In the store it is REALLY hard to judge barrel quality. Ive seen some that looked like hell but cleaned up without JB and looked great. When a gun is in a rack barrel UP, dust settles inside and sticks to the packing lube.

Not many retailers are going to let you clean it out before you buy it for a good inspection.

SuperKirby

IF T/C would refund just the cost of the barrel, you can get a better SMI barrel for slightly more or a Bergara for slightly less. I doubt they will but i would still take a good look at your aftermarket barrel options. The Encore is plenty strong for a SML barrel even if you dont want to shoot smokeless. Plus the barrel quality is MUCH MUCH higher without a QLA. They are also very BH209 friendly.