Shafter,
Even if the gunshop had to "safety check" the weapon as they claim, if done properly (fully cocking the gun before lowering the hammer... NEVER lowering it from half cock!), it, the cylinder bolt stop, would NOT have scratched the cylinder, removed bluing and left turn marks.
The clerk damaged it by lowering it from the half cock, he admitted this to me. When he said he cut the zip tie, I asked him if he cocked it. "I didn't cock it all the way" was his reply!!!
Several times too, as there were numerous turn mark's.
He played with the gun and damaged it, then denied it, lied, gave me attitude, insinuated I didn't know what I was talking about, said he had more experience with single actions than I did, blamed others, including the Colt Custom shop, etc. He was a real Tool.
I have an Uberti El Patron (almost identical to the Colt SAA), I bought at the same shop last summer. Not sure who "safety checked" it (most likely not the same clerk), but it was not mishandled as the cylinder was perfect. I have since shot the Uberti, dry fired it with snap caps, worked the action, carried it in an IWB holster, etc. The cylinder still looks new... ZERO turn mark's. But, I always FULLY cock it before lowering the hammer.
Had the clerk apologized on the spot and accepted responsibility for the damage, I might have respected him for being a man and owning his mistake, educated him on single actions and just kept the gun. We all make mistakes, but admitting them and taking responsibility for them is essential, as well as a sign of maturity.
Unfortunately for the store manager, his coworkers, store owner and myself, he REFUSED to act like a Man and was a complete horse's gluteus maximus. He not only pissed me off, but he tarnished the stores reputation, they lost a repeat customer (8th gun i have bought through them in about 2 years!), and cost the owner money and some negative publicity with a complaint filed with the BBB. If I were the owner, I would have a help wanted sign on the front door.
Attitude is everything in life.