I just picked up a new Patriot in .375 Ruger with the synthetic stock and marinecote finish from my local FFL. As I looked the rifle over I noticed some tool mark gouges in the bottom of the channel in the receiver where the bolt slides in. They're not actually from the bolt assembly because nothing touches the bottom of that channel.
I accepted the transfer because it has been extremely difficult to even get my hands on one of these, and the retailer I got it from is again out of stock; as is everyone else apparently.
Anyway, to be fair the marks are mostly cosmetic; on the other hand, the marks are MOSTLY cosmetic... they are deep enough that the shiny steel is showing through, so that area isn't covered by the marinecote and this rifle will see inclement weather, in addition to a lot of humidity.
I called Mossberg and asked them if they just had like a touch-up tube or bottle of marinecote they could send me and we'd save all the time and cost of a return and repair. They said they do not, and would have to fix that in house; they've sent me a label and turnaround should be 15-20 days.
I'm torn about whether or not to even bother with it; honestly, it did put kind of a damper on all the excitement of getting a new rifle, even though over time there will certainly me more dings and scratches... you just don't expect to see that right out of the box.
Suggestions?
I accepted the transfer because it has been extremely difficult to even get my hands on one of these, and the retailer I got it from is again out of stock; as is everyone else apparently.
Anyway, to be fair the marks are mostly cosmetic; on the other hand, the marks are MOSTLY cosmetic... they are deep enough that the shiny steel is showing through, so that area isn't covered by the marinecote and this rifle will see inclement weather, in addition to a lot of humidity.
I called Mossberg and asked them if they just had like a touch-up tube or bottle of marinecote they could send me and we'd save all the time and cost of a return and repair. They said they do not, and would have to fix that in house; they've sent me a label and turnaround should be 15-20 days.
I'm torn about whether or not to even bother with it; honestly, it did put kind of a damper on all the excitement of getting a new rifle, even though over time there will certainly me more dings and scratches... you just don't expect to see that right out of the box.
Suggestions?