Mine probably only has about 500 shots through it, but no problems so far. I am not aware of that problem with the auto5 but I assume it could be aggravated by the fact that the gun was recoil operated. With the Gold being gas operated, I cannot see any reason why the forearm would break. The barrel goes on and the forearm screws on tight to make the gas seal for the mechanism.
By the way, my wife loves mine. I bought one that had less than a box of shells through it for $400 to make some money on. She shot it and it is now her gun.
