Dented wood on my rifle stock....best way to repair?

[fortyshooter]

Had to send my Uberti 1873 Sport rifle off to Stoeger,the original importer for some work on the action.
These guys were great repairing it under warranty,even though I was not the original owner.
However when rifle came back,there were several dents on the butt of the stock.

I had wrapped the rifle in bubble wrap before enclosing in a hard case plastic rifle case,then into a cardboard shipping box.
Only difference was,when they shipped it back,they didn't wrap it in anything,even though the case is foam lined.
Looks like the rifle moved around during UPS travels,and some hard plastic bosses in case could have dented the stock.
Will the hot iron and wet towel trick work on the stock with it's clear coat factory finish?

Stoeger said I could ship it back and they would look at it and have sent a return UPS lable,but afraid to really ship it back again.

Funny thing is,I'm only a 3 1/2 drive from their plant,but they say laws brevent a gun drop off at their plant.

[HighWall]

Had to send my Uberti 1873 Sport rifle off to Stoeger... when rifle came back,there were several dents on the butt of the stock.

Will the hot iron and wet towel trick work on the stock with it's clear coat factory finish?

Stoeger said I could ship it back and they would look at it and have sent a return UPS lable,but afraid to really ship it back again.

I would send it back to them, unless you are pretty skilled with wood finishing.  Steaming out the dents often leaves a mark which needs to be blended with the rest of the surface around it, especially if the wood fibers are broken or cut.  At least that's been my experience.  It's also been my experience that this kind of repair can be time consuming, unless they have another buttstock available as a replacement part.  Even at that, there's probably a bit of hand fitting required to get it right.

[Pettifogger]

Are you using the gun for CAS?  If so, after it's been bounced around in your cart a few months the stock is going to look pretty beat anyway so consider them beauty marks.  If it's a wall hanger and you are really concerned about the looks, send it back.

[Major 2]

to answer you question "Will the hot iron and wet towel trick work on the stock with it's clear coat factory finish?"

The poly finish will hamper the process, to the point I doubt it will work....
not to mention it may fog the finish at those points....

If you strip the finish , perhaps the trick may steam lift the fibers then lightly sand & refinish with Tru-Oil

[St. George]

If you strip the poly coat, I'm betting the dents will disappear during the process.

Scouts Out!

[fortyshooter]

Problem solved!! The service rep at Stoeger just called. They had ONE last stock for this rifle,and he said it might be a good while before any replacements came in. They will send it to me free of charge,including new screws!
The service and warranty coverage from Stoeger has been outstanding,considering I'm not the original owner,and the rifle was originaly sold in 2007. They come with a 5 year warranty to the first owner.

Now off to the range to pump some 250 gr. lead through this thing!!

[Major 2]

I am truly happy to hear of the harmonious service and warranty coverage from Stoeger.

[fortyshooter]

Just got back from my local indoor range....lots of rainy weather here.... after a rough start,this ol' 1873 is a great shooter!
No problems while firing 40 rounds. Looks like the Stoeger boys did a great job on the action.
Left target slow firing taking good aim....right target fast paced lever action,trying to keep barrel roughly on target.
Target distance was only 16 yds,the max for this indoor range.