Dave, I am indeed, notice how there is an identical one on the back of the base. Both of these look very deliberate and it would be improbable for both to be identical random damage. Notice where the deflected metal has worn from contact with the bottom of the ring, circled in red. This is the dimension I’m talking about possibly being corrected, not anything about the claw cutouts themselves. This vertical dimension is the most critical in the claw mount design. It’s not the best way per se but this type of metal deformation is used in many mechanical applications for a quick fix if you will to take up a sloppy dimension.
Dave, since you also work with metal everyday you will probably understand my reasoning. I was looking at the compression ring in the metal (indicating how far in dimensional raising occurred) extending far enough forward on the bases to make a difference on the vertical ring fitment. I agree the claw fitment is critical but suppose you took a perfectly fitting upper assy and then milled off .002 on the base flats and then reinstalled the scope, it would be completely loose. That’s why I said that dimension was critical, and why I was theorizing what the identical hammer marks were likely there for.
Great looking rifles there! I still need the complete ring dimensions by the way if at all possible.
Dave, I had mentioned it already in here... I think this indeed was not an accident but a hammer hit. Surface is too smooth to had been an accident. I'm pretty sure it was just the pin in the front base getting loose and this is a pretty simple field invention to tighten it.