Had a gas key threatening to come loose due to lack of staking. The manufacturer offered to address it because it was supposed to be staked from the factory, but I would've been without my rifle for up to a month and so I thought to myself, "I own a vise, a center punch, and a hammer - how hard could it be to stake it myself?"
I've had wiser thoughts.
Anyway, staking the right side went pretty well, but then I managed to bugger up BOTH on the left. As you can hopefully see in the photo, I slipped and dented that little shoulder thingy below the screw. I carefully dremeled it flat and smoothed it out as well as I could to avoid friction, but it's still slightly rough to the touch. That section can rub against the inside of the upper, yes? Am I risking damage to the upper if I run it in this condition?
What do you recommend? Pony up the $20 for a replacement gas key and screws from Brownells, plus however much it costs to have a gunsmith install it? Use a fine grit whetstone to rub it extra smooth, remaining finish be darned? Just run it as is?
Thanks! And remember never to let me anywhere near your rifle with a hammer....
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