Howdy

When did Smith first start hardening cylinders? I have an M&P that was made between 1906 and 1909, judging by the Serial Number. I always shoot very light loads in it, but I am curious as to when Smith started hardening cylinders.

Thanks

A search using "heat treated cylinder" in the 1857-1945 section of this forum gave me a date of around 1920.

Heat-treating alloy steels normally involves 2 steps , hardening and then tempering.

Hardening , part is heated to 'critical tempature' , (usually dictated by the steel maker according to it alloys and desired properties) the quenched , in oil , brine/water or controlled atmosphere.

Then it is 'tempered'. Reheated to a much lower tempature to relieve internal stress.

Again , tempatures and 'soak time' are dictated by the steel maker

I have heard the date of 1925 mentioned several times.

quote:

Originally posted by pbslinger:
A search using "heat treated cylinder" in the 1857-1945 section of this forum gave me a date of around 1920.

Those early plain steels were simply case hardened or 'carborized). The steel parts were packed in a container of fine natural carbon powder , usually burnt animal bone and hide. Then heated red hot for long periods of time so the steel surface would absorb additional carbon , the hardest natural substance. The hardness was no more than a thousandth thick , but greatly improved wear , if not outright strength. Other additives such as certain oils gave Color-case hardenings beautiful colors.

The purity of steels improved , but the next best step was so-called 'nickel-steels'. Adding nickel and improved heat treating techniques greatly improved the strength. Also called 'ordnance steel' this is what most guns such as the Springfield '03 were made of. The post WW1 bolts were stamped NS for nickel steel. This is basically the same grade of steel the 20s-30s S&Ws were made from.

The order to heat treat 32/20 cyls was given in May 1919. I do not know when it was applied to other cyls. An order was given in Oct, 1945 to ELIMINATE the heat treatment of almost all cyls.
The Gun Digest article "Raw Steel to S&W" from about 1954 shows cyls being hardened by INDUCTION.

Howdy Again

I know the difference between case hardening and heat treating for strength. I am asking when Smith started heat treating their cylinders for strength.

quote:

I am asking when Smith started heat treating their cylinders for strength.

quote:

The order to heat treat 32/20 cyls was given in May 1919. I do not know when it was applied to other cyls.

So it sounds like the cylinder on my 1906-1909 M&P is not heat treated. I'll just keep shooting light loads through it.

Thanks