Sometimes tools get scratches and it's okay. You could convince him to send it off for duracoating. You will want to make sure it is nice and oiled so it doesn't get rusty.
He's popped his cherry. Shows he's had it out. You don't buy an 870 or Mossberg 500 for show. If it was a Citori or something, yeah, but just be careful, yanno?
Indy Tactical Supply in Mooresville has a few dip tanks...he would be able to refinish it for you...it would be more to the "factory finish" then any spray on application.....I can do machining work, but I don't have a dip tank at the moment otherwise I could do it