I just received a new Deerstalker .54 via mailorder. Nice looking rifle, just what I was looking for. However, I'm unable to get the barrel key to fit, it's misaligned by about one thickness of the key on the left side.

I was able to improve the situation a little by putting a shim under the breach, but the key still won't go fully through the left side, off by about 1/2 a key thickness.

I can return the rifle for an exchange, however I'm thinking by bending (arching) the barrel key in the middle a little, it could then probably be fully inserted through the left side of the stock. However, once I do that, I've bought this particular rifle.

Anybody else have this issue, the supplier said this fit issue has been a problem with Deerstalkers, but most folks get it resolved, but didn't specify how.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.