Quote Originally Posted by Chubby View Post
My understanding of gunmetal is that it is a grey corrosion resisting metal. I am not aware of a precise formula. Again, what I know as gunmetal is fairly low grade stuff. It is cast to shape.

Interestingly in USA the term seems to refer to a type of bronze.

Why UK gunmetal is called gunmetal, I have no idea. I wouldn't want to be anywhere near a gun made out of gunmetal!
In the UK gunmetal is a type of bronze.
early cannon were made from bronze because it was easier to cast and less brittle than cast iron.
cannons exploding was a common problem though