"I did PM a few others, on here...." The operative word being PM!
Doc,
I agree, one really has to make sure it is the barrel and then give the maker the chance to make it right. In my case I documented everything along with pics and emailed the barrelmaker. Kudos to them, they were A+ to deal with.
I once received a barrel that was outta specs from another barrelmaker and they made it right too, A+ CS.
Not so with some other barrelmakers according to some on here, and I don't buy their barrels because of their bad experiences.
Same for stocks, received a few bad ones from a well known stockmaker, they made it right in every case. Not so with another well known company and they soon got outta the stockmaking business anyways (guess I was not the only one who received a bad stock).
I say give the maker the chance to make it right, and if you get screwed then move on and don't recommend their junk anymore.
MtnHtr