I purchased a Bushnell Excursion 15-45X60 FFP mildot reticle spotting scope from Optics Planet during an after Christmas sale in 2010. It was about $300.00. I used it in several matches that spring and summer and several times at the range while shooting off a bench. The only time I took the soft cover off was to send it in for repair to Bushnell. It never took any abuse nor did it show any signs of wear/tear when I sent it in. One day while shooting from a bench the magnification ring got real gritty and the reticle started rotating when the magnification was changed. It got worse and eventually froze up all internal adjustments. The only thing that would turn was the reticle.
I sent the scope in 2 weeks ago for repair. I checked my repair status this morning and it said the scope was not covered by warranty and repair/replacement would cost me $292.00. I called and spoke with a woman about the problem I had and was told several different reasons why they could not repair it, none were true. It was sent in wrapped in 2 layers of bubble wrap. All needed information was with the scope. It showed no external signs of damage or abuse. It has a lifetime warranty. I told her I could not imagine a reason why it would not be repaired under warranty. She told me it was not covered due to impact damage. She said they were giving me a new scope at less than half of the new ones MSRP which she said was around $700. Haha, MSRP. Anyway, I understand its their word against mine and for all they know I’m just someone out to get something free.(not true) I feel like they don’t want to own up to the problem and cover the price of replacing it.(Lifetime Warranty?) Instead, they are giving me the opportunity to buy my spotting scope......AGAIN. I told them to keep it, it is useless anyway.
I own a lot of Bushnell products, scopes, rangefinders, etc.... and have always been 100% satisfied with them. I have also read several good reviews about their customer service. I hated having to use it and find out how bad it is first hand. I still think they make a quality product. I would just rather buy from a company that stands behind their stuff. That will be my last time dealing with anything from Bushnell. Those Vortex spotting scopes sure do look nice.
I sent the scope in 2 weeks ago for repair. I checked my repair status this morning and it said the scope was not covered by warranty and repair/replacement would cost me $292.00. I called and spoke with a woman about the problem I had and was told several different reasons why they could not repair it, none were true. It was sent in wrapped in 2 layers of bubble wrap. All needed information was with the scope. It showed no external signs of damage or abuse. It has a lifetime warranty. I told her I could not imagine a reason why it would not be repaired under warranty. She told me it was not covered due to impact damage. She said they were giving me a new scope at less than half of the new ones MSRP which she said was around $700. Haha, MSRP. Anyway, I understand its their word against mine and for all they know I’m just someone out to get something free.(not true) I feel like they don’t want to own up to the problem and cover the price of replacing it.(Lifetime Warranty?) Instead, they are giving me the opportunity to buy my spotting scope......AGAIN. I told them to keep it, it is useless anyway.
I own a lot of Bushnell products, scopes, rangefinders, etc.... and have always been 100% satisfied with them. I have also read several good reviews about their customer service. I hated having to use it and find out how bad it is first hand. I still think they make a quality product. I would just rather buy from a company that stands behind their stuff. That will be my last time dealing with anything from Bushnell. Those Vortex spotting scopes sure do look nice.
