Dangit, I meant to use the word “average” in there. Of course well-cared-for guns can last centuries, just like well-used condoms prevent almost all pregnancies, but both issues should be examined epidemiologically, under real-world usage conditions. Average AWs aren’t cared for that well; and as the number of usable ones in circulation starts to drop significantly, only then can we examine the ban’s real effect.
They’re not? Modern one’s hardly rust at all.
OK so they’ll only last one century? Good luck with that study.
Okay, Kable. What’s the average lifespan of a modern assault weapon? NOt theoretical lifespan under ideal conditions: actual lifespan.
I don’t think anyone has lived long enough to answer that. Take the AR15 with a standard anodized aluminum receiver, a standard parkerized and chrome lined barrel, standard plastic furniture, shot as much as the average american shoots his, which isn’t that much, with standard non-corrosive ammo. I’ll guess maybe 500 years.
Wow, really? AR15s have no record of breaking down or becoming unuseable? Shit, that’s better than can openers!
With a lot of use they can break down but are relatively easy to fix, if something catastrophic happens they can be unusable, but that’s really rare. You asked about the average.