Well, sir, if it were mine I would refinish it. A lot of guys don’t approve of refinishing, but looks to me like your dad’s gun could use a little TLC after that abuse.

Maybe consider hard chrome? Looks like brushed stainless and is very durable. If necessary, recut the lettering and logo. Done right, it will look new. Heck, maybe even have a gunsmith tune the action for ya, too.

If ya really want to get into it, have it engraved. But before doing so, do your research. Engraving is a very broad, very deep, craft, indeed art.

Good luck whatever you decide. Glad you got it back.