Tool steel for hammer screw

[todd allen]

I had to replace a firing pin a few years back, and the gunsmith recommended a type of steel called" S-5, I think. Supposed to be very good at withstanding trauma. Anyone heard of it?

[Autumn Daze]

Todd, S-5 is a tool steel alloy used for making punches,chisels etc. It has the ability to withstand repeated blows without failure. Very good for the firing pin application.

[Smoothebore]

David,

I make the offset firing pins for early underlifters from "fatigue proof" steel rods I purchase from Brownells. In their catalog it is listed as "superior quality, high density, very machineable and tough, without brittleness, due to a high ratio of manganese to carbon. Does not require heat treating like low density mild steel-perfect for spring guides, screws, firing pins, any parts that will be subject to shock or repeated stress."

I just purchased a small thread cutting lathe and am still in the process of setting up a workshop. I'm not a trained machinist, but as I started making offset firing pins to keep my underlifters in the field, I'd like to try making hammer screws also, for the same reason. It's just going to take a while to get up to speed.

Dave