Wow, lots of supporter talk here. As a customer spending millions on optics yearly (not thousands), I shared our decision to make a shift. I indicated it was not based only on quality, but also based on features (Leupold turret system, lighter weight, Kahles optical quality, etc), and relationship, and other vendor performance issues like delivery. I was sharing my choice as a customer. I wasn't (and never would) suggest that you have to make the same choice, or that my reasons would even matter to you! Tranquilo buddy.
By the way, sourcing some components of your product (eg, glass) is not the same as sourcing a completed assembly and performing a qc check.
And another revelation....business is about profit. Different companies choose different methods to achieve said goal. I believe faster service for my customers is one way to have a competitive advantage, and JIT delivery of products from vendor supply is a massive factor in making our customers happy. It's every bit as important as feature and price.
We were the largest Nightforce dealer in the world for the NXS 5.5-22 and ATACR 5-25 at different points in our 10-year relationship. We consistently placed near the top overall dealer volume with just a handful of SKUs. I can say with statistical certainty that our issue rate with Leupold is at comparable levels. And in a mark 5 we get non-raising locking turrets, tons of elevation, and less weight.
In light rifle space, think about the dollars that are spent to run Carbon Fiber stocks or Titanium actions. Saving 6-10 ounces on a scope that otherwise is as good as or better than a comparable product, and for the same or less cost to the end customer is a big win in my book. My cost margins are the same, so no big win for us on the $ side in the switch.
The myth of product superiority when we are discussing optics (or products in general) is a farce! Get specific. In what aspects? What is the data sample? Are suggesting the only thing that matters is performance feature? Which ones?
Our account was worth millions annually to NF. We no longer purchase products from them. Regardless of what you want to read into this data, I think it's relative to the discussion thread.
