Parts material

[18z]

I'm looking at making some custom parts for a gun, problem is I don't know what material to use. Anybody know?

 

[Art Eatman]

Do you reckon it might help if you told us just what sort of parts you're thinking of?

, Art

 

[skeeter]

Try Rosewood it makes nice grips.

 

[James K]

But lousy hammers.

Jim

 

[18z]

Am I glad I got a sense of humor, you people really ripped me on that one (laughing). Pretty stoopid of me not to mention that I want to make some "receiver" type parts, like a floor plate and such. So, does that help on the material decision?

 

[Art Eatman]

Well, a floor plate would probably be as happy were it aluminum as if it were steel. Same for a magazine follower. The weight difference is not all that much, and the steel won't get scratched up as readily...

The quality of the steel, as to hardness, is relatively unimportant...

Next question.

, Art

 

[18z]

So, what you're saying is anything from merchant grade low carbon steel to something like 8086 heat treated to RC60? that's a pretty wide range. I guess I'm looking for a little more specifics on the specs.

 

[Art Eatman]

There's little force acting on a floor plate, even during shooting; a very-hard steel is unnecessary. A harder steel will take a higher polish, and scratch less readily. So, the compromise is in the realm of machinability.

A receiver, bolt or barrel is another matter. You want hardness for anti-wear; but you need toughness to absorb impact loadings. I'm too rusty and lack the reference books to carry this part any farther...

Regards, Art