Stainless steel type used

[gnappi]

Does anyone know what type of stainless does Ruger use on the internal and external parts on their DA revolvers?

 

[WAYNO]

it would be difficult to cite just one type of stainless, as their processes are multiple and and their experimentation has also morphed. And their processes can be very proprietary.

There is forged stainless, rolled stainless, cast stainless and MIM'd stainless, all using different stainless alloys.

New Stainless Alloys Allow Ruger To Hit Machineability, Pressure Targets

Ruger Investment Casting - Steel

I have worked extensively with stainless steel, and the different stainless alloys, for so many different reasons, is mind boggling.




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[NikA]

Barrels will generally be 416R stainless. 416R is also relatively castable, so it may be that a very similar alloy is used in the investment cast parts (frames, larger action parts). In general, most stainless steels used in guns are 400 series martensitic alloys and therefore magnetic. Exception might be some use of 17-4PH in certain applications.

 

[gnappi]

Wayno, the "new stainless alloys" is excellent reading and provides a bit of Ruger development history.

Thanks!