J D Allen
Member
I remember BFR handguns in 375 up to 45/70. These revolvers used magnesium frames. If we had small handguns made in this material , we could have smaller and more powerful handguns. What do you think?
revolver frame material
- Thread starter J D Allen
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Magnesium metal and its alloys are explosive hazards; they are highly flammable in their pure form when molten or in powder or ribbon form. Burning or molten magnesium metal reacts violently with water. When working with powdered magnesium, safety glasses with welding eye protection are employed, because the bright white light produced by burning magnesium contains ultraviolet light that can permanently damage the retinas of the eyes.[31]
Magnesium is capable of reducing water to the highly flammable hydrogen gas:[32]
Mg (s) + 2 H2O (l) → Mg(OH)2 (s) + H2 (g) As a result, water cannot be used to extinguish magnesium fires; the hydrogen gas produced will only intensify the fire. Dry sand is an effective smothering agent but is usable only on relatively level and flat surfaces.
Magnesium also reacts with carbon dioxide to form magnesium oxide and carbon:
2 Mg (s) + CO2 → 2 MgO (s) + C (s) Hence, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers cannot be used for extinguishing magnesium fires either.[33]
Burning magnesium is usually quenched by using a Class D dry chemical fire extinguisher, or by covering the fire with sand or magnesium foundry flux to remove its air source.
Most "magnesium" commercial items, like the "MAG wheels" found on some cars in the 60s, contained very little magnesium and a lot of aluminum, but even that bit of magnesium was dropped when the wheels were found to crack easily. The use of magnesium alloys in aircraft is restricted due to the high fire danger.
Since magnesium is almost as common as aluminum and even lighter, it has often been experimented with for ultralight applications, but has not really caught on in common use. The extremem danger of fire and explosion from magnesium powder and cuttings produced in manufacturing detracts from its utility.
Magnesium powder is a common part of flares and incendiary bombs.
Magnesium is capable of reducing water to the highly flammable hydrogen gas:[32]
Mg (s) + 2 H2O (l) → Mg(OH)2 (s) + H2 (g) As a result, water cannot be used to extinguish magnesium fires; the hydrogen gas produced will only intensify the fire. Dry sand is an effective smothering agent but is usable only on relatively level and flat surfaces.
Magnesium also reacts with carbon dioxide to form magnesium oxide and carbon:
2 Mg (s) + CO2 → 2 MgO (s) + C (s) Hence, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers cannot be used for extinguishing magnesium fires either.[33]
Burning magnesium is usually quenched by using a Class D dry chemical fire extinguisher, or by covering the fire with sand or magnesium foundry flux to remove its air source.
Most "magnesium" commercial items, like the "MAG wheels" found on some cars in the 60s, contained very little magnesium and a lot of aluminum, but even that bit of magnesium was dropped when the wheels were found to crack easily. The use of magnesium alloys in aircraft is restricted due to the high fire danger.
Since magnesium is almost as common as aluminum and even lighter, it has often been experimented with for ultralight applications, but has not really caught on in common use. The extremem danger of fire and explosion from magnesium powder and cuttings produced in manufacturing detracts from its utility.
Magnesium powder is a common part of flares and incendiary bombs.
OP
J D Allen
Member
Thanks for the science report. The BFR revolvers were chambered in 375 and 444 marlin. These single actions must have been damn tough to stand these pressures.
scooter123
Member
Magnesium actually isn't much stronger or lighter than aircraft grade aluminum. In fact, I suspect that the Scandium doped aluminum alloys are stronger than magnesium in terms of mass/loading. So, why use a material that can catch fire if exposed to a high enough heat source when a stronger and more stable material is available.
+1
After witnessing a magnesium deck on a lawnmower burn in a neighbor's storage shed fire and the attempt to extinguish it with a fire hose, I will vouch for the above statement.
The magnesium fire starters used for camping, etc. also come to mind.
OP
J D Allen
Member
material
I've seen revolvers in this material and was looking for stronger materials. I don't doubt that it can burn but they have made these. I'm looking for a strong 5 shot revolver to chamber 40 cal. Taurus makes a 41 mag 5 shot and want S&W to get on board.
I've seen revolvers in this material and was looking for stronger materials. I don't doubt that it can burn but they have made these. I'm looking for a strong 5 shot revolver to chamber 40 cal. Taurus makes a 41 mag 5 shot and want S&W to get on board.
If you can't understand the "science report" here's the bottom line:
Magnesium is not stronger than other available materials, either by itself, or in common alloys. The attraction is that it is CHEAP and LIGHT. The fire danger is REAL.
Magnesium is not stronger than other available materials, either by itself, or in common alloys. The attraction is that it is CHEAP and LIGHT. The fire danger is REAL.
OP
J D Allen
Member
I'm sure the science is REAL. But like I've stated they made them a long time ago. Stating a fact. Seems many here want an argument.
Jim Watson
Member
I am unable to find reference to a BFR made out of anything but stainless steel.
There is an internet video with a guy talking about a Bison Bull .45-70 with "magnesium bronze" frame but the company website correctly identifies it as manganese bronze which is a horse of a different color than lightweight magnesium. Manganese bronze is a moderately strong copper-zinc-manganese alloy, about like mild steel; but Bison Bull uses a LOT of it; their revolver weighs 6 lbs, which is not much less than a Marlin Guide Gun.
There is an internet video with a guy talking about a Bison Bull .45-70 with "magnesium bronze" frame but the company website correctly identifies it as manganese bronze which is a horse of a different color than lightweight magnesium. Manganese bronze is a moderately strong copper-zinc-manganese alloy, about like mild steel; but Bison Bull uses a LOT of it; their revolver weighs 6 lbs, which is not much less than a Marlin Guide Gun.
