Experience buying demo optics?

[Louis Toadvine]

I would love to hear some actual experiences (good, bad, ambivalent) of people who have bought demo optics (specifically rifle scopes). Recently I've been taking hard looks at a few demo or "open box" scopes that have been listed by online retailers. I see some manufacturers like Swarovski and Kahles grade their demo scopes as Condition A ("like new") or Condition B ("shows signs of use or blemishes"); others just group them all into one bucket. It looks like savings of 20-30% on high end scopes is the norm, which seems well worth it if condition is truly "like new".

Ideally one would get a hold of the scope itself to inspect, but we're talking online retailers here so that's not possible. Thoughts and experiences? Thanks in advance.

 

[Areaonereal]

Depends on the condition as the vendor grades it. I have only purchased two Demo models and both appeared as new. Do you have the return policy details prior to purchase.

 

[Louis Toadvine]

Depends on the condition as the vendor grades it. I have only purchased two Demo models and both appeared as new. Do you have the return policy details prior to purchase.

Yes, it looks as though the vendor has a return policy, though it stipulates it accepts returns in "new condition" within a certain window of time. I should probably ask them to clarify if demo scopes by their nature already void this stipulation (I would hope not, but best to confirm). Thanks.

 

[PARA45]

I've purchased demo scopes & binoculars (Zeiss, Swaro) from Europtics, and all the items have been as new. So far, knock on wood, I've had no issues.

 

[Nhhunter]

Everyone Iv picked up has been as good as new. My buddy just picked up a factory refurbished scope from brownells and so far so good. As long as can return it if faulty why not save a few bucks

 

[The Engineer]

I have purchased several Grade A or B high end Zeiss and Swaro products from a stocking dealer. Years ago I was told the agreements the stocking dealers had with the high grade optics manufactures did not allowed the dealer to discount new items. Some of the Grade A scopes looked, and I am sure were; brand new with the box having been opened so they became "demos" and could be sold at a discount. I have only had one Grade B and it had one barely discernable scope ring line. All-in-all I have been quite happy with my purchases on demo optics from well established dealers.

 

[gbflyer]

Purchased demo and open box both from reputable a dealer. No complaints whatsoever. As stated above, look brand new.

 

[Louis Toadvine]

Thank you all for the input. Sounds like most people have had good experiences and that many of the "demo" models are essentially just boxes that have been opened/a scope that's been looked through once or twice. This discussion gave me peace of mind to order a "like new" (grade/condition "A") demo Swarovski from EuroOptic.

 

[Bullthrower338]

I’ve bought demos several times, all have been excellent

 

[Proneshooter]

I've bought 3 "demo" scopes none could be distinguished from a new scope. The last one, neither of the two factory seals on the box had been touched. All 3 were Zeiss from Europtic.

 

[BeeMaa]

I've bought several scopes from Euro Optic and a couple of them were "demo" or "like new". All of them have been perfectly fine. No problems at all. And in one case I had to return it, not a problem for them. Great guys to work with.

I'd say the risk in buying a "demo" or "like new" product is more about WHO you are buying it from rather than the actual product. With Euro Optic, buy with confidence.

 

[YancyW]

I've bought several scopes from Euro Optic and a couple of them were "demo" or "like new". All of them have been perfectly fine. No problems at all. And in one case I had to return it, not a problem for them. Great guys to work with.

I'd say the risk in buying a "demo" or "like new" product is more about WHO you are buying it from rather than the actual product. With Euro Optic, buy with confidence.

Same for me, I would buy them without a doubt.

 

[Lone Star Bluegrass]

Not the same source but figured I’d pile on. Demo Swarovski from MidwayUSA was excellent—I’ve had two.

 

[fgr2318]

Demo optics purchased from a dealer will still carry full warranty from manufacture.
Swarovski in particular grades demos as A or B. They are usually salesman samples that have been carried and shown at shows or to dealers showing the new product. We buy them often from our rep and they carry full warranty. Euro Optic has good prices on demos that for sure. We sell demo scopes and optics all the time. They are scopes and binos in display case for customers to actually hold and look thru. Most will have a scratch or mark on them somewhere from being handled. Buy demos from reputable place with confidence

 

[Range 07]

I've bought 2 demo, both were excellent .

 

[CBH Australia]

I would buy "as New " demos if the price was right.
Many second hand high end scopes I see on used guns are asking near new prices. Those I would not buy at around 10-15% under retail. (Try have been mounted as a minimum or just second hand any way)
I would look for a new one at wait

 

[Dawg2019]

I have bought demo optics from “scope list” I believe it is a sister company of euro optic. They come with factory warranty and I returned one, no questions asked. I simply bought the wrong magnification.

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

Demo scopes? Nope, I buy used Nightforce and Leupold. Lifetime warranties and no questions asked repair, if ever needed.

I never need a repair on a Leupold but did on a Nightforce SHV. For some reason, the illumination failed and I sent it in for repair. Once repaired, a Nightforce technician called me to explain how the scope failed and what they did to repair it.

Demo high end scope purchase? If the price is right but it or I will!

 

[Louis Toadvine]

I would buy "as New " demos if the price was right.
Many second hand high end scopes I see on used guns are asking near new prices. Those I would not buy at around 10-15% under retail. (Try have been mounted as a minimum or just second hand any way)
I would look for a new one at wait

I was able to pick up the "as new" demo for ~20% less than what new ones retail for, so it was worth it to me (as long as the scope is truly as new, which it sounds like it will be). It's supposed to be delivered tomorrow, so I will know soon!

 

[CBH Australia]

Sounds like a great buy.