Pitting on frame rails

glazuna · 09-24-2024, 08:48 AM

Hi fellow Luger owners, I acquired a pristine DWM piece probably from 1930s (3 digit serial), but rails on the frame are pitted quite deeply on some places, however it doesn't seem to affect the operation and it runs smoothly. Should I be concerned and does this require a repair in order to not get worse soon?

The slide doesn't seem that pitted, just at the ends.

HerrKaiser · 09-24-2024, 10:12 AM

I would guess your gun is older than the 1930’s based on the long sear bar. I also suspect it was refinished (quite nicely I might add) unless the picture angles are hiding that the pitted frame rails are still in the white

glazuna · 09-24-2024, 10:18 AM

Oh yes finish is absolutely stunning when the gun is all assembled, looks like brand new, no signs of pitting on exterior parts. The rails however not so much. Makes you wonder how did this happen then. Barrel looks like new too.

Mac Cat · 09-24-2024, 01:53 PM

The heavy pitting is most likely why someone refinished the pistol.
I would leave it alone, unless you suspect it's creating a lot of friction or the gun misfires.
Even then, you can grease the rails.

A good gunsmith could file the rails for you, but I doubt it will ever be necessary.

Edward Tinker · 09-24-2024, 02:12 PM

If it shoots ok, then leave it be

velodog455~ · 09-25-2024, 09:50 AM

Light synthetic grease is usually better than oil on frame rails of any handgun, IMHO. This is especially true if dealing with pitted surfaces.

One really good light synthetic grease that I like and use on my handguns is SuperLube. Here's an Amazon link to it if anyone is interested. $8.50 in a 3 oz tube or $18 in a 14 oz can. The link is for the can.

https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-41...05&sr=8-1&th=1

09-24-2024, 08:48 AM	#1
glazuna New User Join Date: Sep 2024 Posts: 2 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Pitting on frame rails Hi fellow Luger owners, I acquired a pristine DWM piece probably from 1930s (3 digit serial), but rails on the frame are pitted quite deeply on some places, however it doesn't seem to affect the operation and it runs smoothly. Should I be concerned and does this require a repair in order to not get worse soon? The slide doesn't seem that pitted, just at the ends.

09-24-2024, 10:12 AM	#2
HerrKaiser User Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: South Carolina Posts: 847 Thanks: 782 Thanked 860 Times in 410 Posts	I would guess your gun is older than the 1930’s based on the long sear bar. I also suspect it was refinished (quite nicely I might add) unless the picture angles are hiding that the pitted frame rails are still in the white __________________ -QM Looking for Mauser S/42 toggle train #22

09-24-2024, 02:12 PM	#5
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,931 Thanks: 2,030 Thanked 4,527 Times in 2,090 Posts	If it shoots ok, then leave it be __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

09-24-2024, 10:18 AM	#3
glazuna New User Join Date: Sep 2024 Posts: 2 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Oh yes finish is absolutely stunning when the gun is all assembled, looks like brand new, no signs of pitting on exterior parts. The rails however not so much. Makes you wonder how did this happen then. Barrel looks like new too.

09-24-2024, 01:53 PM	#4
Mac Cat Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 725 Thanks: 2,089 Thanked 606 Times in 327 Posts	The heavy pitting is most likely why someone refinished the pistol. I would leave it alone, unless you suspect it's creating a lot of friction or the gun misfires. Even then, you can grease the rails. A good gunsmith could file the rails for you, but I doubt it will ever be necessary.

09-25-2024, 09:50 AM	#6
velodog455~ User Join Date: Aug 2023 Posts: 76 Thanks: 18 Thanked 58 Times in 35 Posts	Light synthetic grease is usually better than oil on frame rails of any handgun, IMHO. This is especially true if dealing with pitted surfaces. One really good light synthetic grease that I like and use on my handguns is SuperLube. Here's an Amazon link to it if anyone is interested. $8.50 in a 3 oz tube or $18 in a 14 oz can. The link is for the can. https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-41...05&sr=8-1&th=1