · 11-13-2012, 20:01

Interesting question, just a guess, but I think the weak point would be in the recoil spring assmbly as it is such a thin metal.

certifiedfunds · 11-13-2012, 20:05

I hear plastic bags last 500 years in a landfill so I'd guess if you store it underground you should be good to go for a while.

I have a Gen 1 G19 I've had since 1991 and it shows no sign of deterioration.

Sgt127 · 11-13-2012, 20:10

Its an interesting question. I really wish I knew. Its a tough plastic, no doubt. But, I've seen tough plastics left in the sun that got white and brittle in a few years. The longest any Glock could have been exposed to the natural enviroment is what? About thirty years now?

I really don't think of a Glock as an heirloom gun. Its just a good tool, and, somewhat expendable. If the plastic breaks down in 40 years, I have gotten my monies worth.

Wanna check this thread every 20 years or so and see whats happening?

Faulkner · 11-13-2012, 20:30

In the end times there will only be roaches and Glocks left on earth.

***Chuck TX*** · 11-13-2012, 20:32

Interesting. I've always wondered how long the polymer would hold up.

**NeverMore1701** · 11-13-2012, 20:48

Until I traded it off for something I actually liked

jp3975 · 11-13-2012, 20:54

The polymer part will likely outlast the steel.

Take care of it and it will last forever.

M2 Carbine · 11-13-2012, 21:29

My guess is it will outlast the USA.

There's some interesting plastics now days. Some will fall apart quickly and some seems to last forever.
A few years ago I replaced the steel half inch axles and plastic bushings on my 6 foot mower.
A couple steel axles were worn in half but I could have reused the plastic bushings again.
The darn plastic wore through the steel.

Sgt127 · 11-13-2012, 21:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by M2 Carbine

My guess is it will outlast the USA.

Crap, what are we talking about here, a year or two?

CAcop · 11-13-2012, 22:18

The thing to do would be to find out the exact material it is being built out of and then go from there. There should be test data on it.

***.264 magnum*** · 11-13-2012, 22:21

UV light is the enemy of polymers.

1. It kills the colorants that make the polymer a nice pretty color.
2. It does seem to kill most plastics in short order.

I agree with the post above concluding that with the bare minimum of maintenance a Glock will outlast any of us.

skeeter7 · 11-14-2012, 01:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeverMore1701

Until I traded it off for something I actually liked

Same here buddy. Traded my only one for a Sig and never went back.

**NeverMore1701** · 11-14-2012, 01:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by skeeter7

Same here buddy. Traded my only one for a Sig and never went back.

I've shot many, some quite a lot, but I've never liked 'em well enough to own one.

***Peace Warrior*** · 11-14-2012, 01:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faulkner

In the end times there will only be roaches, Keith Richards, and Glocks left on earth.