I know it's hard without pics but...

[swampcrawler]

I need advice. Getting out of the truck my brand new unfired 357 Max MGM barreled contender... Slipped out of it's holster and kissed the concrete. It landed on the edge of the muzzle. The damage (deep cratering/scratching kind of thing) is on the very edge of the muzzle. The barrel has, I guess a recessed crown? Nothing from the edge of the bore out to the end of the recess is damaged, only the protruding ring of steel around the very edge of the muzzle. I hope that makes sense.. My computer is down and I can't post pics from my phone.
The question is do I need to hav my barrel re crowned? I don't know if this damage is in a place that will affect accuracy. I'd hate to have to have 80 dollars worth of work on an unfired barrel.

 

[rcmodel]

No.

The only critical part of the muzzle crown is the part next to the hole in the bore.

It must be perfectly flat and even, or escaping gas will tip the bullet base and start it wobbling as it leaves the bore.

Dings on the outer edge of the barrel have no effect on accuracy at all.
That's why your gun has a recessed crown.

I'd file it off smooth, polish it with 400 emery paper, and touch it up with cold blue.
Chalk it up to a learning experience.

And don't do that again!!!!

rc