Making Sear Springs
Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2024 2:36 am
We have been making spring for some time but are still working to master these skills. We can use this thread to collaborate and learn.
Several steel types are commonly recommended due to their specific properties:
Therefore, for most applications, 1075 or 1095 steel could be considered optimal, with the choice depending on the specific demands of the firearm and the manufacturer's capability in heat treatment and machining.
Several steel types are commonly recommended due to their specific properties:
- 1075 Steel: This steel is often used for gun springs due to its medium carbon content (0.75% carbon), which offers a good balance of strength, ductility, and workability. It's easier to machine and heat-treat compared to some other high-carbon steels, making it suitable for small, intricate parts like sear springs.
- 1095 Steel: With a higher carbon content (0.95%), 1095 steel provides even higher elastic limits and fatigue strength, which are crucial for springs that need to maintain their shape and function under repeated stress. This steel can be hardened and tempered to achieve excellent spring properties but requires careful handling during heat treatment to avoid brittleness.
- 6150 Steel: This is an alloy steel containing chromium and vanadium, which further enhances its hardenability, strength, and resistance to wear. It's particularly noted for its toughness and is often used where high performance under stress is needed, although it might be less common for small parts like sear springs due to its complexity in processing.
- Music Wire (ASTM A228): While not primarily mentioned in gunsmithing contexts, music wire is a type of high-carbon spring steel known for its high yield strength and elasticity. It's used in various applications requiring spring-like properties but might be overkill for sear springs unless very specific elastic characteristics are needed.
- Durability and Fatigue Resistance: You want the spring to last through many cycles without failure.
- Elasticity: The spring should return to its original shape after being deformed.
- Machinability: For intricate shapes like sear springs, how easily the steel can be cut, bent, or shaped is important.
- Heat Treatability: The ability to achieve desired hardness and toughness through heat treatment.
Therefore, for most applications, 1075 or 1095 steel could be considered optimal, with the choice depending on the specific demands of the firearm and the manufacturer's capability in heat treatment and machining.