Gun barrels operate under intense mechanical and thermal demands, which makes material selection a central concern for gunsmiths, OEMs, and advanced rifle manufacturers.

In this edition of Ask the Metallurgist, we take a closer look at gun barrel steel, outline the factors that influence performance in long-barrel rifle applications, and explain how alloy choice affects durability, machinability, and overall shooting characteristics.

How is steel used in firearm design, what are the most important characteristics of gun component materials, and which alloys have proven their ability to withstand the unique stresses experienced by critical components like barrels and bolts?

In this blog, we explain the fundamentals of steel for firearms, look at why carbon steel is the leading choice for firearm components, and explore 4140-grade steel as an example of an alloy that is well-suited to the unique engineering requirements of gunmakers and OEMs.