I guess I'll have to get some copper solvent and hope this is the issue. I know S&W has great customer service, but I'd hate to have to send it back to them so soon.

One thing that gets me though is that this was (supposedly) a new firearm. So I don't get why there would be any fouling in the barrel at this point. But I'm also not sure just what the factory testing procedures are. However, I did come across another posting on this forum regarding an M&P9 (also Melonite) that someone bought new which had copper fouling in it.
I just hope I'm being paranoid, it would suck if the Melonite on my barrel was defective. The Melonite 1/8 twist barrel was really the major reason for my trading up.
I know S&W would make good on it though.