How is steel used in firearm design, what are the most important characteristics of gun component materials, and which alloys have proven their ability to withstand the unique stresses experienced by critical components like barrels and bolts?

In this blog, we explain the fundamentals of steel for firearms, look at why carbon steel is the leading choice for firearm components, and explore 4140-grade steel as an example of an alloy that is well-suited to the unique engineering requirements of gunmakers and OEMs.

What is 4140 steel, and what makes it one of the most popular choices for challenging applications in automotive, aerospace, and beyond?

In this blog, we review the fundamentals of this important steel grade, explore its key properties, and explain what makes it different from some other leading grades.