Don't mean to be frank, but it's something you should consider... Instead of whining here, as you know it's venting and won't help your cause, go contact the regional GM and speak to someone with authority. Be cordial, but at the same time keep letting 'em know how ticked you are. Explain you're a long time customer, etc, etc. This way at least you go over the bosses' head and something may be done about it.

I've had a few bad business dealings with larger companies and I don't complain to the manager. I complain to the manager's boss, which is usually at a different location/state. That way you hold 2 people accountable as it's the person's responsibility now, the one you called, to contact the store manager to see what can be done. It takes a phone call or 2, but has always been worth it for me.

You just may get the gun at what it was advertised for.

Good luck,

iSnipe