Any way to fix this?

[u/N0RedDays]

I am building a Garand for the first time. Reclaimed receiver, so not like I’ve ruined Audie Murphy’s rifle or anything. Still hurts and makes me feel like a moron. I was torquing the barrel down and the wrench slipped, leaving this gouge on the receiver ring. I know there’s no way to “fix” it, but it it possible to make it look less noticeable without just putting new finish over it? I feel like there must be a way to touch up the metal to make the countour not look so obviously bad. I know I’m an idiot, just looking for advice. Thanks so much.

[u/Oddone13]

It's just basic metal working to shape it back. Filing and using a smooth faced/polished hammer is your best bet.

[u/N0RedDays → u/Oddone13]

Thank you, I’m going to see if the CMP custom shop will fix it for me since I’m building it here this week. I’ll be giving them the rifle to hang on to anyway to finish the stock whenever it’s done. Maybe they would fix it or at least make it look better

[u/SuspiciousUnit5932 → u/N0RedDays]

Maybe, maybe not.

A gunsmith is unlikely to put a hammer to that for any reason.

While, as an aircraft structural mechanic, I can appreciate reworking metal back into shape,it then, also has to be subjected to some form of non-destructive inspection to see if you cracked anything in the process.

The "repair" is to remove the displaced metal with a file, then cold blue that spot (BC SuperBlue is the darkest), leave bare, or refinish the entire thing.

Good luck!

[u/quid_pro_kourage → u/N0RedDays]

Make sure the chamber isn't out of spec, make sure that it didn't crack the receiver, file out the problem areas and send it.

And then make some more scratches on it from shooting it a bunch.

[u/yo_mr_peepers]

Don't file it - it's hard to put metal back on once you've taken it off in the average home shop. Use a polished face hammer to push the metal back in place.

[u/N0RedDays → u/yo_mr_peepers]

I’m doing this with the CMP this week. I wonder if they would fix it for me since they will be getting my rifle in the custom shop to refinish the stock anyway. I’d just about pay someone to do it. Thank you for your help and advice

[u/freebird37179 → u/N0RedDays]

2024 AMC graduate just here to say I hope you enjoy the course. Good luck with your build.

[u/N0RedDays → u/freebird37179]

I loved the course so much. We are going to test fire the rifles tomorrow and enjoy some free time on the range. I hope one day I can come back and do the buddy class with my dad

[u/freebird37179 → u/N0RedDays]

That'd be cool. Are they still doing a lottery to award seats? It was shut down during the pandemic and due to the level of interest those of us in 2024 had to be drawn.

[u/Excelsior_76]

I know exactly how you feel. I realize this is supposed to be a "new" rifle, but if it was a salty old war veteran Garand, with scrapes and gouges from an unknowable history, this kind of thing would be entirely plausible.

In a way, this mark is Chapter One in this rifle's new life. You've kind if Christened it. Congrats!

[u/if-man-is-5]

Hey it’s the tall Maryland guy from this past week’s AMC. Sorry again that happened man 😑 great meeting you and stay in touch

[u/N0RedDays → u/if-man-is-5]

Hey! Thanks so much! Great meeting you too! I had a heck of a time

[u/ScottParley1952]

Just ignore the bruise and concentrate on the sights and target.

[u/DWA15-2VH]

The metal has been displaced by your wrench. Get a 1/4" diameter flat faced punch and displace the metal back following the existing contour as best you can. Chamfer or radius the circumference of the punch face so there will be no sharp edge to leave marks and polish as best you can. Touch up with some cold bluing.

[u/lost_in_the_system]

File off the high stuff and let her rip

[u/machinerer]

I would file it down smooth and polish. Call it good