Why Stainless Steel Slides on Polymer Frames?

[Not a Cook]

Please educate me: why are we starting to see so many stainless steel slides on polymer frames? Is it just to get a long-lasting slide, but still keep the weight down with a polymer frame? Or some other reason altogether that I'm missing? Thanks!

[teflondog]

I doubt it's for the long-lasting factor since carbon steel is stronger than stainless. I think stainless is used mainly for rust prevention and aesthetics.

[the86d]

I doubt it's for the long-lasting factor since carbon steel is stronger than stainless. I think stainless is used mainly for rust prevention and aesthetics.

I don't know much metals, but if it is getting smacked around (say from recoil?):
Is carbon-steel the same as carbide, as I understand it you shouldn't drop carbide reloading dies...as they are strong with regards to pressure, but brittle to impacts and can chip?

[Lead Waster]

I don't think "Carbon steel" is the same as "Carbide".


I think SS is all aesthetics unless you are talking about rust protection for things like SS screws.

[DArBad]

I am not being argumentative, but I honestly don't think they are that many. On the contrary, they are rare.

The only two that come to my mind are the Ruger SR series and the Kahrs. Considering the gun market as a whole, they are rare breeds.

[ExtremeX]

I am not being argumentative, but I honestly don't think they are that many. On the contrary, they are rare.

The only two that come to my mind are the Ruger SR series and the Kahrs. Considering the gun market as a whole, they are rare breeds.

There are a lot more than you think... including XD and XDm series of pistol from Springfield are available in stainless and the S&W M&P Series uses a stainless steel slide which has a melonite treatment, but is also available with a bare stainless slide.

Personally if I have an option to buy something in stainless I do it... For no other reason than I like the way it looks and its easy to clean.

[ExtremeX]

Please educate me: why are we starting to see so many stainless steel slides on polymer frames? Is it just to get a long-lasting slide, but still keep the weight down with a polymer frame? Or some other reason altogether that I'm missing? Thanks!

If my memory serves me right... I remember stainless density being greater so it should be heavier than carbon steel, but I could be wrong.

They are close enough in weight that it really doesn't matter that much.

[-hanko]

I don't think "Carbon steel" is the same as "Carbide".


I think SS is all aesthetics unless you are talking about rust protection for things like SS screws.

I KNOW carbon steel is not even closely related to carbide (actually, complete name is tungsten carbide).

[357magnum]

They will both last just as long, provided you take care of your firearms.
Its just a matter of choice, I like stainless.
Also stainless does not wear off like bluing can, especially at the muzzle.
Small scrathes can be polished out.

[teflondog]

If my memory serves me right... I remember stainless density being greater so it should be heavier than carbon steel, but I could be wrong.

They are close enough in weight that it really doesn't matter that much.

You're absolutely correct. Stainless steel has greater density than carbon steel, which results in more weight for the same volume. That can be utilized in guns to reduce recoil. However, it's softer than carbon steel so it can't be machined to the same tolerances.

Weight = Volume x Density

Gold and lead are other examples of softer materials having high density.

[smittty]

Please educate me: why are we starting to see so many stainless steel slides on polymer frames? Is it just to get a long-lasting slide, but still keep the weight down with a polymer frame? Or some other reason altogether that I'm missing? Thanks!

Nothing new, I think you are just starting to notice them.

[thai562]

Mostly for look. Both have adequate performance in this application. Black polymer on black slide seem boring over time.

[Murmur]

I think it is mostly for looks. Not my thing - although I like OD or FDE on some firearms.

[Dannicus]

You're absolutely correct. Stainless steel has greater density than carbon steel, which results in more weight for the same volume. That can be utilized in guns to reduce recoil. However, it's softer than carbon steel so it can't be machined to the same tolerances.

Weight = Volume x Density

Gold and lead are other examples of softer materials having high density.

The hardness of stainless and carbon steels can vary greatly depending on the heat treat. Both generally machine nicely and there is no difference in the attainable tolerances.

[CrippledPidgeon]

The way I see it, is if the finish gets worn off a carbon steel gun, you run the risk of corrosion.

Take the S&W M&P for example. It's got a stainless steel slide that's been melonited, and then blackened. If you ever wore through the melonite, you've still got the stainless steel.