Not sure if this is the right forum but I have a question regarding two Colts...

[riptrack44]

I'm wondering if this could be a defect in the metal which manifested itself through time and use? I'm certain these "defects" weren't apparent when being inspected by Colt. These pictures represent two different Colt semi-autos. One pistol is considerably older than the other. The newest Colt dates circa 1947. Seems like there's "frost" around the defects? What's your opinions and have you ever seen this before? Somehow, I don't think misuse or holster wear caused these but that's just a guess on my part. Thanks for any input!

http://home.neb.rr.com/fansrus/a10wart.JPG

http://home.neb.rr.com/fansrus/a10wart1.JPG

[Hawkmoon]

Both "defects" appear to me to be corrosion caused by moisture entrapment in a holster (or bag, or other wrapping).

[OD*]

I have to agree with Hawk, those certainly don't look like factory defects.

[Frank]

I agree. They look like corrosion to me as well.

DVC

[Rich-D]

Me too! Or is that four!

Rich

[John]

No, no, that's five. Corrosion!

[tenx]

We all agreee that is corrosion that happened after leaving the manufacturer.

[riptrack44]

Then I'll have to agree. The Colt 38 Super in the photo looks like it's never been fired (bad photo). The bluing is fantastic. No marks on the straps and the bottom of the magazine shows a very slight corrosion or the start of some rust. It just seemed somewhat wierd/funny corrosion would take hold in such a firearm that still sported such a fine finish. There is also "ridges" around the "corrosion" like something "burrowed" in and left the remains outside the tiny crators (much like someone digging a hole and leaving the dirt on the sides of the new hole). I guess this is why I had a hard time accepting the fact it is indeed corrosion. Thanks for your expertise.

[Hawkmoon]

There is also "ridges" around the "corrosion" like something "burrowed" in and left the remains outside the tiny crators (much like someone digging a hole and leaving the dirt on the sides of the new hole). I guess this is why I had a hard time accepting the fact it is indeed corrosion. Thanks for your expertise.
That's what rust does. Rust occupies more volume than sound, solid steel. There's a name for it (as always): "exfoliation."

[Rich-D]

These links provide information on the damage to your guns.


http://science.howstuffworks.com/question445.htm

http://composite.about.com/library/glossary/e/bldef-e2070.htm


Rich