I agree that Nikon is a good quality opitc...and they dohave a lifetime warranty; however,

I have a friendthat hada gun cabinetthat was submerged in saltwater for 2 weeks duringthe 2002 hurricanes. The guns didn't make it. He had 2 Leupold scopes in that gun cabinet. One (the newer model) had no leakage, the other (very old model) had water inside the scope. He sent it off to be repaired.....Leupold sent him a brand new VXIIscope - no charge except shipping.

American Companies help American citizens. For that kind of service, I'll gladly pay an extra $60.....even if I never require it.