Stainless steel and RUST...

[22luvr]

Awhile back my so-called "stainless steel" Swiss Army Officer's watch fell apart. While the case and most of the band-links were stainless, the small posts that held them together were not. I mean they just dissolved!

Have any of you popped the side case on a SS revolver or stripped down your SS semi auto to see what those internal working parts were made of and how they looked?

Probably nothing to worry about but pocket-carrying ANY handgun for years in a hot, humid climate like the southeast has to be hard on some of those critical moving parts that are not stainless steel. Just wondering.....

Your thoughts?

 

[dfariswheel]

Many internal revolver and auto parts are not stainless.

As long as a coat of rust-resistant lube is present inside, rust is usually not a problem.

Where you do get trouble is in guns that the lube has been removed or degraded by cleaning and not replacing, or where the lube itself is inadequate or it was a type that runs off or evaporates.

One situation is where people use a de-greaser like spray cleaner/de-greasers, then fail to get everything re-lubed properly.

Finding a gun that's actually rusted internally isn't really too common.
In most cases, either the factory lube is still present even many years later, or the owner has properly applied fresh lube.

 

[XDKingslayer]

It's called "stainless" not "stainproof". Even stainless steel will eventually rust. Especially when hit with saltwater, i.e. sweat. That is why your watch fell apart.

Even my good stainless steel dive knife gets surface rust when underwater around an hour.

 

[Black Majik]

In my limited years of shooting, I've seen two guns with rust. In S. California... I haven't experienced harsh conditions leading to rusting.

The 2 pistols I saw rust on were both in gunshops.

First was the "new" SIG GSR Stainless, there were light rust spots in the rear serrations

Second was a Glock 19 also in the rear serrations.

Granted, both were bone dry and just display models... Of course, one was "stainless" and the other was Glocks "ubertough" tennifer finish.

All guns can rust if not properly cared for. They shouldn't rust easily, but if neglected they certainly can. Keep a thin coat of oil on the surface and it'll be fine.

 

[brickeyee]

Stainless steels are still vulnerable to corrosion.
Chlorine (as chloride) attacks nearly all of them at varying rates.
While more resistant than carbon steel, they are not corrosion free.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

The Navy term for stainless steel is "corrosion resistant steel." It will rust.

 

[StrikeEagle]

Take the grips off your 'stainless' handgun... you may be in for a small surprise from what's under them.

Stainless or no, I generally smear some heavy gun grease under there.

StrikeEagle

 

[HSMITH]

The grades of stainless used in guns is a LOT less rust resistant than what you typically find in a watch or a knife......

 

[one45auto]

It depends upon the care given, as well as the climate. Maryland has a milder climate - not so humid in the summer, but nevertheless I give my firearms a rubdown periodically. I have yet to see the slightest sign of rusting.

Now, if I lived in Miami I'd be wiping them down twice a week at least.