Newbie Screwup or not?

[goyena70]

This having been my first experience with an AK I would like to find out how I could have avoided scratching the gun when I removed the upper fore end (gas tube) when pushing the slide release up? Also happens with the safety latch.
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/003326.JPG

[Skip]

Don't worry about it. It acknowledges to others you know how to maintain proper care and cleaning.

[Full Otto]

Wear them with pride. Happiness is a warm gun

[FunkyPertwee]

The gas tube latch and safety latch marks are just part of the AK experience. Learn it, love it. :)

[imanaknut]

There is probably not an AK variant in existence that doesn't have those two scratches.
I don't know of anything that you could put under the gas tube lock or safety that would protect the finish, wear so that it lasts more than a lever movement or two, and still allow you to move the lever.