Rifle Scopes S&B's New Facility In Virginia

[cmrs8541]

Hide Members,

I toured the new Schmidt & Bender Maintenance and Repair facility this morning. They are co-located with H&K in their 13,500 sq ft facility in Ashburn, VA. Currently S&B is performing repairs for all models and Q&A of the PSR line in that facility. We watched the optics techs working on an SSDS from Pendleton that a Marine was able to break the cam-pin in. Currently units are sending their scopes directly to Ashburn because they can turn a scope around in around 3 days vice waiting for the USMC to get their scopes fixed. They are able to respond to commercial customers in the same amount of time. They intend to expand within the next year and begin assembly operations here. That will cut the lead-times from months to days. All-in-all, it was very impressive. Also, if you'd like your reticle changed out, they can handle that operation here stateside as well!!!

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

In a word: giggiddy

 

[Jerry R]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

It was good to meet you guys. Feel free to stop by again next time you're in the area.

 

[protocol]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

+1

They just opened and already Jerry has fixed a problem for me... over the phone!

 

[totenkopf]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

Really? That's great news. I wonder if they can add HORUS patterns? Well, for a large added sum....

 

[KYS]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

That is pretty damn cool!

 

[Asm1]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

Jerry glad to see you around and in a BIG WAY !

Frankie<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jerry R</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It was good to meet you guys. Feel free to stop by again next time you're in the area. </div></div>

 

[protocol]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

Jerry R in this thread should be able to tell you. I would think they should be able to there. A HORUS switch will indeed be a nice chunk of change I bet.

 

[Johnny Sasaki]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

It would be sweet if you could just buy straight from S&B. I'm tired of everyone always being out of stock of the cool stuff, lol.

 

[scharfschutze762]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

The facility is spotless as an ER room and the techs who work there are super professional. Impressive is an understatement.

 

[Jerry R]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

Thanks Frankie, it's good to be back.

Reticle conversions, including HORUS can be done at our new facility but must go through S&B Inc first. Contact Mark or Marcia to make the appropriate arrangements and we will be more than happy to take care of anything you need.

 

[wslowik]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

Can anyone stop by for a tour?

 

[Jerry R]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pgh_rugger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can anyone stop by for a tour? </div></div>

Depending on our schedule it would be possible but strongly suggested to call in advance.

 

[Hk996]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

I don't know how the service was before, but I sent my scope in a couple weeks ago because the turrets felt mushy and for dust inside the lens.

I had my scope back in about 5 days... I had to pay shipping for 2 day delivery, but I needed that so I could use the scope last weekend. Scope feels as good as new and looks great!

 

[T2CH]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

I wouldn't mind touring the facility and it's great S&B is taking care of the customers stateside. It;s good to know I will ot have a long wait should I ever have to send mine in.

Only complaint I have is the cost to change a reticle, I was quoted $500 to change from a P3 to a P4f on a 4-16x42! I guess it's just easier to sell and buy a new one.

 

[Aries64]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: T2CH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wouldn't mind touring the facility and it's great S&B is taking care of the customers stateside. It;s good to know I will ot have a long wait should I ever have to send mine in.</div></div>
S & B actually opened a Service Center in Hew Hampshire more than two years ago (before S & B decided to move the Service Center to Virginia). I was happy to see S & B open the New Hampshire U.S. Service Center, as when I sent a PMII 5-25[56mm] in to have the turrets converted to CCW (Counter Clockwise) rotation in September 2008 S & B's U.S. Service Center wasn't open yet. I didn't get that scope back until February of 2009 - almost exactly 5 months to the day of S & B's receipt of the scope.

When I sent my second PMII 5-25X[56mm] to S & B's Service Center in New Hampshire for CCW conversion I posted about it in my <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">" S & B U.S. Service Center open in NH!!!"</span></span> thread. Turnaround time for the CCW conversion was under four (4) weeks door-to-door.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: T2CH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Only complaint I have is the cost to change a reticle, I was quoted $500 to change from a P3 to a P4f on a 4-16x42! I guess it's just easier to sell and buy a new one. </div></div>
I agree about just selling the scope and buying another. If I had a P3-equipped PMII 4-16X[42mm] and I wanted a P4F reticle instead I wouldn't have it converted - I'd just sell my P3-equipped PMII and buy a PMII with the P4F. If you wait for a good deal on a used PMII 4-16X[42mm] or PMII 4-16X[50mm] with the P4F I think you'll find that route more cost effective than changing the reticle.

However - what magnification will you primarily be using your 4-16X[42mm] at, or will the usage be roughly equally distributed over the 4-16X's magnification range? If you haven't seen the P4F reticle on low power, you should look through one or a PMII 5-25X[56mm] between 5-16X before you buy a 4-16X P4F or have your 4-16X[42mm] P3 converted. YMMV, but my threshhold for the P4F is 8X minimum in order for me to easily see the reticle. In a PMII 4-16X I like 10-16X the best.

IMHO, the P3 and P4 are the best reticles for the 4-16Xs' because they're a lot easier to see at lower magnification and in low light than the P4F or the Gen 2 XR (yes, the Gen 2 XR was once available in the PMII 4-16X). I've shot rifles with the PMII 4-16X P4F and PMII 4-16X Gen 2 XR before, <span style="font-style: italic">and for me</span> - at low magnification the Gen 2 XR and P4F are just too fine <span style="font-style: italic">(again, YMMV).</span>

Hope this helps.


