I'm with M.O.A. and handsomerob. It sounds to me like the bolt might be hitting one of the front scope base mounting screws or receiver screws. If the rifle/scope was mounted by a "gunsmith" at Wal-Mart I would not be surprised if one or both of the two front scope base mounting screws or receiver screws are a teensy bit too long and interfering with the bolt. Bend your small finger into the top front grove in the receiver between the magazine and chamber. You might be able to feel the scope base mounting screw if it is too long. Even if you cannot feel one or both of those screws, you might try removing both of them. Then check the bolt for proper closing.
If you do send the rifle to Savage I would send it with both scope bases installed. Savage will thoroughly check the rifle and do a proper repair if something is wrong. You might have to pay for return shipping.
Good luck.
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