Ask the Metallurgist Blog

4140 Steel, Firearms, Stainless Steel Brian Willse 4140 Steel, Firearms, Stainless Steel Brian Willse

Steel for Firearms: Alloys and Key Characteristics

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.

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