Steels used in S&W revolvers

[larbike]

I am curious about the types of steels that S&W used in their revolvers. Does anyone out there have any detailed information about it?(Steel number, rockwell hardness etc) Are the steels used in the cylinders different from the barrels? What about the frames? Any information would be appreciated.

 

[Texas Star]

They used to say that they used a special steel with added chrome and nickel content for Magnum guns. Steels and heat treatments have varied over the years. Author Jan Stevenson mentioned that Colt always used better steel and made stronger guns.

About 1919-1920, S&W began using heat- treated cylinders on .38's, and the Army supposedly insisted on heat-treated cylinders on all M-1917 .45's.

I suspect that different steels are used on different models, and steel in barrels and frames may not be the same as in cylinders. Of course, some stainless alloys are now employed, as well as titanium, etc.

I don't think the compamy has ever released data on their steels. It may be a trade secret.

However, their steels are more than ample to withstand anything like normal pressures.

T-Star

 

[wheelgun28]

I dont have any knowledge of what they are made from but I would guess something close to 4140. The hardness probably isnt very hard at all, its draw down quite a bit. You can file most parts of the gun. Dont forget that the main parts are forged so that does add a lot of strength to the material. I know I am not answering your question

 

[drhenzler]

You can tell a lot about the steel from the color it takes on when blued. Like many older Sako Rifles some parts begin to show a purple hue. Notable in Remington barrels is a brown hue. However many S&W frames had a bright blue finish in the late 60's. Sunlight is the tell, under fluorescent lighting or tungsten lamps the color is very difficult to see.

D

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

I do know that S&W uses 410 series stainless in the cylinder and frames of the X frames, and they use 416 series stainless in the barrels of those guns.

 

[Casehardn]

Aside from the steel S&W uses, it's the heat treat and tempering recipe that makes the most difference. I'm sure it varies from model to model depending on the stress put on the steel.
You can gain the same Rockwell hardness with different steels by tailoring the heat treat process for each steel.
Hardening any steel creates a tough but parallel grain structure in the steel.
Tempering the metal creates a cross-hatch pattern in the steel which adds flexibility back into the steel.
In a gun, you want the metal to be strong, but also be able to flex under pressure with out cracking.
The amount of carbon in the steel will determine how hard it can get.
The amount of Chromium in steel determines how rust resistant it is.

 

[scha]

In the engineering notes in Smith & Wesson 1857-1945 by Neal and Jinks there are a few references to the type of steel used. "March 1, 1946 Change analysis of K and .45 frames from 1020 to 1035." "April 2 1943 Change steel stirrup from 1080 to 1050: reason - stock to be drawn to shape instead of forged." "April 10, 1944 Change steel in extractor rod to SAE 1050 - reason - easier machining."

While this refers to older guns, it may be helpful.

Steve

 

[Rick O'Shea]

Is it possible that the stainless alloy they use is denser than the carbon steel used for blued guns?

I could swear that a M66 2 1/2" barrel I fondled at a gun show was heavier than my 4" M19.