4130 & 4140

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by G.T.

I'm betting the majority of the Luger parts are just plain 1010 or 1018 low carbon steel...

... ...No way! I would bet 4140 minimum! If you're talking about flat springs, then 1095 probably...A steel that will harden but still retain flexibility. I have worked with a high-end 8000 series steel and it is a beeitch to work with! Not only hard at the git-go, but will work harden as you machine it!

4140 is known as 'ordnance steel'. I was wondering if you were thinking that parts with a high wear rate would be harder steel, and I couldn't think of why a hold-open or a trigger bar would be any higher than say a toggle...