I am going to need to fabricate a quarter rib for my double rifle I am building. I plan on using both irons and scope. Any ideas on the best alloy to use. I have used 1018 crs in the past for some projects but don't really like the finish I get. So..........I am open for some ideas.

On a bolt gun I try to match the "barrel" material. I am not sure how to approach yout problem.

May I suggest you try asking someone like:

quote:

STEVEN BERTRAM
http://www.bertramandco.com

All the best.
M.Greene

1018 will work.
Butch

What about 4140 steel?

Can't imagine what trouble you're having with 1018...We use it on bottom metal and you can get anything you want up to and including a mirror

1018

1018

Well guess its 1018 I will just work on my finish process. It may have been the last piece of metal I had. I have ordered a couple of new pieces and will work on them.

Just curious... Why such a soft and malleable material, as opposed to something a little more ding- and nick-resistant?

1018 is the best I have used and I tried a bunch trying to teach myself how to build 1/4 ribs it just blues better for me in my hot tank or rust. If you planned on machining in scope mounts for a foreward mounted scope I would use 4140 pre heat treated or 01 or something a little harder than 1018. I use 416 for my stainless ribs.

Thanks.

How about 12L14.... It works for me... Machines well for great surfaces finishes and blues very well...

12L14 is also a good option

Bottom metal and quarter ribs don't need the properties that 4140 have nor does it need to be hardened. If you have 4140 laying around fine but don't go out a buy a special piece for it.

Mild steel work fine
1018
1045
12L14