I've looked at a couple of these at gun shows in the last couple of years. They were pretty pricey when they came out, but I think you were paying for the S&W on the scope. Optics weren't bad, but not good enough for the price. They didn't last long before everyone had them deeply discounted. If I'm not mistaken, they were fully multi-coated and boasted of a Rainguard type coating too. They also had some kind gear driven power ring. I think that they were made in Japan, but not really sure. CDNN used to have them on sale to clear them out, but I don't know it they still do.
30-30man, I have to say that your analogies had me rolling on the floor, I was laughing so hard.