I'm afraid this question may result in a number of strongly held opinions, sometimes based more on emotions and politics than on practical issues. I mean it as a practical question and am looking for practical answers and insights. So I think that I'll just ask it, and then sit back and benefit from what's said -- rather than engaging in any "discussion" or argumentation myself. I suppose I should answer any direct questions if posed, but other than that, I'm not in this to convince anyone of anything. That being said, ...
Suppose that I want to buy a kind of scope that is "mid-range" in price. Let's say, for the sake of argument, that it's something like an Athlon Argos or Midas, a Burris Fullfield or Signature, or a Vortex Venom or Viper. But those are just examples. This isn't about a specific brand or model. Let's assume that I've settled on the set of features I want and in fact have settled on the specific model with those features. Let's further assume that we're ruling out buying the scope second-hand or in a private sale -- I think I know the benefits and risks involved in those cases.
What I'm wondering is: "Is there a clear benefit to buying the scope from one place rather than another?" If so, what are the best places and specifically what is that benefit? For example, if I can get the scope from such providers as Academy Sports (large national chain), Camera Land (online), Amazon, a "local" gun store (probably by special order), or Ebay (not from an "individual" as a private sale, but from someone with a history of selling such models), then which one of these should I choose to do business with? Or does it really just come down to price at that point?
My thinking is that since the scope will have a manufacturer's warranty, then what is to gain from purchasing from one place rather than another -- except for the purchase price? I'm particularly interested in any genuine experiences (and not speculations or "common sense" observations) that people may have had (either good or bad). When you look at these things, it certainly appears that they have pretty much the status of "commodities" across the number of sales sources, the prices are very similar (if not identical), and only vague claims are made about "Why you should buy from us." But I'm curious about whether there are any differences -- real, practical differences -- and what those may be.
Suppose that I want to buy a kind of scope that is "mid-range" in price. Let's say, for the sake of argument, that it's something like an Athlon Argos or Midas, a Burris Fullfield or Signature, or a Vortex Venom or Viper. But those are just examples. This isn't about a specific brand or model. Let's assume that I've settled on the set of features I want and in fact have settled on the specific model with those features. Let's further assume that we're ruling out buying the scope second-hand or in a private sale -- I think I know the benefits and risks involved in those cases.
What I'm wondering is: "Is there a clear benefit to buying the scope from one place rather than another?" If so, what are the best places and specifically what is that benefit? For example, if I can get the scope from such providers as Academy Sports (large national chain), Camera Land (online), Amazon, a "local" gun store (probably by special order), or Ebay (not from an "individual" as a private sale, but from someone with a history of selling such models), then which one of these should I choose to do business with? Or does it really just come down to price at that point?
My thinking is that since the scope will have a manufacturer's warranty, then what is to gain from purchasing from one place rather than another -- except for the purchase price? I'm particularly interested in any genuine experiences (and not speculations or "common sense" observations) that people may have had (either good or bad). When you look at these things, it certainly appears that they have pretty much the status of "commodities" across the number of sales sources, the prices are very similar (if not identical), and only vague claims are made about "Why you should buy from us." But I'm curious about whether there are any differences -- real, practical differences -- and what those may be.
