Guys,

I want to make a couple of sets of custom scope mounts for M70s. Would like to have mounts that have the same center distances on all of my rifles to make scope swaps easier. Have done it for Mausers. Used 1018 for that.

One of the M70s is a Stainless Steel Classic and it would be nice if the mounts are the right color.

I have some annealed stainless steel barrel drop material from Douglas.

Have a full sized mill. How much more challenging is it to machine stainless barrel steel?

Thanks!

Mike it cuts like butter. I make tools and dies from it. It is not as corrosian resistant as say 303.
Butch

Mike

As Butch says, it cuts like butter.

I use to buy seconds off of Fred for all of my muzzle brakes and numerous projects. I think they were $12.00 for SS and $8.00 for CM. I have not bought any for a long time.

James

In all likelihood it's 416L

In general stainless steel barrel materials were/are chosen for their maching characteristics, not their suitability for the job.

what rubs me the wrong way is that the manufacturers who have gone to "hammer forging" mass produced barrels continue to use the same "Traditional" stainless steels when there isn't the critical need for "machinability"
(drilling the bore and cutting the rifling)

when there are other materials that while adding cost would essentially be "eternal" for wear...

Several Inconel, Hastelloy and "Miraging steels" come to mind.

AD

Allan, it's 'maraging' !MARtensite + AGING .416 is a free machining grade as is 303 but 416 is better ,less 'gummy'.

quote:

Originally posted by mete:
Allan, it's 'maraging' !MARtensite + AGING .416 is a free machining grade as is 303 but 416 is better ,less 'gummy'.

Go price maraging steels.....you'll love 4140!

The Navy uses maraging steels for their 6" guns as it's fabulously strong...IIRC it's about 40% nickel and the price is out of this world!