Yes they do charge at the time of purchase i have been out my $600 since Thanksgiving. At time of order they were saying 7-8 weeks on the website. I called (of course these guys are too "good" to talk to their customers, you have to text them. They extended to 12 weeks then again to 16 weeks.
NOW 20 @$#@%&÷>$ WEEKS after I ordered my scope they finally sent notification that the scope is shipped.
I guess I have another week "I am sure its coming snail mail"
Now we will find out if the long freaking wait was worth it.
I can say this. I will never purchase from Arken again.