Sounds like QC issues. But wondering on Ruger's design team?
Sounds like QC issues to me, but new design, so who knows.
I am having increasing doubts about Ruger semi-automatics. I have owned a Mk. 2, great gun, regret selling it, but the machining was not that great (bought in 1987 new). Got a Mk. 3 in 2007, nice gun, but when I first went to strip it down there was parts of metal particulates inside that moved and were not cleaned out at the factory and jammed my mag release after being moved during strip down. Had to do a full internal wipe down to get out the metal debris. Still have it, like the gun. Old proved design by W. Ruger.
Have a LCP 1, reliable carry gun, carried it for 4 years now, heavy long trigger pull though, persuaded me to buy a Kahr CW 380 as a variety piece this year, Kahr is nicer. Bought a P-89 new in 2009, the frame to slide was out of sync, frame seemed to wear fast (aluminum). Accuracy was mediocre. Bought the SR9 in 2009, overall liked it, but the trigger was so heavy it hurt my finger after 40 rds, after market kits to alleviate it at the time required custom fitting by a gunsmith, sold it. Glock trigger parts are easy drop in.
Noticing that the new LCP 2 has a design defect that can allow the mag release to depress and drop out the mag. during firing, my LCP 1 has better coverage. Won't buy the LCP 2. Just found out that the SR22 uses an aluminum slide, since slides take a real beating, what was Ruger thinking???
I love the Ruger revolvers, have owned 4, built like a tank, keepers. Have owned 4 Ruger rifles, they suck. Sold all of them. Weird how the semi-auto pistols have issues, but do actually work, to some length. The rifles are a disaster, and yes, 2 of them were 2009 vintage 10/22's. Heared the CEO at that time was chopping QC.
You are right to send your pistol back, hope it works out for you.