And as for durability and service issues, for less than half the price, buy two and have a spare if that really concerns you. I'll bet you I could get a new Weaver from Natchez quicker than I could get a Leupold back from the shop and still be ahead.
Tough to get one repaired when you're a few hundred miles in the back country. And I'd rather take the weight in gear or food instead of a spare scope...when I can have one that will work all the time. If I were driving out for a day of hunting and able to be back in my shop that night, it wouldn't be such a concern. But mostly, my hunting isn't like that. So I buy the most durable scopes I can. I won't spend $1200 to get something 3% better, but I won't save half the money to get something that may have only half the durability, either. Our climate is a bit on the intense side, too, which also plays a role in my choices.
But everyone should do whatever works for them...
Dennis
