Nick on HK45 Barrel Locking Block

[jumpsmash]

A total of 310 rounds were fired in three range sessions over one and half month on a new HK45. Field stripped and cleaned every time. The third time (yesterday) when I took the barrel out of the slide, I immediately noticed a nick (about 1/16 inch) on the left side of the barrel locking block. (Manual says the serial number is on the right side.) It's on the square edge connecting to the barrel, not the feeding ramp side. I ran my finger inside the slide and it's still smooth. I racked the slides a couple of times slowly but couldn't see how the this particular spot can make contact with the slide.
The gun shoots more accurate than I can. I'm not overly concerned about it right now and will see if the nick gets larger after another 100-200 rounds. Just don't understand how it could happen. Anyone can explain it?

[rohardi]

do you hav a pic? It's probably not a big deal, just keep an eye on it.

[jumpsmash]

Yeah, it's much easier to see what I mean with a picture. I'll try to do that when I get home.

I don't mind seeing guns get used hard as long as I can explain to myself how the normal wears happen but this one is just weird.

[jumpsmash]

http://img108.mytextgraphics.com/photolava/2008/06/30/hk45lckblock-4b103dajt.jpeg

The highlighted circle shows the nick.

It looks like the block got nicked from a tilt position.

When assembled, the left side of the locking block doesn't touch the slide, but you can see wears from the picture. I would only guess the barrel moves much more violently during the recoil and forces the locking block to rub the slide.

[gemarsh]

I'd finely smooth it down and watch it for more damage. Also the nicks on the top side. Did it get dropped or what?

http://webpages.charter.net/gemarsh/files/Image1.jpg

Be Safe
Gayle

[jumpsmash]

I didn't drop it or knock it on anything. You'd see a lot more big or small nicks around the barrel and locking block if I'd actually dropped it. It's a brand new gun! I would care slightly less if it's a gun with 10,000+ rounds through it :)
The top part has no nicks (just worn finish) and what you see could be a result of reflection and/or JPEG artifacts.