Steel Vs. SS Rifle Barrels

Rifles traditionally have steel barrels, but stainless steel offers some advantages.

There are many differences between stainless steel and the more traditional plain steel rifle barrels. If you plan to buy a rifle, consider these differences to determine which material best suits your needs.

Cost

Stainless steel is more expensive than plain steel. Stainless steel is also harder than plain steel, which makes cutting rifling into the barrel blank more difficult and further increases cost.

Durability

Stainless steel is harder than plain steel. This hardness gives stainless-steel barrels a longer life span than plain-steel barrels. Stainless steel is also much more resistant to rust than traditional steel barrels.

Appearance

A rifle's metal parts have traditionally been finished with bluing. Bluing is a process that makes the steel less prone to rusting and provides a dark blue finish to the metal. Stainless steel is difficult to blue, meaning shooters must choose between a traditional appearance and the improved durability of stainless steel.

References

• Guns & Ammo: Rifles, The Crowning Achievement
• Lilja Precision Rifle Barrels Inc.: FAQ