r/canadaguns • u/bleedthedragon • Aug 08 '26
Buy recommendations Bass Pro/Cabelas Deerfoot City Calgary
Hi all, new member here. I was super excited and pumped to purchase my first ever lever action rifle and ended up going to the location as mentioned in the title. They didn't have any Henry models in stock so I automatically switched to Smith and Wesson. I settled on the S&W Model 1854 .44 Magnum. I was being shown the floor model which had clear signs of wear and tear of being handled, for example, there was a VERY clear scratch on the brushed metal finish of the barrel and multiple scratches on the loading gate as if had been used before. Albeit, they assured me that I would be getting a brand new one. Mind you this specific model isn't cheap, costed me ~ $1800. The rep helping me started with the paperwork and asked for my PAL and all that good stuff and got me into small talk about our professions. Another gentleman brings a brand new box of the Model 1854 from the back, unboxes it and then claims that he is having a hard time reading the serial number on the rifle, so he took it to the back again. He comes back out, very hastily shows the rep helping me the serial number, puts the rifle in the box, tapes it up, I pay, they walk me out and have a good day they said. I get home, open the box, and guess what? They had sold me the floor model. I called them back immediately and the person I spoke to (I'm thinking it was the guy who was handling the rifle packaging and was back and forth between the back and the counter) literally tells me that all firearms final sale, and "you can whine and cry to management about it, they're not gonna do anything." In fact I was NOT whining or crying over the phone, I was being very respectful and inquiring how this could be reverted.
Before anyone says it, I am fully aware that the scratches on the loading gate were bound to happen on my first use of the rifle. The body of the rifle is bound to get wear and tear over time. This is about deception from a big name store.
Its been over a month and I'm kinda over it now, but I thought I would prepare others to be more mindful of their interactions with this supposedly big name store with a big reputation.
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u/Brapika Aug 08 '26
Should have caused a scene then bought somewhere else. Try Calgary Shooting Centre next time. I've heard Tenda is opening up shop too. Cabelas has been somewhat woeful for quite a while, their sales have been abysmal and they're overpriced to start with.
If they act like they don't want your money then don't give it to them.
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u/Eyeronick Aug 08 '26
Or proline. Imo they're the best store in Calgary.
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u/Irishprisoner7 Aug 10 '26
Theres so much experience in that shop and everyone is such a class act. Much nicer than Calgary shooting centre imo
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u/Eyeronick Aug 10 '26
Agreed, much better than the dweeby tacticool nerds at CSC. I can actually ask questions at proline and not feel like I'm talking at a wall.
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u/Irishprisoner7 Aug 10 '26
As someone who is new to firearms and wanting to get into hunting, it feels like a world of difference when I’m talking with the people at Proline. So much respect and they’re happy to talk and give their thoughts. I just wish I didn’t have to pay $60 everytime I want to shoot at csc otherwise I’d never go there lol
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u/Eyeronick Aug 10 '26
When I was first starting out I had a membership with straight shooters. If you go more than once a month you come out ahead.
I do also suggest you apply to the CDSTA range in Milo, they have ranges out to about 500m I believe so actually useful for practicing for hunting. They accept new members in April so best to get on the list now.
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u/bleedthedragon Aug 08 '26
I have 100% learned my lesson. Although, in a hard way. Thank you for the suggestions!
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u/EscapeChance823 Aug 08 '26
I also own a new 1854 from tenda.. 100% new and it has scratches on loading gate.. S&W test fired all guns at factory
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u/bleedthedragon Aug 09 '26
I've seen someone post theirs on this forum and it looks brand spanking new with no scratches on the loading gate.
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u/LumberjackCDN Gold'n Loan Outfitters & Pawn Aug 08 '26
So for starters im sorry this was a bad first expierence for you, and i will say the smaller gunshops like ours usually will give you a bit better service than the big box guys, and quite often better pricing too.
But firstly the scratches on the loading gate are probably from factory, the rest not though. They do test fire these things to make sure theyre not going to blow up out of the box. We have brand new levers from all brands on the wall and its not uncommon to see. The other scratches can also be from transport though if theyre the exact same as the floor model they might not be.
And secondly yes firearms usually are final sale almost anywhere you go, and thats a safety thing mostly, as people often return things after monkeying with them and theres no safe way for a gunstore to legally liquidate returned inventory like costco/amazon does.
But yeah sorry you had a bad first go and hopefully im putting your mind at ease at least about the scratches on the load gate
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u/bleedthedragon Aug 08 '26
Damn next time I'm in Edmonton or area, I'm visiting your store for sure. Thank you for your validation.
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u/LumberjackCDN Gold'n Loan Outfitters & Pawn Aug 09 '26
Anytime! We ship free over 300 too (except powders)
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u/DepartureUsual304 Aug 08 '26
If the box was already on the counter and he went to the back and switched the rifles then the serial numbers wouldn't match.
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u/bleedthedragon Aug 08 '26
Fortunately for them, all serial numbers match, even on the receipt. Because of being so furious when I realized what had been done, I honestly forget the sequence of events. I mean when they would've switched to selling me the floor model.
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u/EscapeChance823 Aug 08 '26
Had the similar experience in Bass Pro Crossiron.. was online order on a 590 shockwave. Ordered thru the website, waited 8-9 days to receive a display model
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u/DonAzuld Aug 09 '26
I had the same experience with their online sales. I waited about 2 weeks for the transaction to clear before I could pick up my rifle. It seemed like after I paid they put zero effort into finalizing the sale so I could pick up my gun.
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u/The-naked-Pipefitter Aug 08 '26
Alberta customer service and a typical Cabela's interaction. Buyer beware, most of the staff in there don't seem to have a fucking clue what they're talking about.
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u/LumberjackCDN Gold'n Loan Outfitters & Pawn Aug 08 '26
Hey we give great customer service and are in alberta! Lol
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u/Massive_Expression_2 Aug 09 '26
I've bought a few from that location and the experience has been ok. BUT the guy that seems to be in charge seems like such an asshole the way he's snarky when saying that all firearms sales are final, no returns, blah blah blah. It's like he's hoping you'll have a problem, just so he can tell you to fuck off. Total jerk. ((Guy in his thirties, light brown hair, glasses. ( To the employee: If you're reading this I hope you're treated like this when you make a major purchase). )) The other guys working there seem good.
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u/Baelnorn Aug 09 '26
Honestly if you complain up to management they'll generally cave in for something at least. And if you get management they can slap the dick of whoever bait and switched you.
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u/bleedthedragon Aug 09 '26
I have emailed their support team directly, let's see what they are able to do.
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u/Unlikely_Link_2284 Aug 08 '26
If I'm in a store. There's no way I am not looking at the firearm I am buying. I have always opened the box and verified my purchase.. cycled the action. Fit and Finnish Im sorry this happened to you.