The title says it all, almost. Pawn shop find of no-dash SS revolver with severe and largely continuous pitting - with some clear gaps - under the grips, but nowhere else. Maybe the result of rusting that has been polished away? Or perhaps markings from some machining that was never cleaned up up and got by quality control? Any other explanations?

The integrity of the grip frame does not appear to be compromised, at least to my inexpert eyes.

I am completely ignorant regarding whether or how the pitting could be cleaned up further.

Otherwise the snubbie looks very good cosmetically, as does the bore. I have not gotten yet to checking the SN or testing functionality (plastic trigger lock is installed to prevent cocking).

The shop wants $350. If I decide to haggle, what should my first offer be? It was the price that got me to ask what was up with this revolver. The shop owner obligingly removed the grips to show me.