In this thread are some photos of a 1917 I inherited.
The outside and mechanical is excellent.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5401039...201056413#8201056413

There is some bore pitting. I have soaked in solvents scrubbed with a brush. Is there anything else I can do(without doing harm)or is the damage done?

Any of the bore pastes or "miracle barrel in a jar products"

Nope. "Pitting" means loss of base metal, and the best you can do is to clean thoroughly, remove all active rust from the pitted areas to stop the damage from continuing. Active red rust, ferrous oxide, absorbs atmospheric moisture, and continues to rust and destroy the base metal. It is important that you clean thoroughly, using bronze bristle brush and cleaning solvent, swab clean, and oil thoughly to keep air off the affected steel. Breakfree CLP is a good product, and deemed the best all in one cleaner, lubricant, and protectant for small and large arms maintenance by the US Military after extensive trials and testing. No maintenance product can undo or restore your bore to perfect condition. You can only hope to arrest the damage done and prevent additional corrosion.

John is exactly correct in his comments. The only redeeming part of all this is that most moderately pitted barrels still shoot very well. If you use jacketed bullets rather than lead, you will save yourself a bunch of cleaning effort (once the damage is arrested and the barrel lubricated).

Buck