Forums46
Topics538,648
Posts9,739,527
Members87,100
|
Most Online25,604 Feb 12th, 2024
|
|
|
Good news;; bad news
#8493852
01/03/22 02:42 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,049
mikei
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
|
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,049 |
The good news is that for Christmas this year, my children and grandchildren pooled their resources and bought me my first thermal scope. The bad news is that is an ATN ThOR-4 384 1.25-5X 19mm Thermal Smart HD. I don't know how to break the news to them that the ATN product line has a miserable reputation for both performance and customer support. Having mulled it over for the last week or so, I've decided not to even say anything to them but "Thanks a bunch." It was a generous gift from family members that don't exactly eat "high on the hog," so I'm going do everything I can to make it work for me. They are already asking me if I've taken it hunting yet. The reality is that I haven't even taken it out of the original box, since my first thought was to return it, unopened, and buy another thermal instead. But I've talked myself out of that approach. Kind of a dilemma, but we shall see what we shall see. I tried to find some good reviews, but haven't had much luck doing so.
Last edited by mikei; 01/03/22 02:43 PM.
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: mikei]
#8493864
01/03/22 02:48 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 19,367
Biscuit
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 19,367 |
I agree with you, thank them for the gift and enjoy it
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: mikei]
#8493897
01/03/22 03:10 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,230
J.G.
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,230 |
I'd go with your original plan. Return it and get a different thermal. They didn't know what they didn't know. Their resources would still be put to good use.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: mikei]
#8493902
01/03/22 03:17 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,802
603Country
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,802 |
Tell them you just found out there was a recall on those units, so you swapped it rather than deal with the recall.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: mikei]
#8493904
01/03/22 03:18 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,682
QuitShootinYoungBucks
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,682 |
If they haven’t seen it out of the box, they won’t know the difference when they see it on the rifle. I’d exchange it.
https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: mikei]
#8493942
01/03/22 04:05 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,496
der Teufel
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,496 |
I think I'd return it and get something I wanted. I'd tell the kids that it was the perfect gift, but "There was this slightly different model that had the exact features I wanted." Then I'd say something like "Your gift gave me the ability and motivation to get into hunting with a thermal sight, many many thanks!" Finally, I'd send them some photos of dead hogs shot using said thermal, and again say "Thanks!"
I have two unwritten rules: 1. 2.
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: mikei]
#8493965
01/03/22 04:27 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,242
wp75169
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,242 |
I’d take the gift as is and use it. Someone, at least one of them, put a lot of thought into that gift and they know it’s not superior but it’s what the group could afford. It’s like the cheap Simmons spotting scope my elderly parents gave me, it sure is a pos but I appreciate it. Family is worth more than money everyday and if you can afford a better thermal go buy it and put it on a different rifle than the one you new fancy ATN is mounted on. 😂
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: mikei]
#8493980
01/03/22 04:51 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,201
Theringworm
Pro Tracker
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,201 |
Will they be more heart broken over the fact that their hard earned pooled resources bought something that is soon to be inoperable or malfunction and nothing more than a paperweight? So now you are disappointed you can’t use it and they are even more disappointed you can’t use it.
Return it and get a quality thermal. If that means you tell them the truth of don’t, who cares. At least you’ll have a reliable thermal that can be enjoyed for years to come and they get the joy out of knowing you are using it.
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: wp75169]
#8494088
01/03/22 06:49 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 422
Dzhitshard
Bird Dog
|
Bird Dog
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 422 |
I’d take the gift as is and use it. Someone, at least one of them, put a lot of thought into that gift and they know it’s not superior but it’s what the group could afford. It’s like the cheap Simmons spotting scope my elderly parents gave me, it sure is a pos but I appreciate it. Family is worth more than money everyday and if you can afford a better thermal go buy it and put it on a different rifle than the one you new fancy ATN is mounted on. 😂 100% I wouldn’t t spend my $$ on one but if I didn’t already have a thermal I wouldnt not use the one that people put thought and sacrifice into giving me. If you love doing the night ride thing you always have the option of adding another to the stable you feel that you may like better. Then you can bring one of your considerate family members along and share your joy that they enabled
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: mikei]
#8494096
01/03/22 06:53 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,437
JimBridger
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,437 |
I definitely would exchange it for the scope you really want. Their thoughtful gift will not be wasted instead it has given you the opportunity to get the scope that you truly wanted.
