Have I Damaged My SW 5903 ?

[chuck pullen]

I've got a 5903 that I really enjoy. Recently, I noticed a stain or discoloration on the receiver. I tried to clean it, and when that didn't work, I used Flitz. Lightly applied, that removed the matte finish on the aluminum frame. Have I damaged the aluminum's anodizing, making the gun subject to frame cracking ? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Shear_stress]

There are two broad types of anodizing that I'm aware of. One is decorative and the other is hard anodizing. The first is to used to apply a specific color to unfinished aluminum. The second leaves a surface that resists scatches better than the oxide layer that naturally forms on aluminum. Neither finish contributes to the fatigue strength of the metal. The upshot is that the only damage done to your gun is cosmetic.