Backcountry
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2003
- Messages
- 4,135
- Reaction score
- 3
As many of you know, I was fortunate enough to draw a premium X zone tag for archery season this year. I will be doing my hunting in the High Sierras backpack style (being "Backcountry" I can't get caught road hunting) and thus I figured I'd look into a compact spotting scope. I purchased a Burris Landmark 20x50 compact spotting scope using eBay’s “buy it now” feature for $50 plus $5.00 shipping from Kesselring Gun Shop in Washington State. As far as price goes, I couldn’t have been happier since Cabelas sells the same scope for $99.00 (see here).
I received the scope in just a few days, but after testing it I found that it was not of high optical quality. In fact, my “el cheapo” $100 Compact Nikon Travelite V 9x25 binoculars provide the same amount of magnification and virtually equal light gathering ability. The Burris spotting scope would thus provide me no advantage on a backpack hunt since it will simply be extra weight and take up space in my already jam-packed backpack. I figured I’d re-sell it on eBay for a loss but thought to first inquire of Kesselring Gun Shop if they would allow me to return it.
Even though I purchased this spotting scope at auction and no return policy was mentioned (stupid me) Kesselring Gun Shop immediately credited my Paypal account for the purchase price of the scope! Mind you, I haven't even had time to box it up yet, let alone mail it back to them. Folks, this is an example of Grade A customer service and I intend to tell all who will listen that Kesselring Gun Shop is at the pinnacle of good 'ole American customer service!!!
I'd never heard Kesselring Gun Shop before, but I can assure you I have their webpage bookmarked for future use. Oh, Kesselring's webpage has the following statement...
"With over 50 years of service to our customers, our goals remain the same: a good deal, a fair shake, and better service with quality products at competitive prices. That's what Kesselring's is about - today, yesterday, and for the future."
...couldn't be truer, and I couldn't be happier. Unfortunately, crappy customer service has become all too common, even accepted; however, I'm happy to pass along my experiece and recommend Kesselring Gun Shop without reservation.
Backcountry
I received the scope in just a few days, but after testing it I found that it was not of high optical quality. In fact, my “el cheapo” $100 Compact Nikon Travelite V 9x25 binoculars provide the same amount of magnification and virtually equal light gathering ability. The Burris spotting scope would thus provide me no advantage on a backpack hunt since it will simply be extra weight and take up space in my already jam-packed backpack. I figured I’d re-sell it on eBay for a loss but thought to first inquire of Kesselring Gun Shop if they would allow me to return it.
Even though I purchased this spotting scope at auction and no return policy was mentioned (stupid me) Kesselring Gun Shop immediately credited my Paypal account for the purchase price of the scope! Mind you, I haven't even had time to box it up yet, let alone mail it back to them. Folks, this is an example of Grade A customer service and I intend to tell all who will listen that Kesselring Gun Shop is at the pinnacle of good 'ole American customer service!!!
I'd never heard Kesselring Gun Shop before, but I can assure you I have their webpage bookmarked for future use. Oh, Kesselring's webpage has the following statement...
"With over 50 years of service to our customers, our goals remain the same: a good deal, a fair shake, and better service with quality products at competitive prices. That's what Kesselring's is about - today, yesterday, and for the future."
...couldn't be truer, and I couldn't be happier. Unfortunately, crappy customer service has become all too common, even accepted; however, I'm happy to pass along my experiece and recommend Kesselring Gun Shop without reservation.
