Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Optics Planet, Bear Basin, SWFA

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I have bought from Bear Basin, SWFA & Natchez....all have been just fine in terms of service and on time shipping etc.

CLNY is getting in my pocket pretty regular now. Best supplier Ive ever used. I used to buy from Natchez but it seemed like their shipping rates were as high as the actual scope I was buying at the time.

I've purchased several riflescopes and a spotter over the last 10-12 years from Bear Basin. I only had a problem once, and it wasn't their fault, the UPS tracking said the scope got here and it hadn't. Called Bear Basin, they sent another one which showed up on schedule.

I don't know what their business/pricing model is but it apparently works well enough too keep them in business.

Dale

Wow, lots of responses here. Thanks for sharing. I've bought at CLNY, SWFA and Optics Planet, and my opinion is that CLNY gives a person the best overall deal. Their people, the products/prices, and the way they stand behind them impresses me. I also like the fact that I'm dealing with someone who exposes themselves to us regularly here on the Campfire...I trust them.
I was just curious about the other places because I've heard some reviews on them that made me cautious, and curious. Thanks again.

Yep. My only problem with Cameraland (well, besides the amount of money I give them ) is the fact they don't carry Leupold. I understand why they don't. But that sure would make them a one stop shopping nirvana. (And yes, I do realize Rick sells Leupy at the Outfitter's Gear Shop.)

YesSirawesome to deal with!

I have purchased from Bear Basin, Optics Planet and CameralandNY. SWFA hasn't gotten any of my $ yet as having to pay TX sales tax usually takes them out of the game for me. All my experiences with the others have been positive but Doug and the guys at CLNY go above and beyond when it comes to service. They also pass along savings they get on any discounted optics to the customer to a much greater extent than any other optics retailer I am familiar with. They have earned a lifelong customer in me.

I have purchased from Bear Basin, Optics Planet and CameralandNY. SWFA hasn't gotten any of my $ yet as having to pay TX sales tax usually takes them out of the game for me. All my experiences with the others have been positive but Doug and the guys at CLNY go above and beyond when it comes to service. They also pass along savings they get on any discounted optics to the customer to a much greater extent than any other optics retailer I am familiar with. They have earned a lifelong customer in me.

CAMERALAND ALL DA WAY! Best customer service I have experienced and I buy a lot of high end optics...

Have used Bear Basin and the catalog guys,however, the last 8 optic purchases for me have been from Cameraland.
GreggH

I've bought from SWFA with only a ring-fit problem that was corrected soon, and a n.i.s. item that never came long after the promised date. Cameraland just gave me a good year-end closeout deal on scope. Lately have been quite happy with www.brunoshooters.com; good prices, but no "free" shipping.

I have purchased 4 of the VX1 shotgun scopes in 1-4x20mm from Cabelas and with sale prices and coupon codes have done very well from a pricing standpoint. Haven't used the companies mentioned here, but know of them.

I haven't delt with Camera Land for optics yet mainly because I've bought Leupold scopes. IIRC I did order a camera several years ago from them. When dealing with SWFA I've found it's best to order over the phone so you can ask "is it in stock?" to avoid long waits. I've delt with Bear Basin. I didn't know about Camera Land when I ordered binoculars.

Used them all-

All good. Usually boils down to price and/or free shipping.

This guy sold me a NEW Sako 85 Finnlite for $750! I sent him pictures of the bear I got with it that fall, and he seemed like a genuinely nice guy. I am eager to try to give him my business.

Alex at Euro-Optic gave me a great price on my Meopta. Great guy and real easy to work with.

Of course we all know about Camera Land and Doug. Nothing bad to be said, only good.

Bear Basin is OK. They charged me $50 to ship UPS ground and a $5 packaging fee on one of their clearance scopes. Seems pretty high on shipping and the stupid nickel and dime stuff turns me off from buying from them again.

Interesting, I just got a good deal from them on a demo model and their shipping charge was around $5 IIRC.

Just checked the invoice--$3.95.

That about sums it up...

Different web sites have different sponsors...if you ever have a problem with services or a product, knowing which web site to visit & pm'ing the sponsor via that web site will generally get you "super service"...

I have bought from Bear Basin and SWFA. Both were good to work with and it was good experience with fair prices. That said, I have purchased the last several from CameralandNY. Absolutely terrific company to deal with they are.

FH