May 5th 2023These are from Benchmark Barrels. Benchmark Barrels makes these. While some grades of stainless steel are more corrosion resistant, ALL varieties of steel can rust when not handled and stored correctly. This is not true. The term “Stainless” can be misleading. There are several types of stainless steel alloys with varying degrees of corrosion resistance. The 300 series stainless steel is more corrosion resistant that the 416 stainless used in barrels. 416 stainless steel is composed of 0.15% carbon, 12- 14% chromium, and the rest iron. The 300 series is more corrosion resistant due to its nickel content of approximately 10%. 416 stainless steel does not have this. Although 416 is easier to work with and more resistant to corrosion than 300 series steel, 416 stainless steel remains the best choice for barrels. Forum reader Kells81 noted: “Wanna look at some rusted stainless steel? You can find rusted stainless at the “C” store in Ft. Worth. “Every stainless gun on the used gun rack has rusted.” Tom Easly, of TRE Custom, explains that sweat is highly corrosive. Sweat and blood can corrode stainless steels. I don’t like to handle my gun or drip on it when I sweat. It is best to wipe them with a wet cloth, dry them and then apply a light coat of gun oil. I believe most stainless barrels are type 416 stainless. It is corrosion resistant in general, but not when exposed sweat, blood or chlorates (corrosive primer) and some other electrolytes. “Forum member Jacob who is studying materials at LSU provides this technical information. “The basic resistance to corrosion of stainless steel is due to its ability form a protective film on the metal surface. This coating is a “passive” film that resists further “oxidation” or rusting. This film forms instantly in an oxidizing environment such as air or water. Once the layer is formed, the metal will become ‘passivated.’ The oxidation rate or rusting rate will be reduced to less than 0.002 mm per year. This passive film is not visible in stainless steel, unlike aluminum or silver. This is created when oxygen reacts with the chrome to form a ceramic-like substance called chrome oxide. Most corrosion resistant materials have a protective oxide or ceramic layer. Halogen salts and chlorides can easily penetrate this passive coating, allowing corrosive attacks to occur. The halogens can be identified by their letters ending in ‘ine’. These chemicals can penetrate Teflon, and cause problems with Teflon-coated or encapsulated O rings and/or similar coated materials. The chlorides are among the most common elements found in nature. They’re also active, soluble ions. These are the basis of electrolytes. Electrolytic solutions can accelerate corrosion and chemical attack. “CONCLUSION Stainless steel barrels will not rust as quickly as blued steel. However, you must still take precautions – removing sweat from the barrel and corrosive substances. Also, do not let moisture accumulate inside or outside the barrel. After each use, we recommend wiping down your barrels and action with Eezox or Corrosion X. Both are extremely effective rust-fighters, and they go on thin without leaving a greasy film. (Eezox has a clear finish while Corrosion X has a slightly greasy finish.) Store your guns in Bore Store bags when they are placed in the safe. Bore-Stores are designed to wick moisture away, and the synthetic inner surface of the bag is treated with chemicals that fight rust. Bore-Stores protect your guns from dings, scratches and dents.
Tags: Benchmark Barrels rusting, Corrosion oxidation, Stainless steel
