metals

Question
I am not a gun guy. Not opposed at all..but am ignorant of the metals in fire arms.
During conversation today the question came up.
I thought steel. I was told not.
So here I am asking what guns or barrells are made of.  thx


Answer
Tom,

Whoever told you guns aren't made of steel is gravely mistaken.

Almost any time you see a black revolver (the finish is called "blued,") you can be almost certain it's made of ordinance steel. The silver-colored ones are typically stainless steel or nickel-plated ordinance steel.

When it comes to automatic pistols, oftentimes the frame is made of a steel/aluminum alloy while the slide and barrel are made of steel.

Many newer pistols (Glock, H&K, S&W Sigma series, Kel-Tec, etc.) have plastic frames reinforced with steel supports and guide rails for the slide.

Rifles and shotguns tend to have steel receivers with steel barrels and steel internal parts. Some newer military-style rifles use aluminum alloy recievers to cut down on weight and some are now even using carbon fiber.

In all cases, barrels are always made of steel.

Hopefully I've been of some help. If you've any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Kyle