<P> Gunmetal , also known as red brass in the United States , is a type of bronze -- an alloy of copper , tin , and zinc . Proportions vary by source , but 88 % copper , 8 -- 10 % tin , and 2 -- 4 % zinc is an approximation . Originally used chiefly for making guns , it was eventually superseded in this department by steel . Gunmetal , which casts and machines well and is resistant to corrosion from steam and salt water , is used to make steam and hydraulic castings , valves , gears , statues , and various small objects , such as buttons . It has a tensile strength of 221 to 310 MPa , a specific gravity of 8.7 , a Brinell hardness of 65 to 74 , and a melting point of around 1,000 degrees Celsius . </P>
<P> Gunmetal , also known as red brass in the United States , is a type of bronze -- an alloy of copper , tin , and zinc . Proportions vary by source , but 88 % copper , 8 -- 10 % tin , and 2 -- 4 % zinc is an approximation . Originally used chiefly for making guns , it was eventually superseded in this department by steel . Gunmetal , which casts and machines well and is resistant to corrosion from steam and salt water , is used to make steam and hydraulic castings , valves , gears , statues , and various small objects , such as buttons . It has a tensile strength of 221 to 310 MPa , a specific gravity of 8.7 , a Brinell hardness of 65 to 74 , and a melting point of around 1,000 degrees Celsius . </P>
what type of metal are guns made of
what type of metal are guns made of
steel
steel