Are all Littmann Cardiology III's pretty much the same?

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I am seriously thinking about buying a Littmann Cardiology III stethoscope. I'm almost done w/my RN clinicals, and my plan is to work in ER, and maybe Critical Care, once I get some Med/Surg experience under my belt. One of my favorite instructors is an ER nurse, and she highly recommends the Littmann Classic Cardiology III. However, I am seeing a big price range for the Cardiology III, and some of them have different SKU numbers. Are certain "Littman's" not really made by Littmann, or are they all made by 3M (I'm seeing 3M on almost all of them, also). Just want to make sure I know the differences before I shell out the money.

Thanks in advance for your advice! :D

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There are counterfeit Littmann stethoscopes out there so BE CAREFUL! Littmann.com has a list of approved distributors/retailers. Buying the stethoscope online will be cheaper than at a store but most reputable online retailers will have the similar models priced very closely as the online retailing is quite competitive. But, also take into consideration shipping costs and engraving (if interested), as these can impact the total price. 3M exclusively owns the Littmann brand of stethoscopes. Tim

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Some Littmans can be replica's, however if you buy from a reputable site or store they usually are not. I buy the Littmann Cardiology III's from "medisave.net" and they are real, as well as cheap. I buy mine from 120-170 depending on the length, color, and bezel type. I have the all black bezel, as well as the gold bezel so they do change in price a bit.

I have bought 4 Littmanns from them and love each one. Quick on shipping, very reasonable pricing, and best customer service I have ever had to use. One time they sent me the wrong color, and normally I wouldn't have complained but it was a gift purchase. I called their customer service dept. and they sent me out the new color and told me to keep the mistake shipment. I will continue to buy from them as long as they are around. They sell a lot of other equipment as well. Hope this helped.

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Is 3M not Littmann? I've always thought it was. Even medisave has 3M Littmann.

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Littmann used to be its own company, started by Eric Littmann. It was sold several years ago and 3M bought the brand. So it was not originally 3M, but since they bought it all Littmann products are made by 3M. Hope that clarifies.

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Littmann used to be its own company, started by Eric Littmann. It was sold several years ago and 3M bought the brand. So it was not originally 3M, but since they bought it all Littmann products are made by 3M. Hope that clarifies.

Immensely. Thanks.

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