No major manufacturer would sort guns and ship "lower quality" fireams out to different distributors. It would not be good business as well as too expensive a process for them to take on anyway. Major manufacturers of any product just can't do that kind of thing. If they were to do so and anyone took them to court over it they could not justify the process consesquently it is not done.

Hi Keith,
I've seen this with not only muzzleloaders but with shotguns and centerfire rifles, manufacturers have either re-named or have had lower end models for the large retail chains.

BPI makes ML's for both CVA and Winchester branding. The CVA's are considered a lower line model as the Winchesters are dressed up a bit with nicer sights and stocks and the like. Functionally the exact same though.

Also, if I remember correctly:
Mossberg also made the "Maverick" line of shotguns for large retailers. The maverick was a low end MB500. Barrel and reciever were the exact same. Just lower end materials on stocks and triggers.

This is not to say a lower line rifle is any less safe than a higher end one.

alwyshtn,
After my experience with WalMart trying to get my gun I will probably never buy any gun from there again. I have bought a 270 and a Mossberg 835 from there no problem, but these were both in stock there. I priced Omegas everywhere, and like you I found that walmart was cheapest. I put the 50% down and they ordered it. They called their warehouse and yes, they had them in stock, so it should be in in a couple weeks. Well, about 10 days later, they call me and say that Omegas have been on backorder for 2 months and they dont know when they will get more. So I go out there and get my money down back and call a small local dealer and order it from him. The day I order it from him Wal Mart calls...My gun that they could not get misteriously appeared and they have it there waiting for me. I told them I have already ordered it and i didnt want it. The local dealer only took 2 days to get the gun in, and I am glad I helped his business more than walmart. I would rather support a smaller dealer with personal service that backs their products rather than walmart which doesnt even know much about sporting goods. As for the quality of guns at walmart- They are the same as anywhere else. Think about it- If an Omega from walmart is less quality than anywhere else, then TC is not going to put their name on it because they would not put their name on something less in quality. As for the price, I did end up paying more for it, but I dont really care, I just wanted the gun after everything that had happened. I paid $569 total. I dont know whether I would get a new gun or stock. Probably a stock because then you shouldnt have to work up a new load or anything, but thats up to you. Well, I think ive covered everything you asked, sorry about the whole novel...good luck with the Omega, they are awesome guns!!

Yes; that is one approach to different level guns; however, I was refering to the same name same model which would be sold at say, Walmart for less, being of some lesser quality which is not a reasonable assumption.

Correct only in trim and options, not mfg tolerances.

I might be able to shed some light on the Wally World question. I was in a Walmart a few months ago and noticed a TC BLK Diamond XR 50 cal camo/sst that was priced exceptionally low. I asked the manager if that was a special closeout price or regular price. Turned out to be the normal Walmart price so the next day I called TC and asked them if they did anything special for Walmart. I talked to two customer service reps that wasn't sure and then was passed on to the customer service manager. I was told that TC did make a special RUN of the BLK Diamond ML for Walmart. Basically the same ML with a few cheaper items, such as the stock, sights, and the 209 ignition system (normally comes with three - No.11 cap, Musket Cap, and 209).

Long story made short, I bought the ML thinking I got a great deal but then returned it after discovering the difference.....no big price saving when I added up the cost of what they changed or left out.

WORD TO THE WISE.......IF THE PRICE IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE AT WALMART, BE SURE YOU DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE BUYING. THIS IS THE WAY WALLY WORLD OPERATES!