Nice walnut but dented checkering

[loiblb]

I bought a used M77 tang safety flat bolt a while back in .243. The varmint model I believe. I like the way the rifle feels and think it's a keeper.
I have one issue. The checkering is dented. I have not been able to post pictures here but the dents are not terrible and just cosmetic.
What fix is there for this? Would this be best for a gunsmith to do?

 

[GunnyGene]

An old fix for dented wood is a damp cloth and a steam iron. Should work for this if the dent isn't too deep. Just put the folded cloth on the dented spots and heat it up with the iron for 20 sec or so at a time until the dent is gone.

 

[oilcangary]

Is it cut checkering? If not don't steam it or you may remove the checkering.

 

[leon670]

Is it cut checkering? If not don't steam it or you may remove the checkering.

If it was pressed checkering, that might actually be an improvement! Though I am quite sure that Ruger never used press checkering on any of their wood stocked rifles. I'd try steam as GG suggested..

 

[mohavesam]

Hint: Remove the metal first!

 

[Snake45]

If it's dented and not gouged, the steam trick should raise the dents nicely, but the checkering will prolly still require some touchup with a checkering file. This is actually easy and fun work, provided you have the checkering cutter on hand. DON'T try to touch it up with something like an ordinary household triangular file, you'll just make a huge regretful mess. :wink: