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Posted: 7/13/2016 11:29:44 AM EDT
| What is your guys thought on titanium ar parts in the ar 15? How do they hold up to wear? |
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From my understanding titanium is lighter than steel but not quite as strong but significantly stronger than aluminum.
So a titanium bolt carrier, for example, shouldn't wear your aluminum upper more than the mil spec steel carrier would. Depending on the quality of steel used for a gas block a titanium one might erode quicker. |
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There are many different grades of Titanium. Some are alloyed with other metals. Generally, Titanium is not as hard as heat treated steel. Ti just has a high strength to weight ratio.
Each metal has its advantages and disadvantages. In my opinion, Ti is a expensive gimmick in a gun, but it is essential in aerospace, and many other applications where its high strength to weight ratio, light weight, high temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance is needed. Ti is less dense than steel, which makes it unsuitable in some firearm applications where strength and durability is needed, bolts, barrel extensions, etc. |
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Titanium is very light and hard which makes it brittle. Probably not a part you want exposed to continuous shock.
Chip McCormick's outfit made M1911 hammers out of titanium. While fast (cutting the lock time of a comparable steel hammer) I am told they would wear at the sear hooks and occasionally just break or shatter. |
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Quoted:
Titanium is very light and hard which makes it brittle. Probably not a part you want exposed to continuous shock. Chip McCormick's outfit made M1911 hammers out of titanium. While fast (cutting the lock time of a comparable steel hammer) I am told they would wear at the sear hooks and occasionally just break or shatter. The brittle element you mention isn't necessarily true depending on the grade and treatment of the base material. This is why bicycle frames in Ti were among the premier choice before carbon fiber, as they provided some flex along with their weight reduction. In a non-suspension bike, Ti can have high flex cycles without breaking, and it's the general nature of Ti in other applications. Steel is next with aluminum in last place. It's aluminum that is brittle generally. Again, I repeat "generally" because as we all know there are extreme exceptions depending on grades, alloys, and treatment of metals. Ti is generally "softer" than quality steel, however, in applications where grinding, rubbing, and hammering occur. |
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Check out V7, they have a large selection of titanium and other lightweight parts for AR15s
My rifle has seen thousands of rounds of use, most in full auto and all of the titanium parts are holding up just fine. The reason you don't see titanium being used more in mil-spec parts is the costs. Steel is a fraction of the cost of titanium and it will not improve the average grunts ability to take out the bad guy. |
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