Severe Pitting on byf 42

[Ron Wood]

It is pitting by your definition, but it is not severe by any measure. In fact it is almost in collectable condition as it is (lots of folks would love to have one in that good of condition). The use of 0000 steel wool and gun oil will not harm the finish (unless you bear down really hard and scrub in the same spot until the blue is gone). There is no means of "restoring" this gun short of professional refinishing. However, it is is quite acceptable as it is and only needs to have the active rust in the "pits" arrested and the metal protected from further oxidation. You can't turn back the clock, what is done is done. You do "have to do something", but nothing more aggessive than what has been suggested. Good luck and enjoy shooting it.