@Formidilosus
There has been a lot of good suggestions thus far. Some are suggesting “do it right” (whatever that could mean), others have suggested simulated tests, and others just want to buy it now. My take is that you prefer to have it thoroughly tested, you know how to do this, and it is going to take time.
Of course, since you are dealing with such a diverse audience, there may be something you haven’t thought of or there just isn’t enough time to explore all the variables that can exist. What I have not seen, or missed, is a suggestion laying out specific criteria to statistically analyze the product with a set of variables normally encompassing too much time to perform; at least too much time by one individual.
Here is an example, if you don’t like this idea, then ignore it. If it doesn’t suck too badly use whatever part(s) you like:
- Have LOW produce a sampling number to your liking 6; 25; 100; whatever sampling amount you believe is sufficient.
- Interested participants send in a “resume” meeting with certain criteria (examples):
- Must specify what caliber and what action the scope will be mounted.
- Must keep an accurate record and must be on XXXX (Excel, for example).
- They are hand-picked and must purchase the scope.
- Criteria – Variable (examples)
- Criteria: Must document scope mounting procedure – Variable: How was it mounted.
- Criteria: Torque to 18 to 25 in-lbs. – Variable: Document the torque.
- Criteria: Must shoot XXXX number of total rounds. – Variable: They choose how many rounds for each session.
- Criteria: They must ride or drive XXXX times with scoped rifle each week. – Variable: Horse, mule, ATV, UTV, pickup truck, as well a terrain, i.e., trails, gravel, cow pasture.
- Criteria: Must hunt with scope. – Variable: blind, spot and stalk, norther cold, desert, etc.
You get the idea. You can’t do everything and simulate all the variables. This way you have a team, and they might do some crazy things or have (no!!) situations along with data. Just a thought, and for everyone wondering, no, I do not wish to be one of the testers.
Not everyone will be happy waiting. However, testing will be more comprehensive with a larger sampling and will be completed more quickly than just one person trying to do everything.