Keith

 

[J-ROD]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

Does S&B happen to need a ME who is also qualified to sweep floors, wash windows or anything else required to get my foot in the door? ;-)

 

[T2CH]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

Thanks for the info Keith. I had my 4-16 for sale a while ago and decided to keep it for now. I recently bought a 5-25x56 with the P4F and I see what you mean about the reticle being a little small on the low magnification.

I really like the size of th 4-16x42 and it has become one of my favorites but it does not do much on the low end that the 5-25 can't do (although I have not mounted and shot with the 5-25). Only things the 5-25 gives up as I see it are the size and weight to the 4-16x42.

I may just wait a little while for the 3-20 to actually come out and then sell the 4-16 and buy one of those.

 

[totenkopf]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jerry R</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks Frankie, it's good to be back.

Reticle conversions, including HORUS can be done at our new facility but must go through S&B Inc first. Contact Mark or Marcia to make the appropriate arrangements and we will be more than happy to take care of anything you need. </div></div>

THANKS, THAT'S GREAT NEWS!

 

[totenkopf]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

Comparatively glass has always been one of the largest expenses in shooting and very important in overall end performance, for me, Schmidt scopes have come through time and again.

 

[Aries64]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: T2CH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the info Keith. I had my 4-16 for sale a while ago and decided to keep it for now. I recently bought a 5-25x56 with the P4F and I see what you mean about the reticle being a little small on the low magnification.

I really like the size of th 4-16x42 and it has become one of my favorites but it does not do much on the low end that the 5-25 can't do (although I have not mounted and shot with the 5-25). Only things the 5-25 gives up as I see it are the size and weight to the 4-16x42.</div></div>
I really like the smaller size of the PMII 4-16Xs' too, but being an older design it doesn't have the Erector travel of the later models. Since I routinely shoot .22LR out to 300 yards I need the travel of the later scopes (22+ MILs') to get me out there. I also want a bit more magnification to help me see the splash at 300. Under good conditions my PMII 5-25X[56mm]s' allows me to see .22LR splash at 400 yards on steel, and .308 impact on rocks at 1,000 yards (sometimes beyond).

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: T2CH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I may just wait a little while for the 3-20 to actually come out and then sell the 4-16 and buy one of those.

</div></div>
I agree. Not only is the PMII 3-20X[50mm] slightly smaller and lighter than the PMII 4-16Xs' - but it also has more Elevation travel and a wider magnification range to boot. I do like that smaller size compared to the PMII 5-25X[56mm] LP DT (385mm versus 417mm). If I were to buy a PMII 3-20X[50mm] I would probably hold-out until I could get either the standard "windowed" DT PMII Elevation or non-LT (non-Locking Turret) Elevation Turret. It wouldn't over-power my Kimber Model 82s' as much as a PMII 5-25X[56mm] does.

Now, back-on topic...


Keith

 

[IkeEng]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

Sweet!! The new location is only about 25 minutes away from me. This summer when my schedule lightens up I will have to set up a visit.

 

[bluefin]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

Nice to have them local!

 

[totenkopf]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

I've contacted them, looking forward to some great service...

 

[Doc Holiday13]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

No freaking way!!!! I live 10 minutes from there. Are you guys giving tours on certain days?

 

[CSTactical]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

Very nice...

Mike @ CST

 

[teufelhunden]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

Nothing like first impressions!!
Cannot wait to send in a couple MTC 3-15's and see how they turn out.

Thanks

 

[Olivers_AR]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

If you get to go on another tour, let me know! I'm on the other side of the airport.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sinn fein</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hide Members,

I toured the new Schmidt & Bender Maintenance and Repair facility this morning. They are co-located with H&K in their 13,500 sq ft facility in Ashburn, VA. Currently S&B is performing repairs for all models and Q&A of the PSR line in that facility. We watched the optics techs working on an SSDS from Pendleton that a Marine was able to break the cam-pin in. Currently units are sending their scopes directly to Ashburn because they can turn a scope around in around 3 days vice waiting for the USMC to get their scopes fixed. They are able to respond to commercial customers in the same amount of time. They intend to expand within the next year and begin assembly operations here. That will cut the lead-times from months to days. All-in-all, it was very impressive. Also, if you'd like your reticle changed out, they can handle that operation here stateside as well!!! </div></div>

 

[DamnYuppie]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

That sounds awesome, what are the odds it will help lower their price?

 

[cactusbrew]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DamnYuppie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That sounds awesome, what are the odds it will help lower their price?</div></div>

I"m going to go with "not likely for $100 Alex."

 

[Jerry R]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DamnYuppie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That sounds awesome, what are the odds it will help lower their price? </div></div>

The intention of a service center in the US is to have the ability to reduce turnaround times from months to weeks, and in some cases days on most repairs and conversions. If you have ever needed to send a scope across the pond you will probably appreciate us more than others.

Once we are able to supplement production that will only help the US market by making scopes more available and reduce lead times on certain models which currently have a long waiting list.
Our presence may not bring a price drop but I believe those who actually own and use S&Bs are pretty pleased with us being here and we are glad to be here supporting our military, LE as well as civilians.

 

[Johnny Sasaki]

Re: S&B's New Facility In Virginia

You know what's cool? I live about 45 or so minutes from Ashburn, and over in Winchester, which is about 35mins away, is Premier Reticles.

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