I've been shooting my 416 Rigby and 470 NE. A lot, with an ele hunt only seven weeks away. I've just noticed the accumulation of very tiny dents over the comb of my Sterling Davenport stocked 416. I realized they are from the comb contacting my hearing protecters on recoil. Short of just going to foam plugs, (not adequate with a big bore) does anyone have any tidy solutions? Mayhap there is an off the shelf material that would work better, than, say, duct taping foam to my muffs.
Also, can these tiny dents be lifted out with steam? What's the technique?

I wear electronic plugs I bought from HogKiller (Keith) last year for all my shooting. They quieten things down nicely and allow me to hear what's going on around me.

If you must wear muffs, the DT and padding is probably about your only fix.

I would think those tiny dings would probably lift out, but someone else will have more experience.

David

Marty,
You can rotate the muffs instead of the strap being on the top of your head rotate the stap to the rear of your head 45 degrees or more and the ear cups will be in a position of not wacking the stock as much, if that doesn't work, just tape a piece of foam to the bottoms and it should suffice.

Kind of what I thought, but I figured someone else's brain might have a thought I was missing.
David, I'd like to hear more about the electronic plugs. I've use electronic muffs for years, but haven't seen the plugs.
An ENT doc once told me that muffs are the only thing that will stop boney conduction of sound, that all plugs can do is block air conduction. It seem that damage can result from both types of conduction. He told me I should be wearing both!

Also you might try some of the SureFire ear plugs.

Don't worry about it. Once you come back from your hunt, send the gun back for a 'spa treatment'.

They can steam out the little dings, and address any other nicks, dings, and scratches the gun might suffer.

George

Two ideas for you:

A double layer of the blue masking tape will protect the stock and come off easily when you're finished at the range.

-or-

Stick a piece of adhesive backed foam tape on your muffs where they make contact with the stock.

Get the custom made mold to your ear canal plugs. Work great, comfortable and no marring of the stock.

Just go Brazilian. Cuts down on friction.

Here is a picture of the gunsmith that can modify the muff:

JudgeG-
Now THAT'S funny.

while the electronics and other in the ear plugs are great; for practice,particularly under an overhead cover as most ranges have, you should also cover the mastoid.
The bone conduction of the sound does also cause injury-- how do I know---What did you say??

George S is correct about the post-hunt treatment of the stock and the low stick blue tape also is good.
I chose instead a neoprene stock sleeve, several makers, Browning, Kick Killer etc.

Use the electronics for the hunt,and use them or soft plugs AND muffs for practice.

Use the shotgunner type earmuff with the tapered ear cup.

Had the same problem. Took 3M automotive double sided sticky Foam tape that's used to hold trim om and placed it on the muffs then used a felt over the foam in an acceptable color. The foam provides a little cushion and the wool felt protection to the finish.

Hairbol-
That's perfect. Thanks.