Pitting solution???

[Hawken1911]

I have a vintage, blued handgun that has some light pitting on one side. Refinishing or removing some finish will effect its value, so what are my options? Is keeping it well oiled now enough to keep it from continuing to corrode in those areas, or once pitting starts does it continue unless it is removed or neutralized somehow. What are the best options that will have the least impact on the overall finish?

Thanks,

Paul

 

[Dfariswheel]

The best option is to keep a thin coat of a good rust preventing lube on it.

CLP Breakfree works well.

Most anything else will damage or degrade the rest of the bluing.

 

[James K]

If possible to use it, the best rust killer is boiling water; ordinary oil might only cover up the rust and let it eat away. Just completely strip the gun and boil the rusted part(s) for several minutes. Then let dry from its own heat and then use a good gun oil or something like G96 Gun Treatment. If it is not practical to boil the part(s), the above mentioned penetrant will do a good job.

If the gun has collector value, leave the pitting; any attempt to remove it or to refinish the gun will detract a lot more from its value than a little pitting will.

Jim