Life expectancy of rifles?

[Pumah25]

I have an opportunity to buy a Marlin Cowboy rifle but it has around 2000 rounds through it. Is this too many? What is the life expectancy for one of these rifles?

[woodchukhntr]

With the mild loads that are used in cowboy shoots I would say that it is just broken in.  Is the action tight?  Is the rifling in good shape?  How about the wood? Can you try it?  If you have any questions, ask if you can take it to a gunsmith if you leave a deposit.

[STUMPJMPR]

I imagine it is quite slick by now... I would guess it has alot of life in it still... take it out for a shoot if he will let you...if it shoots good buy it...

[Empty Quiver]

 Consider how many rounds you expect to put down range. If its going to be a hunting rifle, chances are you'll be passing down to future generations. On the other hand if you too will be cowboy action shooting, make sure it's been well maintained and it ought to last quite a few thousand. Find out what it would run to get the springs, ejecter and other wear items replaced add to cost then check out new.

[Keith L]

I think the question is more how it was cared for than the number of rounds.  I don't recall what the cowboy models were chambered for, but I doubt it was any of the barrel burning ones.  If the rifle was kept dry and oiled it should be fine.  Like another poster suggested if you have doubt see if you can have a smith look it over.

[victorcharlie]

Sounds like it's just now getting broke in good to me.

[SuperstitionCoues]

If it has been well-maintained and not abused... my thoughts are that it is just beginning to reach it's prime. 

[Pumah25]

Thanks to all that have replied. I own a couple of Marlin Cowboy rifles but use them for hunting and occasional range use. I just didn't know how they stood up to thousands of rounds. I think I will be adding one more to the collection.
-Pumah

[Cottonwood]

Thanks to all that have replied. I own a couple of Marlin Cowboy rifles but use them for hunting and occasional range use. I just didn't know how they stood up to thousands of rounds. I think I will be adding one more to the collection.
-Pumah

That rifle will outlive you, your grand children and probably theirs as well.