spots on cylinder

[pooch]

I'm looking to purchase a very nice S&W model 19-3. Everything checks out but there is something on the cylinder I have not seen before and it troubles me. On 4 of the 6 cylinders there is a small spot that looks like a pit caused by rust that has been spot blued. There is a buildup of carbon in side the cylinders consistent with the long term firing of .38s without scrubbing out the cylinder the spots in question are over the internal carbon rings and centered. There appears to be no discoloration or cracking like the cylinder has been over pressured. These spots are barely visible and the pistol is beauty looks other wise well taken care of and I do like 19-3s. I'm concerned because they are located at the hottest part of the cylinder and I have never seen any thing like them before. The price is $499 the seller is Cabelas. Help! Thanks.

[StrawHat]

Cold bluing usually has a smell of sulfur. If you think it has been cold blued, give it a sniff test.

As for the cylinder, I doubt it would be harmed by shooting 38s. A good cleaning would correct the carbon ring. I am not sure if that is a good price, been a while since I bought anything in 357.

[Dframe]

What strawhat said. I'm not sure about the spots, but a few minutes with a Lewis will quickly clear those carbon rings.