Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon that may also contain additional alloying elements (chromium, nickel, molybdenum, vanadium, etc.). Thanks to this, its properties can be tailored – from hardness and strength to toughness, elasticity, and corrosion resistance. Steel is one of the most important structural materials in human history and has been the backbone of the arms industry, from swords to modern firearms. Steel has therefore been a fundamental pillar of the arms industry for thousands of years. From swords to modern rifles, it provides strength, reliability, and long service life. In airsoft, steel represents a premium choice for players who want realistic weight and maximum durability, especially for AK-type receivers or heavy-duty upgrade parts. Top-tier steel-bodied “AKs” from LCT and E&L can be found on our e-shop.

Stainless steel grading

Basic types of steel:

• Carbon steel:
  Contains only iron and carbon. Offers high hardness but lower corrosion resistance.
• Alloy steel:
  Contains additives (chromium, nickel, molybdenum) to increase strength and toughness.
• Stainless steel:
  Contains at least 10.5% chromium. Resistant to corrosion.
• Tool steel:
  High hardness and wear resistance (knives, barrels, bolt components).
• Powder steel:
  Modern technology with very fine grain structure and top-tier properties.

Steel in the arms industry – historically:

• Swords and daggers: Hardened carbon and Damascus steels.
• Spears and halberds: Tough carbon steels.
• Armor: Soft and hardened steel plates.

Steel enabled the creation of durable and sharp weapons that retained their shape even after repeated use.

Steel in modern firearms:

• Barrels: Almost exclusively steel.
• Bolts and bolt carriers: High-strength steel.
• Trigger mechanisms: Hardened tool steel.

Modern rifles manufactured primarily from steel:

• AK-47 / AKM / AK-74:
  Stamped or milled steel receivers, extreme durability.
• M14:
  Steel receiver, massive construction.
• Bolt-action rifles:
  Steel bolt and barrel, often steel receivers as well.

American M14 rifle with a wooden stock and steel bolt

Steel receivers vs aluminum receivers:

That is why AK platforms traditionally use steel receivers, while M4 / AR15 platforms mostly use aluminum alloys to reduce weight.

Steel in airsoft:

• Steel external parts: Bolts, selectors, bolt catch levers.
• Steel internal parts: Gears, piston teeth, GBB trigger mechanism components.
• Steel replica receivers: Especially AKs and historical firearms.

Steel in airsoft means higher realism, longer service life, and greater weight.

Advantages of steel:

• Extreme strength.
• Long service life.
• Impact resistance.

Disadvantages of steel:

• Higher weight.
• Risk of corrosion (on unprotected steel).

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