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Posted: 11/24/2007 8:16:25 PM EDT
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Would engraving on the lower receiver harm the finish over the life of a gun? I have a gun that I got as a gift years ago that has my initials engraved on the slide as a graduation present. I don't know a ton about metals so figured I'd ask you guys if engraving on the lower receiver near the magazine well would rust or otherwise the damage the finish or the gun itself. My brother is graduating college this year and I'm building him an AR. If the consensus is that it's not good for the gun then I wont do it, after all its a gift and I want him to enjoy it for as long as possible so he'll stop using mine. I did a couple searches and couldn't find anything so if this info is posted some where already I'm sorry for asking a redundant question. |
Rust is iron oxide, therefore aluminum cannot "rust". Aluminum can form aluminum oxide when exposed to air. Anodizing, the finish that pretty much all recievers have, is simply a thick (thicker than would occur naturally) layer of aluminum oxide with dye mixed in to give it a black finish, so there is no risk when it comes to allowing bare aluminum to be in contact with the oxygen in the air. If the receiver you are working with has a Teflon or similar finish "painted" over the anodizing, then there is a risk of that chipping or flaking away but even that is minimal. I don't think I've ever seen a thread on hear about it happening, but it is possible. I have 3 SBRs built on such receivers and none of them have given me any problems. |
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www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=2&f=244&t=155899 Anvil Arms gives some explanations of laser engraving in that thread. There are some picture threads floating around as well. |
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aluminum does not rust as mentioned earlier. it forms a layer of aluminum oxide when exposed to air. This is highly beneficial because unlike iron oxide(ie rust) the layer of aluminum oxide prevents further corrosion of the aluminum. this is the same principal that makes stainless steel, more corrosion resitant than carbon steel. |
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