Titanium alloyed with aluminum and vanadium in the form of 6Al4V, produces a heat treatable alloy that has strength properties similar to chromoly steels. There are some ductility limitations that are lower, but overall Ti could be a workable substitute for barrels.
Ti is not all that expensive for the raw metal in the scheme of custom gun costs, but the product cost could be affected by the additional machining costs. Ti is a bit tougher on tools and takes some additional time to machine. The problem with Ti is the expense in forging or any other "hot" processing since it will burn in an oxygen atmosphere at the extreme temps. So, billet made products are more economical with Ti if it is a low production product.
Aluminum is lighter than Ti and has been used successfully in a number of o/u guns (frames) including the K80, Citori, Caesar Guerini and probably others. But people seem to like expensive to produce material better. Myself included.
Last edited by Chuck H; 07/01/08 01:56 PM.
