doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Pitting on receiver

Looking at a London sidelock that has a small spot of light pitting on the left lock. The dealer says it is not into the engraving. Is there anything that can be done or should I leave it alone?

To me, the 'bigger question' would be what's on the inside of those lock plates....?.....

Pitting anywhere usually indicates an exposure to moisture somewhere in it's lifetime and stored without proper cleaning-oiling..........

Best,

The spots look to have come from blood.Other than that the gun is rather nice and in great condition.

If it is priced right I doubt if I could see it. Just make sure the rusting action is stopped.

bill

Shooting perfect guns can be a bit distracting. I'd call the spot a "mental health mark". Also, and to answer your question, Turnbull can do anything you want done to gun metal.

Mike: Where is the rust on the lock plate? I had a dealer tell me there was a blood splatter on a lock plate once.....very minor, blah blah blah. The gun had very tiny chips out of the wood posterior to the lock plates. It looked like someone used an ice pick to pry out the locks. Well, I got the gun and took the locks out and the beveled edges of the posterior aspect of the locks were very corroded with deep pits. Some minor rusting inside the locks. What happened IMO was the rust swelled the wood knocking out the little chips which made it appear that someone used an ice pick. Turns out it was a little more than a blood spatter. I sent the gun back. So, I recommend you take Doug's advice and look this gun over carefully!!

I once turned down a gun over such a flaw. I have regretted since. If anyone here has a side-lever damascus barreled Grant hammerless sidelock extractor gun with such a flaw, I'd love a chance to buy once again.

Assuming the pitting is confined to the area as described by the dealer, and assuming they really bother you, they can be filled by a talented TIG or laser welder. Tony Treadwell was working on a gun that he had sent out for laser welding on some minor pitting just before he passed away earlier this year. He had posted pics of the progress in one of his last threads. I'm sure someone here could recommend a good laser or TIG man and give you an idea of the cost. Welding is only half the battle. Better figure on the cost of dressing the repair and re-case coloring. Then there's the small risk of warpage during case hardening. Personally, I can live with a small pit or two if I like the rest of the gun. Use it as a bargaining chip.