You're totally right. I was trying to compare age showing that im comparing new to new. I doubt this guy was sitting in his bed cycling his action.
Still, That gouge doesn't look like wear due to repeatedly using the CH.
Check, but lot's of references to shot count, which is irrelevant to those wear marks. Just clearing the smoke.
As far as normal or abnormal...
The OP did not return to comment or confirm as gouges, but merely referred to them as "wear marks". That, and based on the quality of the pictures, the upper looks bone dry, in which case you can put wear marks in the top of the upper quickly. They look completely normal.
Moar Loobz and Shoot it.
I have bought two DD completes and one came without a mark and the second one looked similar to the OP's. Both DD's were almost bone dry. I've had uppers that were new without marks and once I added a BCG or a new CH and cycled the BCG marks showed. If it is bad and you hear binding try changing out the CH or putting marker on the CH to see where your getting the contact, I personaly think it's just the finish rubbing and the contact surfaces getting comfortable. Should hit a point where it settles and will not get any worse. As the above stated if the weapon is dry it will not take much to get those marks, just a few cycles with the CH. That same DD I have that had similar marks is now thru 5000+ rounds and going strong.
Threads like this continue to amaze me......
OP your upper is fine. Shoot it.
Now for a question. Why is it some people can't write a fricken sentence without including "lol"?
All of our rifles and upper receiver groups undergo a 10 round function test prior to final inspection and shipping. The wear marks on the inside of the upper, in my personal opinion, are completely normal with metal to metal contact. I also agree that there should not be any gouging. My recommendations is to lubricate the inside of the upper, the entire charging handle, and Bolt Carrier Group Assembly. This will really smooth things out.
I'll also mention that we have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are unsatisfied with the product you received. Just hit us up and we'll gladly arrange to take a closer look to see if anything is out of spec and warrants replacement.
DD to the rescue...
Eh, I install BCM charging handles in most of my rifles. The second time you pull on it, it scratches the handle up. Its called metal on metal, throw some lube on it and call it a day. I don't like my $50 fancy charging handles to be scratched either, but its a characteristic of the rifle. What ya gonna do?
DD, thank you for chiming in, that's what I chalked the marks on my DDM4V1 as also, just contact marks. The DD has been 100% reliable through courses and range time.