^^^^ I agree with Jim. I have actually had a LOT of new factory barrels in my hands the last 6 months (60-70?) don't ask why. :)

None of them looked like that.

In some regards, I would say, "If it shoots well, don't worry about it." but there is the chance it could become problematic if it proves to be a source of heavy copper fouling. THough I agree Savage factory barrels shoot better with some fouling, it doesn't mean I would want a barrel that's got so much chatter that it NEEDS a TON of fouling to smooth it out to a reasonably smooth surface.

I really do not think Savage would argue any if the owner asked for a new one. If I needed it for one deer hunt, I'd hunt with it and then send it back.