Hello,
I've been following these threads for a while and have learned a tremendous amount from the members here.
Something that I find fascinating is the metallurgy of firearms. Especially, how it has evolved over time and why it is what it is today (strength, cost, manufacturing, etc.)
I believe that many modern rifle actions are made from 4140 and similar, through hardened to Rc 30's or so, as compared to the old case-hardened mild steel actions of old.
If one were to make say a mauser 98 action today, would it be better/more desirable to make it from a modern case-hardening steel such as 4320 or 8620, or rather a through hardenening steel like 4140 or similar?
What would be the benefits/disadvantages to either approach? I'm guessing a case-hardened action would be more expensive with the additional steps? But could it potentially be better with a very tough/ductile core and harder outer surface for hard wearing and smooth cycling?
Or is through hardened modern alloy steel really the better approach?
There is no specific reason behind asking this, just hope to start an interesting discussion and keep learning about this subject. Thanks!
Best,
Faraday
I've been following these threads for a while and have learned a tremendous amount from the members here.
Something that I find fascinating is the metallurgy of firearms. Especially, how it has evolved over time and why it is what it is today (strength, cost, manufacturing, etc.)
I believe that many modern rifle actions are made from 4140 and similar, through hardened to Rc 30's or so, as compared to the old case-hardened mild steel actions of old.
If one were to make say a mauser 98 action today, would it be better/more desirable to make it from a modern case-hardening steel such as 4320 or 8620, or rather a through hardenening steel like 4140 or similar?
What would be the benefits/disadvantages to either approach? I'm guessing a case-hardened action would be more expensive with the additional steps? But could it potentially be better with a very tough/ductile core and harder outer surface for hard wearing and smooth cycling?
Or is through hardened modern alloy steel really the better approach?
There is no specific reason behind asking this, just hope to start an interesting discussion and keep learning about this subject. Thanks!
Best,
Faraday