A Colt clone will last you many years. It took me from 1997 until 2011 to wear one out to the point that buying a new one was better than rebuilding the old one. I shoot loads that are about equivalent to factory. If you stick to factory, or factory type, ammo and don't abuse the gun it will last you at least as long. BTW, I averaged, at that time, about 70 rounds a month through the gun.