Well I can't talk about 61 years ago...But 51 years ago the BBs were copper washed Steel and bounced more than a rubber ball...If one carried their ammo in their mouth the gun would be all rust by the time they got home...believe me I saw a lot of friends with Red Ryders,Pumps (model 25 I think?)and BSA Golden Eagles with the inside of the barrel and the screw in barrel (whatever they call that thing)all orange....to say nothing of permaturely drying out the piston washer....Art