Im no expert either... But take it back see what they say about it.. Or just google it. See it others of the same 12guage have the same issue... I would take it back. Especially since it shouldnt be that way. Just my thought.
If they want to be "not so nice guys" about it and claim it has to be even exchange explain the bold point, in your last comment, to them. This is a very valid argument about the quality of said brand.Thanks for the replies guys. I'm definitely going to take this back to Cabela's first thing Saturday morning. I also think I am going to try to get store credit and shell out some more money for a better known brand of shotgun if possible (Their return policy says they will exchange defective firearms, but doesn't say if it has to be for the same exact product). If this thing made it through TriStar's quality control I feel like a shotgun with any number of problems could as well and would rather not take my chances.