Another problem with welding these barrels is the weldability. Yes, anyone with a TIG can weld them, but the last time I did it on an American gun of this vintage, I kept chasing cracks. This is indicative of high carbon content in the barrel steel, beyond the .30% that is normally considered the limit of "weldability". This area is probably the single most critical area of the barrel, or gun, for that matter, and the "flaw" is of a particularly nasty orientation and size. Trusting a weld of an essentially unknown alloy for your wellbeing is more than I would gamble.
P.S. Most modern barrel steels are 4140 today. 4140 is another "non-weldable" alloy, which can be welded, but has the propensity to produce flaws in welds due to the .40% carbon content. Although I have no factual data on NID barrels, I suspect they are either 4140 or very similar.
Last edited by Chuck H; 05/10/11 06:47 PM.
