sks rant

[u/Ok-Atmosphere4900]

I just need to rant for a second. I bought an SKS with an ATI stock from Bass Pro because it was on sale. I didn’t get a chance to shoot it for about a month. When I finally sat down to clean it, I realized it was missing both the gas piston extension and the spring.

Essentially, I bought a bolt-action SKS.

I emailed Bass Pro customer service, and their response was incredibly disappointing. They told me that next time, I should completely strip the gun down at the retail counter. They basically said, "Too bad, so sad." It really sucks because now I am out almost $1,000, but I guess that’s life. and cant find the parts online

[u/Hot_Cheesecake_905]

They basically said, "Too bad, so sad."

I wonder if consumer protection or a credit card chargeback will help, as stores are supposed to sell items in working condition. Bass Pro Shops has a final sale policy, but that should not override statutory rights, at least in Ontario.

Bass Pro Shop does not label these SKSes as milsurp or put any caveats regarding condition or parts.

In Ontario, there are three main sections of consumer protection law that might apply:

1. Implied Condition of Merchantable Quality: If you buy goods by description from a seller who regularly deals in those items, the law implies that the goods must be of merchantable quality. This means the product must be in usable condition, free from hidden defects, and perform as a reasonable person would expect for its type and price.
2. Implied Condition of Fitness for Purpose: If the buyer makes known the specific purpose for which the item is needed and relies on the seller's expertise to choose it, the item must be reasonably fit for that specific purpose.
3. Correspondence with Description: Items sold must match their description or any sample demonstrated before purchase.

The caveat with merchantable quality is that this protection does not apply to visible defects if you had an opportunity to inspect the goods before buying - which is what Bass Pro Shops might hide behind. Whether or not it is reasonable to expect you to strip a SKS to see the visible defect is up for debate (personally I think it's unreasonable).

Sure, you can buy replacement parts, but I would nevertheless reach out to your local consumer protection office and open a case with them.