FLHTCUI - let me take a minute to unpack your comment...
Yes I purchased it March 25 to be exact. Canada Post is swamped and it took roughly two weeks for it to make it to me. Hence why this issue is being addressed now.
I fret about the "what if" because Cabela's has a staunch "ALL FIREARM SALES ARE FINAL" policy. What that means is you cannot return a firearm, which I would assume includes a situation like mine. Had I known about the condition of this firearm, I would've never purchased it.
I posted this before hearing from the retailer since this is unacceptable and in hopes I could find others that have experienced this and know how it was resolved. Considering they claim it was checked on April 1st 2020 before being shipped, there is no way that firearm should've left their possession in that shape. Cabela's formed a contract with me when I purchased a shotgun from their website. They set an expectation that I would receive a brand new Mossberg 935 Pro Series Waterfowl shotgun. As you and many others have concluded, I did not receive what I paid for, and therefore have every right to take action.
In regards to the rest of your post and our global situation, your assessment of your piss poor attitude is right on. I am oh so sorry for posting a gun related situation on a gun-centric forum. Maybe next time I should think twice about how ill-relevant my topic is to the current audience that actively engage... give your head a shake. We are all stuck in this situation, and we all know people facing hardships. Don't get butthurt at me posting a thread, I nor this thread started this pandemic.
I could totally understand your point if I was taking valuable resources away from others who truly need it but we are talking about call centre reps that work for Cabela's.
Thanks for coming out though