An Engineer's take on S&W.

[DrMark]

That is an edition of Shigley, but can't say which it is. A GREAT series of machine design texts. I still have the edition that I used as an undergrad and I have used it so much since that it is falling apart.
Anyone here, engineer or not, who wants to learn a good bit about the subjects being discussed in this thread would be well-advised to pick up one or more of the various editions of Shigley.
His books had such a good reputation that new editions with his name on them were being published a decade after he died.

I have a few Shigley texts... definite classics. Timoshenko texts as well...

 

[steelslaver]

One point he is accurate with: "today it is necessary to design to an ever shrinking list of alloys." Crucible Powdered metals recently went bankrupt; a major supplier of the highest grades of composite carbide metals.

That the facility is still running and I know you can obtain steels from several other sources that used the same process as Crucibles excellent CPM steels. I really like some of these steels for high end knife making.

I will say that as High carbon stainless steels did take a big jump in quality using this process.

 

[siyeh]

What a wonderful way to recuperate from knee surgery. Reading every page of this thread has been outstanding. If any of you metal experts see this, I thank you very much for allowing me to read your prose,,,
I have learned so much and one is never to old to learn!

 

[BillyMagg]

What a wonderful way to recuperate from knee surgery. Reading every page of this thread has been outstanding. If any of you metal experts see this, I thank you very much for allowing me to read your prose,,,
I have learned so much and one is never to old to learn!

and your post brought me back, it is a very interesting and informative post, there are some bright gentlemen on the Smith and Wesson forum.

 

[tftech1]

Favorite Thread Here?

To Handejector: Let's get this on the list of favorite threads. It contains a wealth of information.

 

[George_in_SD]

I'm just now coming across this information, and I find it fascinating. Thank you and your friend for posting this.

These types of discussion are very invigorating, especially to a newer generation collector. Understanding the who, what, when, where, and why to the manufacturing process gives a richness about S&W.

 

[jinx]

WOW! I just came across this older thread. This is one of the most informative reads that I can remember seeing. Also written by some one who knows his business. Being able to translate engineer speak so that people like me can get the gist is almost an art form.
It also makes me realize just how dumb I am.

 

[BigBill]

Thanks for sharing. That was very interesting. I'm glad he said that investment casting is weaker no matter how you look at it. People on the internet can be so ignorant.

Yes when it comes to investment casting vs. forged steel.
My new auto ordnance army 1911a1 with its investment casted
4140 steel frame isn't too shabby. I lubed it with moly and we hammered it for 250rd per two outings for a total of 500rds of flawless operation using Russian ammo. It showed no real noticeable wear yet.

What about my Chinese norinco m14 made from 5100 forged steel with the chrome lined bore and chamber. The Russians actually perfected chrome lining the bores and chambers. There are stories of shooters having between 100k to 200k rounds through there AK 47.

The s&w guns are forged steel. The Springfield armory 1911 are forged steel. The Colts are forged steel.

I think there is a difference between a sock draw gun owner who shoots very little per year and the guy who shoot 3 to 4 times per week. I think some gun manufacturers think investment casting is good enough.(borderline) if your a heavy shooter you would want the best.

 

[BigBill]

Yes when it comes to investment casting vs. forged steel.
My new auto ordnance army 1911a1 with its investment casted
4140 steel frame isn't too shabby. I lubed it with moly and we hammered it for 250rd per two outings for a total of 500rds of flawless operation using Russian ammo. It showed no real noticeable wear yet.

What about my Chinese norinco m14 made from 5100 forged steel with the chrome lined bore and chamber. The Russians actually perfected chrome lining the bores and chambers. There are stories of shooters having between 100k to 200k rounds through there AK 47.

The s&w guns are forged steel. The Springfield armory 1911 are forged steel. The Colts are forged steel.

I think there is a difference between a sock draw gun owner who shoots very little per year and the guy who shoot 3 to 4 times per week. I think some gun manufacturers think investment casting is good enough.(borderline) if your a heavy shooter you would want the best.

I'm not done testing my new AO 1911 but it did better than the gun rags said in there tests.

 

[rwsmith]

Thank you and thank your friend...

I don't know when I've read such a concentration of quality information. Not even in textbooks.

 

[perpster]

What a wonderful way to recuperate from knee surgery. Reading every page of this thread has been outstanding. If any of you metal experts see this, I thank you very much for allowing me to read your prose,,,
I have learned so much and one is never to old to learn!

siyeh, is your new knee forged, investment cast or MIM?

I hope you recovered well.