Yes, I've put a repro scope on my No.4 Mk1 T.

[MAC702]

There is a reason that "Chinese" has become a synonym for junk in the United States. We "protected our economy" with high tariffs. For a Chinese product to compete with an American product, which it absolutely could do if they wanted it to, it has to be made cheaply enough that the tariffs can still keep the final price low enough to be cheaper than the American-made product.

When the price on the shelf is comparable, Americans will pick the product with the cutest girls on the commercial. But if the price difference is sufficient, we will buy the cheaper one if our friends aren't watching. So for typical products, we only bother getting Chinese versions that will be the cheapest version we can put on the shelf, and reserve the higher-quality items for the American supplier.

When I worked in the South Pacific, the tool stores had some American-made products and Chinese-made products, at the same quality and near the same price points. The Chinese tools were EVERY BIT as high-quality as the American-made tools. These were brands you couldn't buy in the US, though, as the tariffs would price them past the American-made versions.

There are some industries that have completely left the US, however, usually taxed, regulated, or labor-priced out of the market completely. Now you get your choice of high-quality, or low-quality, and they will both be Chinese, perhaps even from the same factory, all depending on the specifications provided, as mentioned.

China built some of the most advanced infrastructure in the world. You think they did it with tools they bought at a 1990's Harbor Freight?

Now, you can argue communism, environment, and human rights all you want, and make very valid points. But not that they make crap because that's all they can do. It's just usually what we ask them for.

I work primarily in air conditioning repair. I can install US-made or Chinese-made motors. My customers will pick the Chinese motor every time when I give them the price difference. And that's after the tariffs. The Chinese have gotten so efficient, they make up for it. Of course, the new economy has caused a motor that wholesaled at $70 two years ago, to be $100 now.