Inventors:
Thomas C. Stall - North Grosvenordale CT
Jeffrey Luty - Longmeadow MA
Kevin R. Fleury - Feeding Hills MA
Norman W. Spencer - Longmeadow MA
Assignee:
Smith Wesson Corp. - Springfield MA
International Classification:
F41C 300
US Classification:
42 7102, 42 7502, 42 7602
Abstract:
Firearms having scandium containing aluminum alloy components having alloying elements including light weight metals, such as magnesium, chromium, copper and zinc, heavier metals, such as zirconium, and other rare earth metals. The components have yield strengths of 82 to 100 KSI, tensile strengths of 88 to 106 KSI, 12 to 19% elongations, and 7 to 10% reduction areas, and a method for heat treating the scandium containing aluminum alloy. The alloy is composed of 0. 05% to 0. 15% scandium, 7. 5% to 8. 3% zinc, 1. 6% to 2. 2% magnesium, 1. 6% to 2. 0% copper, 0. 02% to 0. 04% chromium, 0. 05% to 0. 15% zirconium, and 87 to 90% aluminum. A method for making the components involves exposure to solution heat treatment of 875Â F. for an hours or two, followed by water quench, natural aging at ambient temperature for 24 to 72 hours, artificial aging at 250Â F. for 24 hours, and allowed to air cool.