Amred,
I carried small ball bearings placed across the street to do star tests using the Sun's reflection.
One needs lots of spare time, a good eye, and self control to get bargains.
Can you describe a star test? I'm intrigued.
Spare Time
I'm retired plus every other week my wife does a complete housecleaning for her 94 yr old mother. This gives me time to drive around the area. It just so happens there are many pawn shows in that area.
Good Eye
I'm older so my eyesight is not what it used to be. But I'm quite mechanical. A few months ago a old Bushnell we have in our hunting shack went out of collimation and I realigned it.
Self Control
I do have self control. I've been lurking on Ebay for years waiting for a Outland LX to appear. Finally now I'm ready to find something else. Plus you guys have suggested some pretty temping Binoculars and I have not yet succumb to temptation.
This Pawn shop idea might be quite the adventure. I'm kind of looking forward to seeing what I can find. But now I have to cram and learn more about older binoculars and how to evaluate them.