That's happened with any manufacturer. I had a Springfield TRP once that eventually had to go back for swapping out because of numerous issues. I once got a Colt that was lucky to shoot 5" groupings and colt eventually had to replace the entire slide which fixed it to some measure, they eventually sent me a replacement Gold Cup National Match in stainless, which shot sub 2" groups out of the box.
Now, the inspection is the most important part of a firearms purchase. When you look at a weapon in contemplation of purchase, you inspect it carefully, then tell the clerk your most likely going to buy it, but you want to dissassemble it to inspect it more closely, which is what I do on all weapons I purchase, if the clerk doesn't like the idea, I go to the store manager or owner, otherwise, I go to a dealer who will allow it. Take for example, I own 4 Norinco's, 3 of which are made with railroad steel, the fourth is not, but perfect. When I went to buy my 5th, it had the same issues you saw on the IMI pistol, you simply pass it up is all. I've seen some Citadels and RIA the same, and 1 AutoOrdnance, it happens, but a good inspection should catch anything, in his case, he's actually shot the pistol to his satisfaction, and that's really all that matters.
One time back in the early 80's I went with a friend and purchased an old Remington Rand 1911 that shook, rattled and rolled, my friend said pass it up dude, it ain't right, I still have her, and she still gives me sub 2.4" groupings.