Some guns are built to last a few decades. Others? They’ll still be working long after we’re gone. Whether it’s the materials, the design, or just old-fashioned overengineering, these firearms were made to take a beating and keep on running. If you’re the type who wants a gun you can pass down for generations—maybe even centuries—these are the ones you’re looking for.
Glock 17
The Glock 17 wasn’t made to be flashy—it was made to work. It’s got fewer parts than most pistols, and the polymer frame holds up to just about anything. Sand, water, neglect—it shrugs it all off.
Torture tests have shown these things running well past 100,000 rounds. Even if you’re rough on gear, the Glock 17 just doesn’t care. It’s one of the few pistols you could actually wear out your hands on before the gun gives up.
Mosin-Nagant
This old warhorse was designed in the 1800s, and somehow, it’s still being used in parts of the world today. The Mosin-Nagant feels like it was carved out of steel and spite.
They’re not pretty. They’re not smooth. But they fire when you pull the trigger, even if it’s been buried in a barn for 50 years. If the world ended tomorrow, someone would still be hunting deer with a Mosin.
HK USP
The folks at Heckler & Koch weren’t messing around with the USP. It was built to handle abuse, including firing thousands of rounds without so much as a cleaning.
It was tested by dropping it on concrete, freezing it, heating it up, and dunking it in mud—and it kept working. It’s not the lightest pistol out there, but it’s one of the toughest you’ll ever find.
M1 Garand
The M1 Garand was born for war and built to last through hell. It served through World War II and Korea, and there are still thousands of them being shot today without a hiccup.
It’s heavy, sure, but it was never meant to be dainty. You can feel how solid it is when you pick it up. Treat it halfway decent, and your grandkids will be able to shoot it, too.
Marlin 336
If you want a lever-action that’ll outlive everything else in your gun safe, the Marlin 336 is a good bet. These rifles have been around since the late 1940s and just don’t quit.
They’re built solid, with actions that smooth out over time and barrels that keep accuracy even after decades. As long as you keep the rust off it, it’ll still be dropping whitetails 50 years from now.
FN FAL
They don’t call it “the right arm of the free world” for nothing. The FAL was used all over the planet in every condition you can think of. Desert, jungle, mountains—it handled it all.
It’s not exactly lightweight, but that’s part of why it’s so durable. The parts are overbuilt, the action is simple, and the thing just runs. It’s one of those rifles that feels like it’ll keep going forever.
Ruger GP100
This revolver is about as tanky as they come. Built like it was designed to hammer nails on the weekend, the GP100 handles hot loads without flinching.
It’s got a solid frame, heavy barrel, and enough mass to soak up recoil. A lot of revolvers wear down over time—this one seems to get smoother. If you want a revolver you can shoot hard and often, this is it.
SKS
The SKS doesn’t get much attention compared to some rifles, but don’t underestimate it. These things were built for soldiers who didn’t always baby their weapons.
They’re ridiculously simple, easy to clean, and surprisingly accurate for what they are. Plenty of them are still floating around from the ’50s and ’60s, and they work just as well today. For a semi-auto, it’s hard to beat that kind of reliability.
Barrett M82
This .50 cal wasn’t made for fun range days—it was made to hit hard and hold up. Everything about the Barrett M82 screams durability, from the massive bolt to the thick barrel.
It eats recoil with that big muzzle brake and still stays reliable under stress. You’re not shooting one every day, but if you need a gun that’ll survive just about anything, this one’s near the top.
CZ 75
The CZ 75 doesn’t get the same attention in the U.S. as some other pistols, but it’s one of the most overbuilt handguns out there. Steel frame, solid slide, and smooth action that only gets better with time.
People run tens of thousands of rounds through these things with minimal wear. If you’re looking for something that feels like it was made to last forever, you’ll find it here.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
