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4/9/2010 1:05:45 PM EDT
What type of steel are Russian AK barrels made of?

4/10/2010 4:02:01 AM EDT
[#1]
1. The Soviet block used a different standard for steel.
2. None of the countries which produce AK have felt the need to provide this information.
4/10/2010 9:04:52 AM EDT
[#2]
Generally good gun steel. Tends to be more ductile than brittle, so look for peening on bolts, slides, etc. This is not a problem unless displaced metal interferes with function, when it is simply dressed back into shape. I had to drill a hole in an FEG receiver for a sling loop recently and even with a new nitride-coated bit, it took awhile to get started. This impressed me as a very tough receiver. I also have an FEG High-Power-type pistol - these may evidence peening which aggravates Browning HP owners but is meaningless to function. I guess in a military gun I'd rather have tough steel that may bend a little rather than crack.
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