Dumb Question about barrel steel

[SimonKenton]

We all know that Ruger has made a number of stainless steel blackpowder revolvers. Stainless steel can be made to have the dull sheen of iron "left white". If so, WHY can't a quality muzzleloader barrel (and most of the lock parts) be made of the same metal? That way you can have you gun "in the white" and still have corrosion protection.

Another dumb idea. Since barrel inserts are an idea older than dirt, why not make barrels with high quality stainless steel inserts so as to help keep them free of corrosion?

-Ray

 

[Eric Krewson]

People interested in period rifles want to use the same basic materials as early builders. Imagine phillips head screws holding a patch box on, stainless in a rifle would be the same.

 

[Terry Zboril]

Simon,

The reason is that Stainless is NOT Period Correct.

I am pretty sure that a modern day someone has made a BP
rifle barrel of Stainless steel.

They also make Blackpowder rifle stocks of "No Maintenence" fiberglass and nylon.

These usually have scope mounts also.

They are called "INLINES",( a morphing of a real gun.)

You may get a better answer on another forum.

Regards,
Terry

 

[BLAHMAN]

Stainless is not corrosion proof and it will corode. There are differnt types of stainless: types used in food service, flatware, laundry equipment, medical equipment, so forth and so on.

I would believe the steel used for barrels has to have a certain amount of hardness coupled with a certain amount of "give" to allow for rifling (cut or swedged) to be performed. Got to be strong enough to withstand the pressures developed upon ignition without bursting.

I can't see making a rifle with stainless steel parts...they use that stuff on those inlines so they LOOK shiny and new. Some of those folks that purchase them purchase them for looks first, function latter and blindly believe that they really don't have to clean the gun because it's stainless. I get a big laugh when I visit the Log Cabin and I see all the repair that Ozzy has with regards to those cheap inlines.

A muzzleloader, when it was built by a gunsmith (I'm speaking of those built before cartridge guns were concieved) was made according to what the customer needed and could afford. The barrel was ussually thick enough so that it could be re-rifled later in it's life, or freshed out.

Old cast steel barrels are great to have...anytime I get a chance to pick one up for a decent price I do. So far, I've made two rifles with original barrels that were reamed out and rifled...they shoot! I have yet to get my hands on a forged iron barrel, but I'm hoping!

 

[rayb]

Stainless steel will corrode. I worked on a project where a stainless steel pump failed due to corrosion 6 months after installation in a well. Had to fish the pieces of the thing out of the well. Different types of stainless react to things differently. Depends on what specific metallurgy and what it is exposed to.

:m2c:

rayb

 

the word stainless says it ..stain---less
doesn't say will not stain.
Rust is stain.
Stainless will stain but usually will take a little longer depending on the grade of stainless used.


Woody

 

[Zonie]

Why don't we have Stainless Traditional guns?
Stainless costs more than low carbon steel, it is more difficult to machine than low carbon steel and there is no market for a traditional gun made from stainless.

The 300 series stainless is much more resistant to corrosion but it is not as strong as most low carbon steels (unless it is work hardened).
The 400 series stainless is less corrosion resistant than the 300 series, and much stronger but it requires special heat treatment to get these strengths.

IMO, the stainless Inlines are cheaper to make than a Traditional style guns, and from what I've seen they cost more than Factory made Traditional guns. They are not cheaper to make than carbon steel Inlines though.
The makers can get away with using stainless because they are advertizing them as being some kind of miracle gun that is as good or better than your Weatherby, never has to be cleaned and allows you to hunt in all kinds of weather in Black Powder hunts. Pure advertizing :bull: but it sells guns.

As for Rugers pistol, they are set up to machine stainless and I suspect they thought it would be a neat selling point.
I notice the Old Army costs a arm and a leg and suspect it is partially due to the stainless used in its manufacture.

 

[kentucky bucky]

I've had modern revolvers made of stainless and the surface is a bit rougher and porous than regular steel. The fouling seems harder to remove to me. This would be bad in a ML barrel IMHO. Also it would not get that nice patina from use that looks so appealing in a well kept but well used longrifle......and besides that it just ain't kosher!!!!Yuck....get that out of your head right now mister!!