A Scope Needs a Rifle

[DrMike]

Last week, I was informed that the prices on Leupold Scopes arriving at our local gun emporium would be going up 22%. This is the result of the worldwide credit crisis and the decline of the Canadian dollar since the last round of purchases for inventory. Realising that things could get pricey quickly, I seized the last VX-L in 3.5-10 X 50 on the shelf and set it aside. I recognised when I did this that it would lead to other serious consequences. Try as I might, I have been unable to refrain from walking into the store, though I am fully cognizant of the fact that such action on my part may lead to the purchase of another rifle. Smuggling rifles into the house is not conducive to peace and good order in our household, and the risk is extreme that the attempt will be unsuccessful (the result of permitting my wife to know the combination to the gun safe). Well, my recent acquisition of a new Model 70 will necessitate removal of a Kahles 3-9 scope from my 7 mm WSM to be replaced by the VX-L, which the Kahles is transferred to the 30-06. Oh, what a tangled web we weave...

 

[FOTIS]

I like the way you think! 8)

 

[JD338]

I'm a very lucky guy. My wife doesn't care about how many guns I have or if I buy another one. I just bought a Kimber 45 Auto but it did cost me a new couch and love seat. :?

I was talking to a friend at Leupold last week and he told me that there is indeed going to be a price increase Jan 1 but I don't think it is going to be as high as what you are seeing in Canada.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

Actually, I take a bit of poetic licence. My wife truly doesn't complain. However, some of my rifles have cost over $10,000. The cost of new carpeting and dining room suites elevates the cost considerable. I can't complain as she encourages me in my hunting pursuits and enjoys the fruits of my labours. Her only request has been that I not bring home animal heads to fill my walls. Other than one grizzly hide, I've pretty well honoured her request.

The price increase is not solely because of Leupold's increased costs. The Canadian dollar slipped dramatically against the US dollar after the onset of the credit crisis. It fell from around $0.97 to $0.81, reaching as low as $0.78 at one point. I would expect the Canadian dollar to strengthen again as Canada is in a somewhat better position to weather the current economic situation. However, I don't expect the dollar to strengthen within the next several months.

In all, I acted because I saw a significant price increase and there was no telling when we would again approach par with the US dollar. Add to the cost the general cost of living in Canada and the cost of being in the north, and the costs can be quite dramatic. For instance, I notice that powders ranged from around $18 to $20 when I was in the states this past summer. However, here in Dawson Creek, a poud of powder will cost between $32 and $40. I'm not certain what Nosler brass is selling for in the states, but 30-06 brass cost me $63/box today.

 

[jtoews80]

On the bright side, you do have a pretty good smith in your back yard!
Corlanes are pretty good I'm told. I may have to send a barrel their way one of these days.

CC.

 

[DrMike]

Yes, Rod and Greg and the boys in the shop do some nice work.

 

[Powerstroke]

JD.... Congrats on the new Kimber !!!

I hear you about the wife considerations.... my last purchase cost me the price of a new ATV that now is place quite nicely on her finger... :?

I've even thought the last few years she didn't have the combo to my safe and in fact was wrong about that.... :lol:

We'll just have to count on good ole Santa now...