I can't really understand, a dealer that lets you test fire a new rifle??? then he takes it back as a used/second hand rifle??
Would you buy a "new" rifle that Tom, Dick and Harry had a go off already...and gave it back?
edi
I can't really understand how you extrapolate that scenario from try before you buy. I think the idea is that the dealer puts himself in the position of making sure you get a good gun. If the gun is not up to snuff/has a fault why would he put it back on the shelf and try to sell it to someone else rather than send it back to the maker to be sorted?
I thought both of their business approaches civilised and exemplary, very easy to understand. Which is why they stuck in my memory and I was able to suggest them. Generating word of mouth recommendation must indicate good business sense on their behalf. But maybe I am just naive.
I think in Paul Hill's case because of the marmite/novelty of the Blaser system he offers you to try the type of gun (i.e. one of his own in wood or plastic etc.) and he then offers a session at the range to help set up and zero your new gun when it arrives. I think his attitude is that it is a joint enterprise.
I should add that:-
I have now reread the OP and realise that I although I must have seen the word NEW (twice!) I still comprehended
"Straight barrel, Stock alignment, The crown, The trigger feel, Cycling ...... (with what? in the shop??)
What can I check to see if I 'As a good'un' before taking possession and it becomes mine?
in terms of damage/faults with a second hand rifle and while not invalidating it my post was in response to that.
The rifle I bought from Paul was second hand.
Alan