Materials Used in Guide Rods

[valor1]

There are many types of steel used in the manufacture of different gun parts. We are familiar with 416 stainless, 4140 steel, S7 tool steel and a host of others. I was just wondering, waht kind of stainless do they use in full length guide rods? As for the steel types, what exactly do the manufacturers use? This may be a bit technical but would appreciate the help. Thanks for all your inputs.

[ArmscorBA]

For our GI guide rods we use, Blued carbon steel. I use Tungsten for my Limited pistol FL guide rods, Most SS FL guide rods are 4140. I also use Aluminum and Delron in my open pistols. Hope this helps!!!
Ivan

[Lazarus]

What makes you think that guide rods require a unique type of steel? I have made perfectly good guide rods from Delrin (plastic), so it seems kind of silly to me worry about selecting a particular material for this one part. Use what you have in your junk pile.

-L

[pa_guns]

Hi

My guess is that the steel is one step up from used soup cans. I doubt it's anything fancy like the frame, slide, or barrel.

I have seen guide rods made out of stuff a lot less fancy than Derlin. A guide rod really does not do much other than act as a spacer inside the spring. You probably could use a wooden dowel as long as you had a metal head on it for the spring to seat in ...

No I'm not going to try that, the shavings would muck things up pretty fast :nono:

Bob

[valor1]

What makes you think that guide rods require a unique type of steel? I have made perfectly good guide rods from Delrin (plastic), so it seems kind of silly to me worry about selecting a particular material for this one part. Use what you have in your junk pile.

-L

I never considered these things as special just curious on what materials they use on these things. Heck, I don't even use them in my 1911's (i prefer the stock parts).

ArmscorBA,

Thanks for the info and more power to you. I noticed that you've been such a big help especially on the products you represented. :)

[ArmscorBA]

Thanks!
I use delrin ( Spell) On my open pistols, Because I don't like a front heavy Open pistol. I use Tungston on my limited 40 cal, Because I like the weight.
Ivan