Stainless galling

[PinnedAndRecessed]

I'm currently "negotiating" for two stainless Smith revolvers. One is a 629 (no dash); the other is a 66.

I remember the early stainless handguns had a problem with "galling." Something about metal shearing off during operation.

Could someone tell me what "galling" is, please? Was it the revolver or semi-autos? Should I be concerned about the above revolvers?

Thanx in advance.

 

[Steve F]

Galling is when 2 pieces of steel,stainless or otherwise,rub together...DRY... and end up almost "cold welding" themselves together,or I guess easier said,a little part of one will attempt to stick to the other do to lack of lubrication,Hard to believe it would happen on a revolver,but with the lack of clearences ,anything is possible.Hope that helps.

 

[Onty]

As far as I could recall, this problem occurred on semiauto pistols only. Never heard about galling on revolvers, most likely because revolver doesn’t have fast moving parts. Just consider how many times you have to turn cylinder on 1/4†or 5/16†dia cylinder pin to make the travel equal to one cycle of semiauto pistol.

Looks like that 410/416 steels are prone to that, especially if hardness of main sliding parts is similar. Didn’t hear about this problem last 10 years. Manufacturers learned bit more how to avoid galling, most likely by using slightly different materials and/or different heat treatment. Also, new, better lubricants might have important role in galling prevention.

However, some folks consider as the “ultimate combination†for race guns so called “dual tone†finish; stainless frame with blue slide, or vice versa.