[Trent Schulze]

It’s 2020 and a new decade...is galling still a genuine concern with stainless steel 1911s? My Google-fu is weak, and I didn’t see a reference to the issue later than 2015 or so. Those entries were hit or miss with some claiming there was still a problem and others claiming that the problems had pretty much been eradicated provided good lube and proper cleaning intervals, good for any firearm, were observed.

 

[fallenangelhim]

I’d say no. They use two different grades or blends of stainless nowadays. I think.

 

[Jrock9]

Two different hardness grades i run stainless pistols alot only trouble i had was ruger blackhawk loading gate .all my 1911's are fine after thousands of rounds . l have heard of some modern guns galling maybe no lube maybe not fit correctly . i remember the iai hardballers were horrable for galling .

 

[Old Sea Dragon]

Lube liberally and it should not occur. Only recent report is from HarleyRider who mistook the protectant DW uses for oil and had a new PM-C gall on him. I keep a needle Oiler in my range bag as insurance but a properly lubed 1911 should be good for at least 150 rounds before reapplication is necessary. Many manufacturers now use different stainless steel formulas for their slides and frames which also alleviates the problem.

 

[Pilot Rich]

Totally with the above. A new gun looks “wet.” You’re all anxious to shoot! But WHAT is it “wet” with??

Always, clean & lube when new. It’s cheep insurance and you’ll get to know the gun better.

Personally, I like Ed Brown lube, as it seems not to “cook off” easily.

 

[Cop_Out]

I was concerned about the same thing, and posted about it here and on some other forums. My takeaway was, if the pistol is properly lubricated it shouldn't be an issue. Both Gun Butter and RIG +P were mentioned by people smarter than I as the go-to products to address the concern. YMMV.

 

[K5FAL]

My DW Valor locked up on me the first several shots. It was my fault.. I used CLP and I think that stuff is just too thin.

Anyway, that was 1,100 rounds ago and it has never been an issue since.

 

[Bender]

It still happens with Dan Wessons

Rig +P stainless steel lube........good stuff, look into it

 

[David R]

Dan Wesson recommends FP-10. I use it and have zero problems. 2 new, a PM-9 and a Valor. Both have thousands of rounds. I run them wet. I don't clean much but lube frequently.

David

 

[pistolpete]

I have 3 SS revolvers, no problems yet and one has prolly 5000 rounds. Lube the revolvers with Breakfree CLP. I only have 1 Semi, a Ruger CMD. Several thousand rounds thru it also, I lube the rails with Tetra grease. BBl, lugs etc with Breakfree CLP. I think running dry will cause problems, may gall or just slow down to the point where they don't function, SS may gall. Stainless against Stainless, the hardness or maybe the alloy should not be the same.

 

[Baldwin]

Dan Wesson recommends FP-10. I use it and have zero problems. 2 new, a PM-9 and a Valor. Both have thousands of rounds. I run them wet. I don't clean much but lube frequently.

David

Me too, except I have a PM-9 but not a Valor.

 

[272 MP]

I have no trouble with my Stainless Smith’s or my stainless Colt commander or gold cup. Always put a dot of silicone grease on each side of slide after cleaning.

 

[dakota1911]

I have not had problems with it and I even bought a AMT Hardballer back in 1984 which I still have. The first handgun in SS I bought was a Ruger Blackhawk in 357 in 1976. I also bought into lubes with Teflon in them also back then. One I recall came in a spray can and was called TRI-FLON. These days I use CLP for SS on them.

 

[WC145]

It still happens with Dan Wessons

Rig +P stainless steel lube........good stuff, look into it

I find it interesting that DWs still have occasional galling issue when everyone else sorted it out about 40 years ago.

 

[Dub]

I find it interesting that DWs still have occasional galling issue when everyone else sorted it out about 40 years ago.

Les Baer seems to have sorted it out by not offering their upgraded accuracy guarantee on stainless guns.

 

[WC145]

Les Baer seems to have sorted it out by not offering their upgraded accuracy guarantee on stainless guns.

I don't know why Les chooses to do what he does but I can't recall hearing about any galling issues with his guns. Maybe he doesn't offer that option on stainless guns because stainless is not as hard as carbon steel.

Galling was a problem when companies like AMT, ODI, Vega, and others first came out with stainless 1911s in the late '70s/early '80s. The industry learned pretty quickly that the slides and frames have to be different hardnesses to prevent it. My point was that galling was a thing of the past, one certainly wouldn't think that a modern manufacturer would have trouble with it today.

 

[Dub]

I don't know why Les chooses to do what he does but I can't recall hearing about any galling issues with his guns. Maybe he doesn't offer that option on stainless guns because stainless is not as hard as carbon steel.

Galling was a problem when companies like AMT, ODI, Vega, and others first came out with stainless 1911s in the late '70s/early '80s. The industry learned pretty quickly that the slides and frames have to be different hardnesses to prevent it. My point was that galling was a thing of the past, one certainly wouldn't think that a modern manufacturer would have trouble with it today.

Good point on LB. I assumed it was for galling on a tighter fitted gun.....but that was my assumption. Could have been way wrong.


As far as galling on DW guns goes....I'll soon be getting some good exposure. Recently bought a stainless Valor commander & Razorback that need to be broken in and soon will have another new stainless Valor commander and PM-C to be broken in. I'll be following the instruction manual & using Weapon Shield lubes.

My father is currently breaking in three new DW pistolas he's bought over the last few months: stainless Specialist Commander. PM-9 & PM-7. He's using their recommended method with initial cleaning & lubing every 50 rounds with FP-10. No galling problems noted. Guns are crazy accurate according to him.

If we come through this with no problems noted with 7 new stainless DW the I'll be pleasantly surprised and will have a cool story to tell.

My Duty finished Valor commander has been flawless.

 

[Trent Schulze]

Thanks for all the responses and great info!

 

[JHunter]

I have 2 Stainless Wilsons, one of which has easily over 15k rounds though it. Lube with Wilson oil, no issues what so ever. 8lb recoil spring and powder puff loads for USPSA

 

[Dr.Lou]

In 2017 I bought a DW Heritage that seized on the 2nd mag - so tight I couldn’t move it with a rubber mallet. Same with the 2 replacements. Scheels refunded my money. I have several stainless 1911s, including 2 other stainless DW models and have never had any issues.