So you got mad when he recommended you look at a gun you where purchasing? Manufacturing defects do happen, and I always look at the exact gun I'm getting, not just the demo model. You would probably also be mad if there was an issue and they wouldn't exchange it for you despite having a policy stating they won't do so.

I agree, you can't blame the employee for doing the right thing. Some people are just a little rough around the edges. If they mean well, try to look through the exterior to see what knowledge they have to offer. No different than playing for a good coach.

Knowing the work force, it is amazing they can staff the counter- kids these days are not very reliable. That being said, was at Academy a while back and they had yldiz o/u on clearance. Asked them why- they didn't know. Asked for one in 28 gauge and they had just gotten some. Kid pulls out first box- I say that's 12 gauge just like the one on the rack. Finally point to the correct box. Kid absolutely cannot assemble the gun. I asked three times for him to hand it to me and I would assemble, but no luck. After banging it around a 4th time he gave it to another guy behind the counter.

Never buy from Academy, just look. Then go to my LGS.

You guys are expecting to much of the "big box" stores. Expertise is rare these days in retail unless it is a specialty store.

Agree as well.... He wasn't wanting you to look at it to decide if you liked the model, he was asking you to look at it for any defects and accept it as it was. I think you would be one of the customers the gun counter guys talk about...