pinprick pitting

[jeffs]

Dear Experts

Is there any practical way to fix/improve/lessen pinprick pitting without taking a lot of metal off?

Thanks,
Jeff Showell

[spectre765]

I'm no expert, but a friend who knows a lot about metals says that instead of sanding down the pits, you should fill them in with a welder, then sand smooth to the original surface height. I don't know what kind of a welder, but it seems like a job for a professional who knows what he is doing. Unless the pitting is severe, I'd leave it alone. Gives the gun character. George

[Ron Wood]

It all depends on the depth of the pits. If it is just light surface freckling then it can be removed abrasively being careful not to erase markings or round over corners. Deeper pits require TIG welding and surface grinding back down to the surrounding original surface, again being extremely cautious not to remove markings or destroy original contours. What George said is right on - probably best left to a professional and if not severe, let it alone. I do not consider scattered pinprick pitting to be severe.