I just got this gun...which is a 243 savage model 16. It is a unique rifle in that this model 16 has a fluted stainless barrel and a wooden stock, which I haven't seen before so I picked it up and I like the rifle.



I bought the gun sight unseen, and upon receiving the gun I noticed these small holes in the barrel right in front of the barrel nut, where the barrel screws into the action...lining up right at the outer edge of the barrel nut. Anyway, what is the deal with these holes. They are actually in the barrel itself and appear to be a flaw...appearing to be a cavity in the steel. I have never seen something like this before. If so, I obviously need to send it to the factory for them to take care of this...but before I get concerned I wanted to be sure these little holes are not there for some reason. Ever seen this before?