Mine was removed many thousands of rounds ago. I haven't noticed any changes in my POA/POI with my 4x scope ever since removing, along with no observable issues regarding barrel/receiver. I even have a barrel shroud on mine, which there is no contact with the rail/handguard and adds just a little more weight on the forend. I also use a GripPod, mainly as a handy bipod at my local range, so have been adding pressure to that area of the rail with no adverse effects.