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what is "pitting"?

loruslorus Member Posts: 130 ✭✭✭
edited June 2002 in Ask the Experts
Hello all.

Often in a description of a gun sellers will refer to the presence of pitting. Please explain to me what that means.

Thanks,

Eugene.
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Comments

  • 11echo11echo Member Posts: 1,007 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    PITTING!!! My favorite subject!*G* Pitting is a caused by rust, eating a "pit" into the metal ...in this case, into the metal surface of a weapon. And as you are aware, detracts from the value of the weapon. Called "G.I. gold" in the military ...because you are fined for your lack of proper attention to your weapon. NEVER HAPPENED TO ME!!! *LOL* ...Mark

    "FEAR the Goverment, that fears your ARMS"
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  • loruslorus Member Posts: 130 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If there is laready pitting on the outside of a rifle which does not hamper its operation, is it possible to stop ots further spread, or even to root it out completely?

    Eugene.
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  • Der GebirgsjagerDer Gebirgsjager Member Posts: 1,673 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    11echo's answer is a good one. Put another way, pits are the result of the oxidation of steel or iron by water; rust, which is hydrated ferric oxide. The rust is the result of the break down of the steel by the action of water, and when cleaned away a pit remains because the material that was formerly there has been corroded. Hence, the necessity to protect the surface of your firearms with a light coat of gun oil, silicone, etc. In the case of rifle/handgun bores moisture is attracted by the powder ash and bullet residue remaining in the bore after firing, and even if ammunition is "non-corrosive" moisture will attack the bore surface in a humid climate. "Corrosive" ammunition additionally attracts moisture to the bore because of the material used in the primers. All of this points out the necessity to clean your firearm after using, and periodically when not in use. Pitting on the surface of a firearm or in the bore is the result of improper maintenance.
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  • Der GebirgsjagerDer Gebirgsjager Member Posts: 1,673 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Eugene-To answer your second question, under most circumstances rust will continue in the bottom of the pits simply because ordinary cleaning can not reach it. If you can remove it completely, and then protect the surface the rust will be prevented. If not, keeping a coat of oil, grease, or other protective substance in the pit will greatly slow the process, but it will continue. As a pit is lower than the surface of the surrounding metal, the surface of the surrounding metal can be brought down to the level of the bottom of the pit. This is what happens when a gunsmith refinishes a firearm, and the pits seem to have disappeared. What has actually happened is that the surrounding metal surface has been draw filed or polished down to the level of the bottom of the pit--therefore the pit is gone. Another option is to immerse the pitted part in rust remover which is actually an acid solution that attacks the rust but not the "healthy" steel, and dissolves the rust leaving bare steel. The bare metal must then be keep protected with a suitable protectant or refinished. Severe pits can be filled by micro-welding and the resulting surface refinished, but his is an expensive process which is usually used only in the restoration of rare guns.
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  • loruslorus Member Posts: 130 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    They dont call this group "ask the expert" for nothing. Thank you!

    Eugene.
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  • gundummygundummy Member Posts: 254 ✭
    edited November -1
    Well put Echo and DG! GD
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