After my last trip to the range, I was cleaning my COLT Match Target M4 (16.1" 1:7 twist barrel, 5.56mm, Post-Ban Brake, all factory except for the ARMS SIR, BUIS, Aimpoint) and when i got to the FCG i noticed some wear on the right side of the hammer. This was the first time in 3 trips that i had cleaned it, but i only shot around 100 rounds a trip. I've only put about a total of 1000 rds through the firearm since i've owned it. I purchased it NIB. I use 55gr Federal American Eagle FMJ BT ammunition. I have never had any other problems with weapon. Even now it still fires like it was brand new. I am just concerned with the wear on the hammer. The right side is rough and has ridges, i will try to get pictures of it this afternoon.

The only other wear i've seen on the hammer is the finish in the center which i would expect from normal use, the wear i am seeing actually looks like the metal is deformed. I don't see any other abnormal wear on the other lower components, the firing pin, or the bolt carrier. I pulled the bolt out and besides some carbon build up, I noticed that the there is some play in the gas rings. The slots in the rings are offset. Since I am not having any problems cycling, I would think that the gas system is A-OK.

I've used Hoppes 9, CLP, and Rem Action Cleaner to clean, and either CLP or Militec to lubricate.

I'd rather ask here before i sent the firearm back to Colt for some undisclosed period of time.

Thanks.

EDIT:
Here are the pictures, after further inspection, i realized that it appears the ridges came before the finish was applied to the hammer. maybe poor QC on colt's end? i guess i never took notice of it until i started building an AR and have seen so many pictures here. Compared to my girlfriend's armalite hammer (nice and smooth) it looks like someone chewed mine out of metal.

http://web.njit.edu/~kjg9305/M4/hammer/hammer_c.jpg

http://web.njit.edu/~kjg9305/M4/hammer/hammer_l.jpg

http://web.njit.edu/~kjg9305/M4/hammer/hammer_r.jpg

http://web.njit.edu/~kjg9305/M4/hammer/bcg.jpg

Larger pictures are available here (hammer_*_lg.jpg).

thanks dano, i might replace it anyway, just so it's nice and smooth.