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Military Firearm Restoration Corner

Contact Between Two Different Metals


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Here is my question.

 

I have heard that when you put two metals that are differnet into contact with one another they create a mild electric current and thus forms or accelerates oxidation. But I am not intending on running an electric current through my rifle anytime soon. Reason I am asking I was thinking of my "Carcano/Swede flash hider sleeved in a softer metal" project. After remembering hearing this at some point in the past I am not so sure that is a good idea.

 

On another note has anyone noticed accelerated rusting where metal constantly contacts or has been repaired with epoxies such as JBweld? I have not used this stuff much so I am not sure of the long term effects of slathering epoxies on metal for bedding and such.

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"Two dissimilar metals in intimate contact in an electrolytic solution".

 

You don't have and electrolytic solution, unless you are pouring brine or seawater over the action. There are plenty of weapons made of a combination of dissimilar metals in current use that work and function fine:

 

- M16/AR15/M4 (Aluminum receiver, steel barrel)

- Any aluminum-framed autoloading pistol (Beretta, S&W, Ruger, etc.)

- old blackpowder revolvers (brass/bronze frame and steel barrel).

- Beretta shotguns

- Mossberg 500

 

You'll be fine. They don't fall apart.

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Ok, that makes sense and when you mentioned the seawater that kicked the brain cell awake and I remembered when I heard that. I was in the Navy and served on one of the first Steel hulled/Aluminium superstructer destroyers that was built in the late 50's early 60's. We had her in drydock in the late 80's and there was a lot of corrosion at the point of contact between the two different metals. It appeared in some places the paint was the only thing holding it together. Seawater was the key to that. Thanks for the feedback.

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