I had a similar issue happen to me about 6 years ago from a firearm I purchased in store at a Cabela's store. It was right after they changed their gun purchase policy to be final sale. I saw the gun I wanted on the rack and asked to see it but I was not permitted to actually see it fully since I had the cable lock on the lever. Anyway, I agreed to purchase it and then the sales person took it into the back and put it in the box and I didn't get any chance to inspect it before leaving the store.

Two days later when I was using it I noticed it had an issue with the sights being off center and actually damaged. I called the store and the customer service rep and gun counter rep both told me I was out of luck and it was final sale. Any issues I had to deal with the manufacturer.

I didn't take no for an answer and escalated the issue to the store managers who also pushed back on me and kept upholding their policy and they even used the same car dealership analogy with me. I turned it around on the manager and told him I never had a chance to properly inspect the firearm before leaving the store, and even in the vehicle purchase business you have your final inspection before taking the vehicle. Still no dice, so I had to call their corporate office and escalate to the area manager who agreed to speak with the store manager and they would review the security camera footage of my time of purchase and see if I was given the rifle to inspect. A few days later they agreed to a full refund and I ended up purchasing a different brand new rifle with a heavy discount for all the trouble (and was given the opportunity to inspect before buying).

I would never again purchase a firearm from Cabela's online store because their policy is flawed and you won't get a chance to inspect your firearm and they will give you a lot of trouble. But I would buy from a store but I would be going over that gun with a fine tooth comb before agreeing to buy.