As a member here who is NOT new, and who has (hopefully) contributed to this forum both in lengthy posts, as well as participated in the EE, hopefully my opinion/observations will carry more weight than just some general superlatives and opinion (which are usually not based on direct experience but perception or what someone else says). I also have no affiliation with Canfirearm until today, when I called them up, talked with the person (who turns out is the owner) and now am proud to say that I am a customer of theirs.
First of all, rather than opinion pieces and internet conjecture, and this is based on my in-person experience, which is limited to today and just the storefront experience (I have no idea how their shipping/internet fulfilment is like), I can say unequivocally that THIS IS A LEGITIMATE BUSINESS.
I called the owner (whose name is Alla) and spoke with her, as I saw a firearm for which I was interested, and the price was BETTER than anywhere else, including Tenda. Look, I am like the rest of you - I can have my doubts about new businesses, but who's to say that our only options are the ones we know about. I am thankful, that given this socio-political environment that there are gun stores that are opening and trying to cater to a customer base in a challenging environment). If we get to the point where Walmart is the only place in town to buy stuff, entrepreneurial types may not consider it worthwhile to jump into the fray with a different model (or even better) model of business.
Anyways, I always had in the back of my mind that if I get scammed, there are some avenues to deal with it. And yes, I am not oblivious to the fact that the internet has all sorts of outfits that can scam people.
Anyways, Alla explained to me that she does meet customers but by appointment only. Once I showed up at the facility, I can tell why. It is not a big retail storefront like some of the ones on the banner here on CGN. It is not staffed with a dozen people. Canfirearm is a small business, started by Alla, with some helpers and staff, and a gunsmith who is about 2 hours away but makes regular trips. Alla is really the one that does everything.
She showed up at the location EARLY, phoned me from her personal cell phone and I confirmed I was in my way (in the surprising snowstorm). I showed at the location, she let me in and greeted me and had my firearm on the counter. Already I saw that even though the store is small - there is a small gun rack with some makes and models but also a section for flats of shotgun ammo and a bit of other ammo behind the counter. Also there are some accessories, supplies, etc. Think of your local indie audio place that installs car speakers. Small storefront connected to a warehouse out back.
So no wonder she can sell stuff cheaper. Her overhead is very little - a few staff, not a big storefront, no fancy heavy marketing. She probably relies on word of mouth. She mentioned to me that part of why she keeps things nondescript is that in this climate, she doesn't want to attract attention from the wrong people, and I totally get it and I fully agree with her, and that's why she wanted to talk with me over the phone first before agreeing to meet. That is smart. Sure, you can't judge people by demographics, but the fact is, and I am saying this as a visible minority - some people are just more preferable to deal with than others. I've just never been more happy that I don't talk with an accent...lol... But I agree with her view of being safe than sorry and if I ran a firearms business pretty much by myself, I have to take safeguards as well.
I talked with Alla for a while and she was able to give me the whole rundown of how certain firearm manufacturers abroad work, and she was actually instrumental in bringing some brands to Canada, some brands that many of us would know. She built relationships with companies and have some new products for which she just signed some deals with various companies. In fact, she told me her and her people will be at the Toronto Sportsmen's Show. She also gave me some personal history on how she got involved in firearms. Overall, a very pleasant person and extremely professional. There was a bit of a delay in getting my reference number on the computer so she had to call it in and put the RCMP on speaker while we got my reference number. All good.
I was very happy with the firearm - it was brand new as described and came with everything it should have. I took a good look at it there, and loved the feel of it. No issues with it, cosmetically anyway. Will be at my club March 22 and will report back how my new firearm is operating.
I definitely will take a good look at their website. Once I find a business that is reputable, I tend to stay with them.
Very happy customer with Canfirearm and pleased to have made Alla's acquaintance. Happy to know we have food folks like this among our ranks.