Steel Grade

[captianpattson]

I need to make a new trigger from scratch for a single action pistol, the tang on the original that fits into the notch on the hammer is completely gone. What grade of steel is needed to be able to torch-harden it after its made? Thanks for your help!

[mo84]

I am no expert but tool steel gets pretty hard when heat is put to it

[Scorch]

You could probably get by with O1 or A3 tool steel. You did not specify what type of SA revolver, many imported SA revolvers use pretty lousy steel, others use pretty good steel.

[Bill DeShivs]

1075-1095, O 1, will harden easily-if you know what you're doing.

[Gunplummer]

I don't know how thin an area you are talking about, but o-1 will get awful brittle if you don't draw it back. If the area you want hard is not real thin you can use 1018 or 1020 with Kasenite. Brownell's used to carry that and some liquid stuff also to case harden low carbon steels.

[captianpattson]

The trigger is from an inexpensive FIE E-15, here is a picture of the broken one and the trigger from my wifes Rough Rider. I could buy a new one for $12 but I thought this would be a good opportunity to work on my milling skills.

[mete]

Before you start playing with steel learn something about steel and it's heat treatment !!

[Bill DeShivs]

To proerly heat treat carbon steel, the metal must first be hardened completely, then tempered back in hardness for the intended purpose.

[captianpattson]

Thanks, I appreciate all your help!