exactly, I wasnt bagging Lee at all, he didnt manufacture it (although some responsability is expected as the importer), I was asking peoples opinion and I have to say I have never had such a good and immediate response to any thread than this one. Excelent comments from everyone, I think I will contact Lee in the new year and ask his opinion, I can live with the rust that it has but I expect it will get a lot worse real quick. And yes, I am about 20Klms from the ocean in the hinterland, besides, my car doesnt rust, nor my tin roof nor shed etc, why should I expect this to rust? Yes I could strip and paint it but should I have to? I think not, trouble is I was charged $70 to freight it here, who pays freight for the replacement (each way) if thats the way Lee decides to go?? Maybe I could spend $200 more getting it recoated and Lee could compensate me with a nice filter or something worth this amount? Why let the freight companies make money out of a bad situation? Anyway, when I return form NSW I will call him and have a nice chat, I am not angry just dissapointed, I still love the scope. see you next year, stay safe.