OT: Taurus PT-145 Slides

Marvin · 09-23-2001, 06:05 AM

Mark,

I am a mechanical engineer and I have thought plenty about the difference in the stainless and the steel components in pistols. First, carbon steel is stronger than stainless steel and is my prefered choice! Carbon steel does not have the galling characteristics of stainless. But, if stainless steel is properly lubricated on the sliding surfaces, there is no problem with galling. Both are very acceptable for any weapon. To me, the only great thing about a stainless pistol is that it does not rust as easy as carbon steel. Yes, stainless steel can rust, but at a MUCH reduced rate from carbon steel. Normally, the lower grades of stainless as "440" type is used for handguns. If the surgical grades were used, the cost would be much higher for the material.

Either one can be trusted to perform as needed once you have used the pistol and there are no mechanical problems which may develop. With the stainless, just use a high grade lubricant as recommended by the manufacturer and you will be OK. I just like steel pistols! I hate the aluminum frame pistols on the market today as aluminum in not near as strong as carbon steel or stainless, but that is another story. Just my opinion

Marvin

09-23-2001, 06:05 AM	#2
Marvin User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Upstate S.C. Posts: 1,132 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: OT: Taurus PT-145 Slides Mark, I am a mechanical engineer and I have thought plenty about the difference in the stainless and the steel components in pistols. First, carbon steel is stronger than stainless steel and is my prefered choice! Carbon steel does not have the galling characteristics of stainless. But, if stainless steel is properly lubricated on the sliding surfaces, there is no problem with galling. Both are very acceptable for any weapon. To me, the only great thing about a stainless pistol is that it does not rust as easy as carbon steel. Yes, stainless steel can rust, but at a MUCH reduced rate from carbon steel. Normally, the lower grades of stainless as "440" type is used for handguns. If the surgical grades were used, the cost would be much higher for the material. Either one can be trusted to perform as needed once you have used the pistol and there are no mechanical problems which may develop. With the stainless, just use a high grade lubricant as recommended by the manufacturer and you will be OK. I just like steel pistols! I hate the aluminum frame pistols on the market today as aluminum in not near as strong as carbon steel or stainless, but that is another story. Just my opinion Marvin