Gonna let the paint guy fix it...oh wait I'm the paint guy.

I haven't gotten anything to fill the hole with yet.

Rudder rough assembled, waiting on rudder and elevator horns that are back ordered, estimated arrival May 21, not much to do without them.

Right Elevator
 

forgot something in the second pic lol

elevator into practice project.
 

I should have walked away and come back to it.

I have seen worse. I have a couple small dings on mine.

OOOPs
 

I know the feeling well when you make your first mistake or make the first smilie, it really saps your confidence as you are determined to do everything right, been there!!
I have a matching one on my 9A rudder where the gun slipped and a few others on the way to where I am on my build, the dreaded tip-up canopy.
The expression 'move on' I never understood until now which is when your build is finished and painted you will have forgotten about the smilies and the numerous not 100% formed rivets you will have.
Learnt the hard way about not redoing a non perfect rivet, you do more damage replacing it normally and it sometimes isn't any better.
Keep on trucking!!
Duncan

progress so far.

Also considering dropping the "A" from my build.

I have a few friends that have taildragger RV9s, they love 'em.
I've never seen an taildragger RV upside down, but I have seen 4 "A" model RV's inverted on the runway. That's reason enough to go tailwheel.

As opposed to ground loops.

pluses and minuses....

do it
 

Not done with my -9 yet, but everyone says it's the easiest taildragger to land they have flown. I'm betting they are right and am looking forward to some new challenges!
Good luck.