I too had an interesting issue with a scout this year. I bought a new scout and put it on a back pack. When I went to change the battery for the first time I had a very difficult time getting the cap to unscrew. Once I got it off it was very difficult to get the battery out and then hard to get the new battery in and to get it to make a good connection. The cap was again very difficult to thread on. I am guessing that the case is bent (this is the only thing that really makes any sense) but there is no sign of external damage at all. Marshall was great to deal with and they said in should be covered and asked that I return it so they can take a look at it.

I guess strange things can happen when you strap electronics on to hard hitting raptors.....