Uneven Rifling on Marlin Model 981TS

Not very long ago I bought myself a $200.00 .22 long rifle so I wouldn't need to borrow my dads rifle every time I want to go plinking. The link below defines plinking if anyone is curious. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plinking

Anyway, I haven't had the time to take the rifle to the range, but my initial inspection revealed this flaw easily seen from the muzzle end of the gun. This is a cause for concern as it can indicate that the gun will be inaccurate. Something I was told by the sales people was not the case with the Model 981TS www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/BoltAction22/981TS A quick call to marlin customer service gave me the advice to shoot the gun and see if it's affecting accuracy. If so, then I'll need to go through hoops of shipping the gun in for warranty service. I have this dread that such an action will be plagued with a myriad of rules and regulations and no doubt hidden fees. In the sate of California, where I live, the 2nd amendment just about doesn't exist. Under attack 24/7/365 days out of the year, it's noting short of a miracle mere civilians like myself are still legally permitted to own a gun. Oy. I suspect this is going to be quite the experience.

In any case, if my herniated back can make the trip, I'll head out the range either this weekend or next weekend to see how it shoots, and will post my experience, and target photos.