[Flanged Barrel Fanatic]

"Now is there anyone that can talk about a stainless steel gun? Since this is a material and not a finish I wonder if the procedure and/or round count would be any different than a blued or AT'ed gun."

I can also speak from experience, as I have recently broken in two stainless TEs. With those two, I had zero issues, even using Lite Oil. Let me retract that a bit. I did have an issue with the Wilson 10mm mags seating when there was a chambered round. I bought four Tripp mags, and that did it.

But as far as break in, I will stand by my former statement. The tighter the new gun, the greater the chance of minor issues during break in. I would rather those issues and end up with a perfectly fitting gun. I honestly don't believe the material makes a difference. G50 did a great job of describing the lapping.

Looking back on the Baron break in issues, I am convinced those issues would not have occurred had I used Ultima Lube vs. Lite Oil, and oiled the whole gun per Steve's recommendations.

 

[.45_ACP]

G50,

Thank you for a well thought out post. I think you hit it dead on.

 

[Grandpas50AE]

One reason for lots of lube on stainless is to prevent galling. Try to crank down on a new stainless steel nut and bolt without anti-seize and see how quickly it seizes. You'll be amazed at how hard it is to loosen.

Yes, and the "rougher" the surface (less polished or lapped) the greater the propensity to do so. I do not know enough metallurgy to know whether or not the better suited lapping compound for stainless is different than the best suited lapping compound for carbon steel, but something tells me the typical carbon/lube slurry formed on our 1911's during break in is more than sufficient to do both fairly well (albeit perhaps better on one material than the other).

 

[Flanged Barrel Fanatic]

When I first joined this forum one of the guys was always talking about using a certain toothpaste as a lapping compound. I'm surprised we have not heard from him.

 

[Fred_G]

I have heard of using toothpaste to polish heatsinks and chips on computers, but always used sand paper when I lapped a heat sink. And no, toothpaste ain't going on my freaking Wilson Combat pistol, unless someone breaks in while I am brushing my teeth!

 

[Flanged Barrel Fanatic]

I am happy to report that today I put 50 rounds through BB CQB, without a hiccup. The break in is officially over! Long live tight fitting guns.

 

[Grandpas50AE]

I am happy to report that today I put 50 rounds through BB CQB, without a hiccup. The break in is officially over! Long live tight fitting guns.

Amen brother, Amen.