Brass barrel underlugs versus iron underlugs

[Paul from KY]

I am building a Chambers Virginia rifle that requires four barrel underlugs.  I don't care for the unfinished ones that came with the kit.  I have both brass and steel underlugs from TotW and I would rather use the brass because for me they are easier to work.  My question is are there any negative issues incurred by using brass rather than steel?

[54Ball]

 Nope.

[B.Habermehl]

When I run across brass under lugs I put them aside for raw material for solder on front sights on round barrels. I reserve the more common steel for underlugs. BJH

[smart dog]

Hi,
The only issue is the hole wears more easily.  I would never use them for flat barrel keys but for pins that are rarely removed they work fine.

dave

[FlinterNick]

if you use them i would drill them slightly smaller.

[David Rase]

I have made brass underlugs for several builds.  No isues what so ever.  As long as you elongate the holes you will have no problems.  I kind of like seeing the contrast of brass lugs and a blued or browned barrel when I have to take the barrel out.
David

[Birddog6]

I have used allot of Both and never had a issue with either. I think the steel ones are
stronger as they don't dent or ding as easily as a brass ones.  But either are more then
adequate for holding a barrel pin.

Many years ago I got the bright idea to solder some brass ones in. After I was done
I thought "That was a total waste of time".  Where they gonna go ? They stay Right There
in the dovetail 

[Hungry Horse]

 I have an antique Lehigh rifle that has brass barrel lugs. It has pins not keys. Much of this gun is in great shape, but it is tied together with strings and pieces of rags because stock shrinkage put so much pressure on the pins that the lugs folded up and pulled out of the slots in the barrel, which also fractured the forearm wood as well. I’m making steel replacements that are slotted. By the way these brass lugs were not slotted, only drilled, and they were fabricated from brass sheet stock.

Hungry Horse

[54Ball]

Like David Rase said,
 Brass underlugs filed nicely sure do look good on a barrel.

 Also we have learned that after 150-200 years, your great great great grandchildren may have issues with brass under lugs, especially if you use keys.