What do gas turbines have to do with little hand guns? Quite a lot, actually.
The screenshot above shows the North American Arms .22 Caliber PUG Mini-Revolver and lists its specifications. Among those specifications is the type of stainless steel the gun is manufactured from: 17-4 pH. With so many positive attributes, the type of steel they're made from may not seem all that interesting, but knowing about the metal your gun is made from determines how you should treat and care for it. Rest assured, your little gun will be around for a long, long time!
What is stainless steel? It's simply an alloy of iron with a chromium content no less than about 11 percent by mass. (Reference) Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and is made with different alloys to suit different purposes. The steel chosen for the manufacturer of North American Arms pieces is an alloy containing 17 percent chromium and four percent nickel; thus 17-4. The pH after the prefix stands for precipitation hardened, or age hardened. So what are the properties of this steel that make it ideal for use in firearms?
The characteristics of 17-4 pH that make suitable for use in firearms include high strength, hardness and corrosion resistance. Although not marine grade, 17-4 pH will withstand use in environments near and on the ocean. One of the uses specified for the metal is for the construction of offshore helicopter platforms.In addition, it is used to make turbine blades on liquid petroleum generators (gas turbines like a jet engine) as well as nuclear waste casks!!??. (Reference)
One of the only weaknesses of the metal is direct exposure to stagnant seawater. How often do you plan to take your gun scuba diving? If you own a North American Mini; treat it right and clean it frequently, chances are your kids will be handing it down to your grand children long after you're gone.
What is stainless steel? It's simply an alloy of iron with a chromium content no less than about 11 percent by mass. (Reference) Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and is made with different alloys to suit different purposes. The steel chosen for the manufacturer of North American Arms pieces is an alloy containing 17 percent chromium and four percent nickel; thus 17-4. The pH after the prefix stands for precipitation hardened, or age hardened. So what are the properties of this steel that make it ideal for use in firearms?
The characteristics of 17-4 pH that make suitable for use in firearms include high strength, hardness and corrosion resistance. Although not marine grade, 17-4 pH will withstand use in environments near and on the ocean. One of the uses specified for the metal is for the construction of offshore helicopter platforms.In addition, it is used to make turbine blades on liquid petroleum generators (gas turbines like a jet engine) as well as nuclear waste casks!!??. (Reference)
One of the only weaknesses of the metal is direct exposure to stagnant seawater. How often do you plan to take your gun scuba diving? If you own a North American Mini; treat it right and clean it frequently, chances are your kids will be handing it down to your grand children long after you're gone.
