With the different types of steel used in the construction of AR barrels - 4140, 4150, MIL-B-1158E and the differences between them, being a commonly discussed subject it got me thinking…
When it comes to Kalashnikov barrels…what sort of steel is generally used in their construction? Does it vary depending upon country of origin and specific model or do general AK “specs” call for a certain composition of steel for the barrels? I’m assuming regardless of country it wouldn’t have Western terminology like “4150” but what would it be broadly equivalent to? Given the Kalashnikov was designed with extensive full-auto fire in mind I would assume that the steel used would not be a 4140 equivalent but obviously I don’t know. What about the civilian versions, same steel as their military counterparts?