Originally Posted by
Petrol & Powder
Tazman can you define your question a little bit.
Reliability and Durability are two different things. Reliability involves the device functioning properly when you need it to work. Durability relates to the devices' ability to function over long periods of time without failure or need of repair.
One could load a stainless steel revolver and put it in a desk drawer for 50 years and it would likely function at the end of that 50 years. That is a measure of reliability.
One could take a similar stainless steel revolver, say a Ruger GP-100, and shoot 25 rounds of 38 Special through it daily for many years and not even come close to wearing it out. That's a measure of durability.
Does your question deal with a gun that is to be stored for long periods of time and must work when called upon? Or does your question deal with a gun that can be extensively used under harsh conditions with little or no ability to repair it if it breaks?
Reliability and durability are related but they aren't the same thing.
Most militaries abandoned revolvers in the early 20th century (Great Britain was a holdout with their Enfield revolvers). However, revolvers were still issued to aircrews, support personal, guards, etc. for many years. Pistols and revolvers can be very reliable and very durable. If I had to pick one type over the other, my decision would be heavily influenced by intended application.
Am I going to be in a dirty environment with no repair parts available? Will the gun be carried a lot and shot a little? Will the gun be stored for long periods of time with the ability to clean it? Will the gun be heavily used and fired often?