Last edited by Pappybear; 01/03/22 06:55 PM.
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Edmund Burke
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: mikei]
#8494103
01/03/22 07:01 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20,758
cbump
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20,758 |
I’m with the use what was given to you crowd and buy a second if you want another.
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: Theringworm]
#8494112
01/03/22 07:07 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,992
unclebubba
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,992 |
Will they be more heart broken over the fact that their hard earned pooled resources bought something that is soon to be inoperable or malfunction and nothing more than a paperweight? So now you are disappointed you can’t use it and they are even more disappointed you can’t use it.
Return it and get a quality thermal. If that means you tell them the truth of don’t, who cares. At least you’ll have a reliable thermal that can be enjoyed for years to come and they get the joy out of knowing you are using it. Mike, I think this bears a lot of weight. If the ATN had bad reviews, but was still usable, then maybe you should keep it. Unfortunately, the ATN has horribly bad reviews and you will likely have something that will be nothing more than a paperweight come next Christmas. Tell them the truth. They are grown adults and can handle it. Tell them you took the $ from the return and got a really good scope that you otherwise would not have ponied up for, and that you very much appreciate it. I think you will all end up happier in the long run.
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: unclebubba]
#8494172
01/03/22 08:25 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,230
J.G.
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,230 |
Will they be more heart broken over the fact that their hard earned pooled resources bought something that is soon to be inoperable or malfunction and nothing more than a paperweight? So now you are disappointed you can’t use it and they are even more disappointed you can’t use it.
Return it and get a quality thermal. If that means you tell them the truth of don’t, who cares. At least you’ll have a reliable thermal that can be enjoyed for years to come and they get the joy out of knowing you are using it. Mike, I think this bears a lot of weight. If the ATN had bad reviews, but was still usable, then maybe you should keep it. Unfortunately, the ATN has horribly bad reviews and you will likely have something that will be nothing more than a paperweight come next Christmas. Tell them the truth. They are grown adults and can handle it. Tell them you took the $ from the return and got a really good scope that you otherwise would not have ponied up for, and that you very much appreciate it. I think you will all end up happier in the long run. ^^Agree with both.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: mikei]
#8494179
01/03/22 08:46 PM
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,987
TAB
Pro Tracker
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,987 |
Having owned an ATN product, in all sencerity I’d return that thing and buy anything other than anything made by ATN. I was burned by having bought a scope and it crashing about one day past the receipt only to basically torch a thousand dollars..
Go with your gut
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: mikei]
#8494253
01/03/22 10:19 PM
|
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,228
Smokey Bear
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,228 |
It is all good news and a heck off thoughtful gesture by your family. I would thank everyone for their thoughtfulness. Then I would swap it for the one I want and not say a word.
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: mikei]
#8494375
01/04/22 12:15 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,049
mikei
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
|
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,049 |
Thanks, everyone, for all your thoughts and suggestions. I agree with all of them to a certain extent, now I need to man up, get off the fence, and make a decision!
Last edited by mikei; 01/04/22 12:15 AM.
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks]
#8494445
01/04/22 01:55 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,577
patriot07
Extreme Tracker
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,577 |
If they haven’t seen it out of the box, they won’t know the difference when they see it on the rifle. I’d exchange it. I've done this before. No regrets and none of the gift-givers were any the wiser.
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: mikei]
#8494599
01/04/22 05:45 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 638
Outdoor Legacy
Tracker
|
Tracker
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 638 |
"Y'all are so awesome and I cannot believe you really all pooled your money to buy this for me! I've been wanting thermal for a long time and just couldn't bring myself to spend the money so what you've done is a huge blessing for me and one of the greatest gifts I could have received, more than you can ever know! I've heard some really good things about this scope but in all my day dreaming I've done some research and I really had XYZ model on my 'most wanted' list but I never thought I'd be able to own it. I hate to even mention this but would you be upset if I wanted to return this one and swap it out for this other model that I've researched and had my eye on? I just know opportunities like this don't come around often and it would awesome to get the XYZ scope since I've spent so much time researching and studying it."
Anyone reasonable, man, woman and probably even a small child, can understand that logic and be very happy to help you get the scope of your dreams, since it doesn't cost them a nickel more.
