Remember that episode of 'Hogan's Heros' years ago when Hogan and the gang end up in a factory that's producing barrels for some type of artillery gun? The kept resetting the machinery to not quite bore the barrels out.
Based on my experiences of the last few years, I'd wonder if Hogan and the crew are employed at Remington. I wonder if they're using a laugh-track there when they 'goof-up' the hapless end-user?
There's always been lots of little things with Remingtons I've seen or purchased, but I managed to locate a VS NIB earlier this year. Bought it sight unseen. Oops. The muzzle looked like it had been dropped then fixed with a coarse file, drilling and tapping was done on a beautiful angle... the bolt... I could go on, but I boxed it up and sent it for a complete rebuild. And not at Remington.
It returned with a fluted 20" barrel and target crown, lapped action, stock properly fitted, trigger work, etc. Shoots amazing. I just bought 2 LTR rifles in .308. A few problems with them but not to that extent. Remington did redeem themselves on these LTR's but then again I know the custom shop does produce some items for the LTR, but overall a much better effort. But why do they like to ding the muzzles all the time???
Please understand I'm not bashing Big Green, just the quality controls in place. Just like I expect to open a box marked 'Beretta' and find a quality piece, (and always have) I want to expect just that from Remington again. I'll still buy Remington, but I want to handle the rifle first. Right now I might be more prone to purchase a M700 action and have it built or buy used.
I hope your baby comes home better than it left you...
Darryl