This thread is funny. Not too long back somebody posted a thread about a bad experience at a local gun shop, and had all kinds of support, and people mentioning how unprofessional it was, etc. But because this is about a larger chain store it is okay, and you should just go elsewhere?
Unless I am misunderstanding, it seems like the OP was upset at how the situation was handled, and NOT the policy. Asking for the individuals manager, and them refusing, is unprofessional, and terrible service. You usually don't make it long in a retail business when you do things that specifically hinder people from buying things and additionally giving them a proverbial eph you...