Rockwell hardness testing a Mauser Rifle

When working on older firearms, it is important to check the hardness of the metal to insure the heat treatment of the metal has not been compromised. In this GunTec presentation Larry Potterfield, CEO and Founder of MidwayUSA, uses a Rockwell hardness tester to test the hardness of a Mauser 98 bolt and receiver. The process is quick and easy, requiring only that one zero the machine, place the item to be tested on the work piece support, engage the penetrator, and check the reading. The results of the test are given using the Rockwell C scale. By checking a bolt or receiver after performing work on them, you can be sure the parts are safe to use.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• MidwayUSA
• Larry
• Potterfield
• gunsmith
• guntec
• firearm
• Mauser
• gun
• shooting
• gun-repair
• inspection

[ghjallone]

@VicariousReality7

agreed!

but on some German weapon (Korth) all the parts are tempered to 60 hrc...

[borje357]

@Slic3R1 check out 1:05 , there is a small dent in the metal

[VicariousReality7]

Damn that's soft compared to good knife steel

[Mchermsquatch]

Informative. However, what is to be done about the dents left behind from the test?

[colwyn25]

i want one

[oningen]

Awesome.. I'd love to have one of those Rockwell Hardness Indenters to see first hand how the AUS8 AUS6, VG10 and 440c steels produced from different heat treatment processes stack up to the test!