My local gun store just ran a 15% off all in stock optics this past week for Christmas. Swaro NLs, in stock, Z8,Z6,Z5, Z3 in stock. The BTX and all spotting scopes. Yes, I couldn’t resist. Love small local stores.
Yes I would check with local and/or big box stores first. The info on other forums is that the optics websites are backordered. Especially on the 12x, which is the high demand model. The prices won’t differ much because of the contract so if Cabela’s has them you might want to pull the trigger. (If someone sells them for under the allowed base price they are subject to losing their Swaro line.) Base price is about $200 under suggested retail.
I have the 12x NLs. I ordered mine from Outdoorsmans because I wanted their bino stud installed since I have the adapter. Got mine last month but they are backordered until Feb. 21st now. I heard Scheel’s in The Colony had them but that may be dated information by now. Cameraland is probably your best shot online.
Good luck! One thing I will say is they are well worth the wait. They are a game-changing piece of equipment and those don’t come along very often. Remarkable in every respect. FOV, ergonomics, contrast, clarity, light gathering - the works.