I put a scratch in that same area just by cycling dummy rounds through it for practice. I was using AZoom snap caps and I did notice the paint coming off around the edges of the them. Now I have cleaned it thoroughly and got all the paint chips out. No more practice for me.. Time to go and fire some live rounds.
Well, it's 9 years after the previous thread. I am expecting my new M4 to arrive in few days. I think I know what I will be using to break it in. Unfortunately I strained my shoulder last week installing a ceiling fan but I am far too excited about the new shotgun to let that delay me. Good thing I have some Tylenol 3s on hand for afterwards LOL