The internet is full of people with opinions I don't know if I can trust and I think it would simplify things if I could just go look through some scopes and decide for myself. What dealer in the Seattle area has the largest selection of optics actually in store?

I'm thinking Cabelas but I'm really hoping I'm wrong.

I wouldn't buy a scope locally. Mark up is way too high.
Check out swfa, primary arms, or opticsplanet.
https://swfa.com/optics/riflescopes.html

Did you actually read my post or did you just read the title?

Cabelas is probably a good place to go see a wide variety. They carry a bunch of vortex which are, in my opinion, generally pretty good scopes. I'm also kind of interested in their cabelas store brand. They've had some pretty good prices lately.

Do you know how to measure parallax? Best scopes have least parallax.

Even after being 'corrected' the residual parallax is substantial on many scopes.

Nope no clue. Not sure what it has to do with the question either.

Cabela's is probably your best bet.

It's actually not that bad of a place to buy either if you play it right.

I bought my strike eagle there with gift cards I got discounted on ebay, a coupon code, and the points on my Cabela's credit card.

For real. Cabelas. I have no shame. I shopped optics there and went home to consider my options, afterwards I ordered it from B&H Photo.
There are somethings I prefer to get immediately and in person, despite the markup, so I didn't feel bad about not buying optics from them.

you'll probably have to visit a few shops to get as broad a sampling as you seem to want. But it will be kind of fun, no?

Since you're not necessarily BUYING at the places to visit it opens the possibilities since it's just physical samples you seek.

Wade's has a pretty wide selection,
Outdoor Emporium/Sportco

to name a couple.

This is true, but there ARE places on the internet that tend to attract the type of people who's opinions on precision rifle optics you probably ought to trust...

Unfortunately, I imagine that from a product selection standpoint, Cabelas or Bass Pro will be your best option. You'll almost certainly find them for a better price online. That being said, are they going to let you take the optic outside and test it in natural light? Unless you'll be doing your shooting indoors under fluorescent lighting, the performance of various optics from the show counter to the back of the store isn't going to tell you much about the quality of any given scope. That kind of gets back to the "solicit opinions from people that know" idea.

Out of curiosity, what are you looking for in terms of budget, features and performance?

Selection criteria and primary purpose is what I was alluding to.

Cabelas is ok, just depends on the brand. If I remember right, they don't have much/anything by Weaver and Sightron (two good brands). I like to buy used and then re-sell the scope if it doesn't work out. Usually takes me a few trips to the range before I get a good idea of how much I like it.



Really? Usually anything with an adjustable objective or side focus can be corrected for parallax. The real test is whether you can get it focused and parallax free at the same time. Resolution, clarity, and contrast are important too.

I guess that just leaves the question of whether the Cabelas in Tulaip or Lacey has a better selection.

I shop Cabelas for some of my rifle scopes. I look for a scope online, check the prices, then see if it on sale and instock at the Cabelas store.

To answer the question; the Cabelas in Lacey has a very good selection, they also have the 'Bargain Cave' which always has a case full of scopes marked down. Now, who has more Tulalip or Lacey, not sure beacuse never been to the Tulalip store.
Bass-Pro in Tacoma, another option.
Sportco in Fife is an option.

That's usually what I do. Try out a buddies scope at the range or do research and buy one and try it out.
Can't tell that much by looking through a scope at a gun shop parking lot.
That being said, I have a few scopes sitting on a shelf I might get around to selling some day.