Originally Posted by NZshooter

is it just the finish that's breaking down (and if so does it even matter?), or is it the aluminium that's corroding and getting weaker?

be careful with wood grips, too... I have some exotic wood stocks by a well known maker (that I still buy from) and the tannins (?) bled out of them the first summer I had them and caused pitting on the stainless steel grip frame... this wasn't even a carry gun, happened sitting in my house!

noticed too that the grip maker doesn't use that species of wood anymore...