Hello all.  I recently purchased a Century WASR 10/63 and while I checked it for a canted front sight, I overlooked the gas tube.  Here are images of the offset shown down the barrel and at the handguard retainer.  My primary questions are:

1. Will the piston rub against the side of the gas tube and wear either the piston or even the gas tube to a point where it would be dangerous?  Or is there enough slop that the piston won't rub?

2. Will the offset affect my ability to mount alternate handguards, either railed or a set like Tapco?

3. What would a gunsmith charge to straighten this?  I am just looking for an estimate to see if it is costly even if this is just a cosmetic issue.

Thanks for any input.

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m385/JD-Man_photo/WASR_10_63/photo3.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m385/JD-Man_photo/WASR_10_63/photo2.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m385/JD-Man_photo/WASR_10_63/photo4.jpg

JD

Does the rifle cycle when you shoot it?

It has gone "bang" every time for 200 round.  I am just trying to see if this is strictly a cosmetic issue or if there is a potential issue with replacement hand guards or excessive wear on internal components.

If you field strip the rifle you will see that the piston can easily rattle around inside the gas tube.  It is not a precision fit (far from it).

Cant is easier to recognize from the muzzle end (obviously - unload the rifle!)  Looking from the rear your eyes can play tricks on you, both when checking for front sight cant, and gas tube cant.

So operationally there are no issues.  What about the issue with a rail handguard misalignment?