The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post

GaryM&P · November 25, 2009, 10:54 PM

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the use of different grades of aluminum alloy used in the tubes yet.

The majority of commercial tubes are made from 6061. The "better" mil-spec dimension tubes (not the $20 ones) are made from 7075-T6.

Tensile strength of 6061 = 45000psi
Tensile strength of 7075-T6 = 83000psi

That is a substantial difference the way I see it.

November 25, 2009, 10:54 PM	#11
GaryM&P Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2009 Location: Corvette City Posts: 104	I'm surprised no one has mentioned the use of different grades of aluminum alloy used in the tubes yet. The majority of commercial tubes are made from 6061. The "better" mil-spec dimension tubes (not the $20 ones) are made from 7075-T6. Tensile strength of 6061 = 45000psi Tensile strength of 7075-T6 = 83000psi That is a substantial difference the way I see it.