Hi all,
I have inherited a Browning Grade 1 BL-22 lever from my brother and it came with a dent in the stock (a bit smaller than a dime) halfway between the bottom of the lever and the butt pad. The dingbat he lent it to, dropped it. The wood is beautiful otherwise and I was wondering what would be the best way to clean up the dent without ruining the finish which is hi gloss?

Would live steam from a steam iron do it or should I just leave well enough alone?

..badge of use.

Why fugg with it.

Apply heat and moisture to it and it might start to harm the finish or turn the finish white.

If it has a poly finish the steam probably won't help until it is removed. You are probably faced with either living with it or removing the finish first, steaming and refinishing.
I would likely live with it.

been there done that. loaned my bl-22 to a cousin. he took it onto a roof he was shingling to shoot ground squirrels in an orchard. it slid half way down the roof from vibration. looked like a grizz had swiped at it. that finish is thick. I stripped it and refinished it. never could match the factory color. should have lived with it.

If you try and steam it either it won't take or you will ruin the gloss finish. As others say leave it alone. If you simply can't live with it you will have to remove the finish steam out the dent and refinish. If the wood fibers are actually cut steaming will only part way fix the issue.