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NO ONE can say (with ANY validity) that "a polymer framed gun will outlast an alloy framed one" , or a steel-framed one, for that matter. Poppycock. All of the "anecdotal engineers" around, proffering such "wisdom", need to take a step back.....and give it a rest. There are MANY more factors involved than simply frame material, such as the structural design of the frame, frame to slide fit, length of the rails, etc. etc. In addition, there is another factor which makes nonsense out of such "out of the a##" engineering statements in an instant - lubrication. Add a high quality grease to the rails of almost any semi-auto frame, thus substantially reducing friction..... and any such "calculations" become virtually meaningless.
The important (and relevant) factors are : overall design quality, quality of manufacture/ fitting of components, frame to slide fit, distribution of forces tending to cause wear and tear, precision of operation (which only comes from good design)....and augmentation or modification of friction (dirt and grit or cleanliness and lubrication, respectively). Those factors determine the service life of the frame of a firearm. Any of the commonly used materials, in a bad design, badly treated, will wear at an accelerated rate. Conversely, with good design, any of these materials can last longer than the operator. Properly lubed, the service life can be extended substantially.
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