<![CDATA[Optics Planet]]>Heritage & History

OpticsPlanet is one of the largest online retailers specializing in optics, firearms accessories, tactical gear, and outdoor equipment in the United States. Founded in the early 2000s and headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, the company carries products from over 2,500 brands and operates multiple distribution centers.

:::callout
OpticsPlanet has an enormous catalog — over 2,500 brands and hundreds of thousands of products. Their selection is genuinely unmatched for optics and accessories. But the company's reputation is permanently complicated by its inventory accuracy problems: items shown "in stock" that are actually backordered for weeks or months. This single issue defines the OpticsPlanet experience for many customers.
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Key facts:

  • Founded: Early 2000s
  • Headquarters: Northbrook, Illinois
  • Specialty: Optics, firearms accessories, tactical gear, outdoor equipment
  • Catalog: 2,500+ brands; hundreds of thousands of SKUs
  • Model: Online only; multiple distribution centers

Shopping Guide

Aspect What to Expect
Channel Online only (opticsplanet.com)
Catalog size Massive — 2,500+ brands
Pricing Competitive; frequent coupon codes and promotions
Inventory accuracy Notoriously unreliable; "in stock" often means backordered
Shipping (in-stock) Generally fast when items are actually in warehouse
Shipping (backordered) Days, weeks, or months with poor communication
Returns Standard; 30-day return policy

What OpticsPlanet does well:

  • Largest selection of optics and accessories online (period)
  • Competitive pricing, especially with coupon codes
  • Carries niche/specialty brands others don't stock
  • Frequent sales and promotions
  • Good product descriptions and specifications
  • Expert Gear Lab reviews and buying guides

What OpticsPlanet doesn't do well:

  • Inventory accuracy — the #1 complaint; shown as "in stock" but actually backordered
  • Backorder communication is poor (you may wait weeks before being told)
  • Customer service can be slow and unhelpful
  • Some orders ship in multiple packages over extended periods
  • Charges credit card at order time (not at ship time for backordered items)

:::callout
The OpticsPlanet backorder problem is not a bug — it's their business model. OpticsPlanet lists items from suppliers they don't physically stock, then orders them when you buy. If the supplier has it, great. If not, you're backordered with minimal communication. Always check "Availability" status carefully — and call to verify before ordering anything urgent.
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Selection & Inventory

Category Depth Notes
Rifle scopes Unmatched Every brand from Swarovski to budget; widest selection anywhere
Red dots / reflex Excellent Aimpoint, Trijicon, Holosun, Sig, EOTech — full lineups
Binoculars Excellent Hunting, birding, tactical — all price points
Night vision / thermal Very good PVS-14, FLIR, Pulsar, AGM
Rangefinders Excellent Leica, Sig Kilo, Vortex, Leupold
Mounts and rings Deep Spuhr, Badger, Scalarworks, ADM, Warne
AR accessories Extensive Handguards, stocks, grips, triggers, muzzle devices
Tactical gear Very good Plate carriers, holsters, bags, packs
Flashlights Excellent SureFire, Streamlight, Modlite, Cloud Defensive
Clothing/footwear Good Tactical and outdoor brands

Inventory reality:

  • Items marked "In Stock & Ready to Ship" = actually in warehouse (usually ships fast)
  • Items marked "Backorder OK" = NOT in stock; you're placing a pre-order
  • Items with no clear stock status = roll the dice
  • Call or chat to verify stock before ordering anything time-sensitive

Service & Support

Aspect Quality Notes
Pricing Good to excellent Competitive; coupon codes add value
Product information Very good Detailed specs; Expert Gear Lab
Order fulfillment (in-stock) Good Fast when items are actually in warehouse
Order fulfillment (backordered) Poor Weeks/months; poor communication
Customer service Mixed Some helpful, some frustrating
Return process Adequate 30-day returns; standard processing
Inventory transparency Poor The company's biggest ongoing problem

When OpticsPlanet is the right choice:

  • You want the absolute widest selection of optics and accessories
  • The item shows "In Stock & Ready to Ship" (verify if important)
  • You're buying with a coupon code that makes the price unbeatable
  • You're not in a hurry and can tolerate potential backorder delays
  • You want to compare specs across the largest product catalog available

When other options are better:

  • You need guaranteed in-stock items → EuroOptic, Primary Arms
  • You want expert optics advice → EuroOptic
  • You need fast, reliable shipping → Primary Arms, Amazon
  • You're buying premium optics ($2,000+) → EuroOptic (better service and knowledge)
  • You want a physical store → Scheels, Sportsman's Warehouse

References

  • OpticsPlanet official site: opticsplanet.com
  • Consumer reviews: Trustpilot, BBB, Reddit
  • Firearms community discussions on OpticsPlanet inventory practices
  • Expert Gear Lab (OpticsPlanet's review platform)

Read the original article in The Handbook | By Boise Gun Club Editorial Team

Join the Discussion

Have you ordered from OpticsPlanet, and how was your experience with shipping times and customer service compared to other online retailers?

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