I've just had an experience with a maker of fine modern rifles, one of which I happened to purchase before I'd had any experience with the shop.
I like the gun a lot, but after two conversations asking for basic repair service (ok, the bolt handle just fell off) where I was polite, neutral, and anything but demanding, I've concluded the maker is an absolute jerk. His first instincts were to be really nasty when there was no call for it, and I hadn't prompted it. As a result, this is the last NULA I'll ever buy.
I can sympathize with both John and his tire kickers. But I also see the points of those calling for better online gun descriptions if sellers don't want to entertain a lot of niggly questions from buyers or inquirers. I've decribed my friend who is much more a shopper than a buyer. But many of us already have enough variety of guns that if we are to buy any more, they really need to be something special and unique to us. That takes a lot of questions.
Best to all in their transactions,
GG
