Question About The Quality Of Steel Used In Self-Loaders

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

While I'm not a metallurgist, I do wonder about the
quality of steel used in self-loader's? Seems
to me like weapons coming from foreign countries
such as Germany, Austria, Belgium, etc. are made
with steel that is superior to the steel used
in the manufactuer of weapons made here in the
U.S. With that said, the next time you have a
chance compare the slides of a Glock, H&K, SIG, or
a German made Walther against the slide of a
Smith & Wesson.

I think the exception would be that of Colt, in the
quality of steel used in the 1911 series. Plus the
fact, I know that a lot of Rhodesian steel has been
allowed to enter this country; and in turn is being
used in the manufacturing process. Could this be
the answer to some accelerated slide wear on
some models?

Just a thought, as inquiring minds want to know?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Sean Smith]

S&W forgings are used to make ALOT of the forged firearm frames & slides out there. Last I checked their product was excellent quality. I wouldn't confuse the quality of the surface finish with the "goodness" of the steel forgings involved, either... that's just a function of how nice the machining and finishing is down the line, not how good the steel was to start with. Thus it is rather hard to say that so-and-so uses nicer steel than such-and-such without cutting 'em up & Rockwell testing the bits & pieces.

Note that many SigSauer P-series guns were made with "cheap" stamped & welded slides, and alot of "cheap" cast or stamped parts.

Bottom line is, durability is as much a function of design as materials, and what materials you use where, rather than just using unobtanium steel for everything. People aren't breaking Ruger SuperRedhawks very often, even though they are made of "cheap" castings instead of forged. SigSauers often use "economical" materials, but are smart enough to do so in a way that does not compromise reliability or durability. On the other hand, you've got some 1911s with wonderful forged frames and slides that had MIM extractors snapping on them.

 

[mete]

I'm a metallurgist and Sean is on the right track. There are many variables of choice of materials, how they are formed (casting, forging etc) and how they are heat treated ( hardness levels ,case hardening) and all of this involves design also. That people still think castings are 'cheap' is silly.In fact when the BHP was made in 40S&W they changed to a cast frame for higher strength. Of course buying the lowest price gets you the minimum quality. My P7 is an example of an expensive but very good gun. Whatever the steel is it is case hardened to give an extremely durable surface. After 10,000 rounds of full loads I gave it a very careful inspection and didn't even find any signs of wear. Buy the guns that have the best reputation for reliability and durability not the cheapest.

 

[Ankeny]

This question was booted around a lot over on pistolsmith.com. From what I can gather, Smith stuff is top quality and Ruger is at the top of the pack in Titanium technology.