Modern Bluing Quality Question

[t-bob]

I purchased a new rimfire pistol from a national sporting goods retailer (not Walmart) last night and thought I did a good job of inspecting it at the store--they had one on display and one in the back so I had the staff pull the one from the back in an effort to avoid the handling marks that come with a display model and I confirmed the one I purchased did not have any scratches before committing to buy it.

However; when I got home and started familiarizing myself with my new pistol I noticed some "streaking/light areas" in the bluing. At first I thought it was some "extra" lube from the factory or maybe a "dry" spot that just needed some oil to blend with its surroundings. Unfortunately it was not extra factory lube, oiling the areas did not help, and when I put the receiver under a flashlight it displayed the streaking/discoloration in many more places on the receiver than the area I first noticed. The spots are not easily noticed in normal room lighting, but they are visible once you realize they are there.

Here are links to three photos of just part of the situation:
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc165/Rubekorn/IMG_0549_zps893c7be1.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc165/Rubekorn/IMG_0558_zps3c41ffd1.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc165/Rubekorn/IMG_0555_zps8485d8df.jpg

I contacted the manufacturer today and FedEx should be picking-up the pistol tomorrow to return it to them for repair. I have read all over the web that the manufacturer will make-good on the repair (but I have a rub with their expectation that it is OK for me to be without a never-fired pistol for a few weeks while they repair something that never should have left the factory).

I am posting this for three reasons:
1. To seek feedback from readers who may have knowledge of what could have caused this and if it should be considered normal aberrations for modern bluing. Or am I just being too picky?
2. To alert the readers to take a closer look at their purchases before leaving the store if this is not considered Grade A work from the manufacturer.
3. To seek feedback from readers who may have had a similar experience in the past; how they dealt with it; and the final outcome of their efforts.

Thanks, in advance, for any advice you care to share regarding the situation!

 

[mohavesam]

Must be more noticeable in your light? Looks a bit non-uniform, but it's not out-of-spec I presume.
Send it back. Keep us informed.

 

[t-bob]

Thanks mohavesam--the more you magnify the photos the more apparent the discoloration. Hopefully this is an anomaly and not today's standard for their aesthetic workmanship. I will post results as they become available.

Thanks again for your post mohavesam!