JB,

I've heard quite a lot about troubles with the Conquest series. Unlike the more expensive Victory series. I've had several of both the older Z and ZM, in addition to the newer V and VM. I've had no trouble with any of them.

In fact, I was told by the lady in charge of Zeiss scopes here in Norway that she refused to import the Conquest series to Norway for the first few years. She didn't feel they were good enough. I have understood that they have improved, but just like everything else in life, you get what you pay for.

I'm thinking about getting a Schmidt&Bender "Zenith" 1.1-4x24 with a Flashdot reticle. Have you tried them?

Erik