How bad did I #$&% my piston up?

Stagger the rings like the guy said, doesnt matter where the gaps end up...as long as they aren't lined up with each other. FWIW...if a bore is well out of round...the gaps will find their way to lining up regardless. I would gap the rings at .026.. but that's me. Good luck.

As for the second ring, I leave them on the big side of stock recommendation, like .018