I received a brand new gun (different S/N) yesterday by UPS, even though I asked to do a pick up.
I check the barrel and this gun also had the same damaged barrel problem, looks likes its not a isolated problem.
I called in to Customer Support and they want to view the gun with me when I drop it off again today.

I'm going to call the QA Manager today and see if I can discuss it with him since this must be a manufacturing issue.