Are Stainless pistols less reliable...

[titsonritz]

then their carbon steel counterparts?

Stainless is known to have galling qualities and IMO seem to be not quite as smooth an identical blued or parked model, but are they less reliable?

[TOrrock]

In 1982 the answer would have been yes. Companies like AMT and Coonan didn't realize that you needed to use different grades of stainless for the slide and frame and different heat treatments. To get the early stainless steel semi autos to run you needed to use a lithium sulfide grease as lube.

It's been a total non issue since Colt released the Government Model Series 80 Stainless in 1983.

[SteyrAUG]

In 1982 the answer would have been yes. Companies like AMT and Coonan didn't realize that you needed to use different grades of stainless for the slide and frame and different heat treatments. To get the early stainless steel semi autos to run you needed to use a lithium sulfide grease as lube.

It's been a total non issue since Colt released the Government Model Series 80 Stainless in 1983.

So would a SS SIG frame be more desirable than an Alloy SIG frame?

[titsonritz]

Damn dude, you're on top of it. Thanks for the info.

[rdm]

I've heard in the late 70s, early 80s Smith experienced similar galling issues with all Stainless model 39/69 type handguns. Or was that issue exclusive to the smaller companies?

[TOrrock]

So would a SS SIG frame be more desirable than an Alloy SIG frame?

For me, no, as it would add additional weight.

I've heard in the late 70s, early 80s Smith experienced similar galling issues with all Stainless model 39/69 type handguns. Or was that issue exclusive to the smaller companies?

I don't believe that S&W brought out a stainless steel semi auto (M659) until the mid 80's, when the knowledge of how to make a stainless semi auto run was well known by then.

[Buck]

The S&W 4506-1 and 4566TSW are two of the most reliable and accurate handguns ever made... They are very underapericated IMHO...

Just my .02

B

[awm14hp]

The S&W 4506-1 and 4566TSW are two of the most reliable and accurate handguns ever made... They are very underapericated IMHO...

Just my .02

B

I agree but I want to toss in my 4516 and 3913 to the 4506

[theJanitor]

one of the smoothest guns I own is a stainless 1911. Lots of rounds through it without issue

[SteyrAUG]

For me, no, as it would add additional weight.

Let me rephrase. Would stainless be stronger/more durable/longer lasting than alloy?