S&W vs. Colt rifles

[cyphertext]

4150 can be harder, stronger & tougher to machine & is supposed to be a true barrel material.

I agree with the first half of that statement, but not the last. If you are not firing fully auto, or doing mag dump after mag dump, I don't think 4150 is required. I doubt any of the other firearms in my safe have 4150 barrels. The only time you ever hear of this barrel material discussion is in the AR world, as most other rifle types are produced with 4140 steel.

If you are shooting full auto or using a Slidefire stock to simulate full auto, the 4150 should be considered. If you use the rifle for hunting or for bench shooting, or low volume shooting, you aren't going to notice any difference in my opinion.

 

[VMaxSplat]

As a tool & die maker I can tell you there is a difference between 4140 & 4150, 4140 is more popular & kind of a generic steel used for many different things. 4150 can be harder, stronger & tougher to machine & is supposed to be a true barrel material.

Thanks for a professional opinion on the steel. There has always been much internet chatter on the subject, but rarely do we hear from a tool and die guy or metallurgist. I've met a few metallurgical engineers over the years. Maybe one day I'll get a chance to ask one of them to weigh in on the 4140/4150 discussion.

 

[WR Moore]

The biggest buyer is what has kept the Colt platform alive. It's OUR tax dollars have kept them going.

Actually, political pull is what has kept Colt afloat, using our tax dollars. Those who suggest that all Colts meet mil-spec may or may not be correct. Ever wonder what happens to those parts that flunk the QC inspection?

The AR system has been in use for 40 odd years. Those who think the TDP remains some state secret are misguided. One might also reflect that given technological advances in the past 40 years, might there be better alternatives than original specs?