Nickel / chrome

Hoss Fly

January 16, 2005 01:54

How do u tell the difference in finisn on a gun, is there any[?]

I'm Your huckleberry

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  bpost

  January 16, 2005 05:28

  There are many gun finishes used to preserve the metal...Some are a form of rust, some are a coating bonded to the metal. Coatings, like chrome can be shiney or industrial black. Bluing is just the one we know the best it can range from a deep purple/black to a light almost transparent navy blue.

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  heavyiron

  January 16, 2005 05:42

  Hi Hoss Fly,
  
  Yes, there are subtle differences but only a metalurgist would probably be able to tell you the difference. Nickel/chrome is a type of misnomer away, since all stainless contains both nickel and chrome. It is the ratio between the two that matters. Nickel/chrome steels can contain up to about 35% nickel and 30% chrome which is the more precise answer to your question. Nickel/chrome stainless would be highly resistant to corrosion which would be one of several desired properties for a firearm.
  
  All stainless steels contain both nickel and chromium, otherwise, it would not be stainless steel. Now, there are many different types of stainless, perhaps over 60 grades (variations) of alloy and gives each alloy its own set of characteristics.
  
  All nickel/chrome means is that the ratio between the two elements in the stainless steel formula has been tweaked as to the relative amounts of these two elements. Grade 304L stainless contains 18 to 20% chrome and 8 to 10.5 nickel. In general, the higher the nickel to chromium ratio the more stable is the austenitic structure (autenitic is one classification of stainless) and the less magnetic response that will be induced by cold work. Austenitic is about an 18-8 stainless (pecent of chrome to nickel). The more nickel the less magnetic.
  
  Therefore, the only test you could perform is to get a magnet and determine if the steel of the gun was attracted to the magnet. If no, then you can assume that it is austenitic stainless. Otherwise, you would need to discuss this topic with the manufacturer or take a sample to an analytical laboratory (which I would not advise)to determine exactly what alloy they use.[:D]. Of course, many of the manufacturers will not divulge the alloy content since it is proprietary information, but they would probably indicate the type.
  
  Regards,
  
  Heavyiron[8D]
  
  
  "If I don't see you nomore on this world, I'll meet you on the next one, and don't be late!" - Jimi Hendrix

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  Hoss Fly

  January 16, 2005 16:30

  Preciate the info[:)]
  
  I'm Your huckleberry

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