Outdoor Legacy - Owner The Late Night Vision Show - Co-Host Night Vision, Thermal & AccessoriesOutdoorLegacyGear.com (877)350-1818
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: Outdoor Legacy]
#8494812
01/04/22 03:12 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,049
mikei
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
|
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,049 |
"Y'all are so awesome and I cannot believe you really all pooled your money to buy this for me! I've been wanting thermal for a long time and just couldn't bring myself to spend the money so what you've done is a huge blessing for me and one of the greatest gifts I could have received, more than you can ever know! I've heard some really good things about this scope but in all my day dreaming I've done some research and I really had XYZ model on my 'most wanted' list but I never thought I'd be able to own it. I hate to even mention this but would you be upset if I wanted to return this one and swap it out for this other model that I've researched and had my eye on? I just know opportunities like this don't come around often and it would awesome to get the XYZ scope since I've spent so much time researching and studying it."
Anyone reasonable, man, woman and probably even a small child, can understand that logic and be very happy to help you get the scope of your dreams, since it doesn't cost them a nickel more.
Thanks, Jason! I should probably cut and paste this!!
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: mikei]
#8494829
01/04/22 03:32 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,759
ccoker
Extreme Tracker
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,759 |
that is a tough one. Is someone in the group the type that researches things and thought they were getting you a "good one" ?
Or, they just found a deal online and ordered it?
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: 603Country]
#8496123
01/06/22 01:49 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 29,174
TXHOGSLAYER
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 29,174 |
I'd go with your original plan. Return it and get a different thermal. They didn't know what they didn't know. Their resources would still be put to good use. Tell them you just found out there was a recall on those units, so you swapped it rather than deal with the recall.
LETS GO BRANDON
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: ccoker]
#8496199
01/06/22 03:00 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,049
mikei
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
|
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,049 |
that is a tough one. Is someone in the group the type that researches things and thought they were getting you a "good one" ?
Or, they just found a deal online and ordered it?
Not real sure how all this went down. The only one in the family that I talked to about thermal scopes was my son in law, at Thanksgiving. It was a short, one-on-one conversation on the way out to go deer hunting. I told him that I was saving my money for a thermal scope, but that my Wraith NV scope was serving me quite well. End of conversation. He knows nothing about thermal scopes; in actuality I'm not sure the boy knows much about anything except the auto loan business. He may have been the ring tailed leader of the effort; certainly none of the other family members that pitched in knows anything about thermal scopes. Returning it immediately will require me to produce a bill of sale. Since it was a gift, I'd have to shake down the whole group in an effort to get the BOS, assuming they even kept the darned thing. I don't want to lie to them. I"m leaning toward opening it up, putting it on a rifle, trying it out, and, as it fails, keep notes and after a 2-3 month trial, if it just doesn't work, (and it appears, from the reviews I've read that it won't!) I'll tell them all, and include my notes to ATN, and tell the herd that I want to return it and then shop around for a different scope that has better performance reviews. It will take a long time to go through the process, but I've been lusting after a thermal scope for a couple of years, so a few more months won't make that much difference, and I can look the kids and grandkids in the eye and tell 'em I gave the scope a real workout, but it just didn't perform.
Last edited by mikei; 01/06/22 03:03 AM.
|
|
|
Re: Good news;; bad news
[Re: TXHOGSLAYER]
#8496294
01/06/22 05:59 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841
DocHorton
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841 |
I'd go with your original plan. Return it and get a different thermal. They didn't know what they didn't know. Their resources would still be put to good use. Tell them you just found out there was a recall on those units, so you swapped it rather than deal with the recall. I would go this route as well. Or just tell them you were looking and saw one for a little more money that had a couple features you really wanted and spent some of your own money along with what they gave you to get it. No harm in doing that, IMO. FWIW, I've done the same thing before (although not a thermal scope) and never said a word about it. It's likely they will never know the difference.
|
|
|
Moderated by bigbob_ftw, CCBIRDDOGMAN, Chickenman, Derek, DeRico, Duck_Hunter, hetman, jeh7mmmag, JustWingem, kmon11, kry226, kwrhuntinglab, Payne, pertnear, rifleman, sig226fan (Rguns.com), Superduty, txcornhusker
|