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Posted: 11/18/2004 9:21:33 PM EDT
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My friend and I were decussing the hand dremeled m4 ramps and i was talking about how that removes the anodizing portation of the metal... He said why would it matter? Therefore, our question is... does aluminum rust that is used to make AR receivers? My friends says things only rust when a ferrous metal present... Which aluminum does not have... So he says... Can anyone shed light on this topic? 
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Alluminum will corrode quickly is exposed to salt or such. Corrosive ammo could possibly do it. I have bare polished alluminum wheels on my car and have ran them through salt for two winters. Keep the gun clean and you will be fine. However, non-chrome lined barrels can rust. |
| Al does rust. Not as readily as a metal with Fe in it, but it does rust. What causes rust is the formation of oxides, and Al can form oxides. Whether or not this will cause any issues with your AR, I don't know. The amount of oxidation by Al is probably pretty negligible. |
One thing to watch is heavy use of wire brushes on aluminum. Hard scrubbing with a steel wire brush could allow bits of steel to become embedded in the aluminum, which can lead to a form of corrosion called "galvanic corrosion." This is unlikely, considering the relative hardness of the two metals, but it is a possibility. When in doubt, use the toothbrush and more solvent to clean the aluminum parts of the rifle. |
well, rust on the steel parts such as the bolt group and barrel (and yes chrome lined barrels can also corrode in the bore if exposed to the right conditions long enough) well definitely affect reliability and smooth functioning if allowed to progress. I wouldn't say rust cannot harm the AR as a broad sweeping statement.... Oxidation (rust) needs oxygen to occur. If you keep all surfaces well oiled during periods of storage(even the aluminum surfaces) this can seal it and prevent oxidation. This is true for virtually all types of metal that can oxidize. |
all depending on the amount of rust... I am talking simple surface rust not leave outside all winter rust. Seen plenty of rust on my M16A1 and all I had to do was clean it off and drive on. 
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