I usually really like the CSC and always usually suggest it to my colleagues. The last few times I’ve been there, the customer service has been frustrating.
On one visit, I went in planning to buy a pair of high end binoculars. After narrowing it down to a few options, I asked if I could take them outside to actually look at something farther than 10 yards away. The employee was very reluctant. I even offered to leave my keys and wallet behind as collateral, but he still wasn’t comfortable with it. Whatever. That’s fine. Store policy. Anyway, eventually, he agreed to let me take just one pair outside while watching me the entire time like a criminal on day-1 parole. It completely ruined the buying experience, and I ended up purchasing the binoculars online instead.
On my most recent visit, I bought a rifle, scope, and rings together. The salesperson confidently said I need high rings. I unfortunately trusted the recommendation, but when I got home and mounted everything, there was over a 3/8” gap between the scope and barrel. I went back and bought low rings instead, which fit perfectly—even with a 50mm objective. I didn’t want to put the old rings back together in the packaging etc because the store was nearly closing and I wanted to make it.
The following day, I tried to return the high rings since they were sold to me “incorrectly”. At first, I was told no returns. Only after explaining the situation did they agree to offer store credit, which is still frustrating given my situation.
What disappoints me most is that I’d expect this kind of nonsense from a big-box retailer, not a local gun shop. I really wish there were more knowledgeable staff making product recommendations.
One final anecdote:
When I was buying the rifle, scope, and rings, the salesperson said I need to buy a lounting solution and said they have rails. I told him I specifically wanted two-piece bases, but since they didn’t have any in stock, his recommendation was to buy the rail and cut it in half. What a smart and resourceful suggestion…..