I would say you triggered an algorithm in the system that flagged you for multiple purchases of the same gun.
Bass Pro is absolutely the WORST place to buy a gun in the USA..
I ordered a G19 on their website.. "ready for pickup".. I drive over there at 1:00pm and at 3:45 the line only moved 5 spaces up. I told everyone I'll go pay more at the local FFL. Also, local PD was videotaping everyone waiting in the line
Wound up ordering from Kygunco to my FFL and picked it right up. Saved money too.
BassPro's gun section is just a trick to make people walk around and buy other stuff. It's literally a 3-5 hour wait here in Florida to pick up any prepaid for firearm online.
To the OP: unless you have gun friendly media nearby, you're done. If you could get the media to drag them through the mire some, but the chances are low.
1). Just go someplace else. Problem solved! The stuff you're buying can be found anywhere in mass quantities.
2). I vigorously dispute your claim that Academy is a "real gun store". They're just another "big box" store that sells entry-level guns. They are to guns what Harbor Freight is to tools.
Likewise, their staff are ignorant zombies.
A "real gun store" should offer things like reloading equipment and supplies, and employ sales staff that have knowledge and experience with these same products. Better yet, they should also have a halfway competent gunsmith on staff.
Sadly, and I know all to well from personal experience, you'll be hard pressed to find any of this in South Carolina.
1). Just go someplace else. Problem solved! The stuff you're buying can be found anywhere in mass quantities.
THREATEN to sue their socks off for making their own law to not do a sale to a legally qualified person.........Sounds "racist" the way they treated you.
I'd be a bulldog on this.....Bite down and not let go.