After what must seem like an endless wait, our most recent production run of Gas Cylinder Pistons, Lot SP3 (Special Piston Lot 3), are ready to go out the door. What we haven’t publicized up to this moment is that Lot SP3 is manufactured using a premium grade of heat treatable stainless alloy that far exceeds the USGI specifications. This material is an advanced martensitic stainless chromium steel imported from Austria. There are numerous advantages to this alloy that make it the perfect material for the M14/M1A rifle. Since gunpowder is chemically aggressive which results in corrosion and primers have abrasive properties which result in wear, the choice of material is a prime onsideration for improvement of the gas cylinder piston system. This special alloy has extremely high corrosion and wear resistance helping to counteract the destructive forces of the hot, expanding gas and carbon build-up. In addition, it can be more highly polished which means the piston will have a smoother finish. The smoother surface reduces friction between the moving parts which increases its life. When this premium material is combined with our Titanium Nitride (TiN) coating, the result is a piston with a maximum reduction of corrosion, friction, and wear for the ultimate service life in this harsh and demanding environment. [center:f789f9e5fc] [/center:f789f9e5fc]
