I've never personally owned a Leupold, but my m110 at work has the Mark 4 LR/T 3.5-10x40mm. Its a good scope, my biggest complaint out it is the turrets, they have no positive clicks, no zero stop and are not lockable. I would never buy the same scope with my money, but with that said the new Mk 6&8 scopes address all of my concerns and I am looking at purchasing a Mk6 3-18x44 for my personal R700 that I am building. Also the fact that they offer such great discounts to LE and Mil is a huge plus side to those of us that qualify.
Rifle Scopes The truth about Leupold thread
- Thread starter hrfunk
- Start date
I had two Vari X3 scopes about 12-15 years ago. I had a 6-20x50 mounted on a .223 Remington 700 while the .308 Remington 700 sported a 3-10x50, both plex reticles. Both scopes worked fine. I sent the 6-20 back to have long range turrets installed, something like $70 if memory serves correct, no problems from their custom shop. I wanted a Mark 4 scope for the longest for a tactical setup. Leupold seemed to add the Mark 4 name to some of their scopes and the price jump was several hundred dollars. I think that's when I ventured towards other scopes. I currently own one Leupold scope 4-14x450 Mark 4 Ill. TMR reticle, as well as several Vortex, NF, Khales, Zeiss. I think at one time Leupold was a great buy but other companies have either caught up or passed them.
I had a Mark IV never had a problem with it. I did have a VXI sent off to the custom shop to have an elevation turret installed. Very quick turn around, and hassle free.
Within the hunting community Leupold has provided excellent customer service and has really supported their hunting scopes. Starting at the end of the early 2000’s the tactical community was the red headed step child for Leupold. Leupold had fallen behind the competition in products and feature sets. IMHO, they took a big nose dive when they took their standard Vari-X III line and renamed it the new Mark 4 variable. This of course came with a hefty price increase for no real added features or up graded glass.
The down fall for the Leupold with this move are tactical shooters as a whole actually test the functionality of their scopes. Most hunters just mount their scopes, sight in and they’re good to go. This left Leupold exposed and the support for the tactical community was pretty bad. Scopes didn’t track as advertised, shooters were finding a lot of reticle cant for which Leupold said their spec was +/- 3 degrees. For each degree at 1000 yards is equivalent to about 6’ of bullet drift, so 3 degrees was 18” or more. I don’t think leupold knew or understood the growing tactical community. Plus their glass was average at best.
It hasn’t been until recently Leupold has figured out the tactical community as well as their needs and requirements.
Time will tell on how they do moving forward.
The down fall for the Leupold with this move are tactical shooters as a whole actually test the functionality of their scopes. Most hunters just mount their scopes, sight in and they’re good to go. This left Leupold exposed and the support for the tactical community was pretty bad. Scopes didn’t track as advertised, shooters were finding a lot of reticle cant for which Leupold said their spec was +/- 3 degrees. For each degree at 1000 yards is equivalent to about 6’ of bullet drift, so 3 degrees was 18” or more. I don’t think leupold knew or understood the growing tactical community. Plus their glass was average at best.
It hasn’t been until recently Leupold has figured out the tactical community as well as their needs and requirements.
Time will tell on how they do moving forward.
I've owned a m3 10x and a HAMR. I currently own S&B 5-25, PH 3-15, NF F1 3-15, Kahles 6-24, HAMR. The m3 had excellent glass like most fixed powers do and tracked well. The HAMR is every bit as clear as an acog and very light. I have a mark8 3.5-25 on order. I've been underwhelmed with leupold's feature set until the mark 4 34mm FFP, mark6, mark8 lines were released. I think they let the market pass them by in the early 2000s. Their new offerings are up there with the big boys. My only ongoing complaint is the turrets on every model I've ever handled (m6,m8 included) are mushy and cheap feeling.
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Yep, lots of experience with Leupold scopes. My two MK 4’s 10X and & 16X for exceptional scopes. The MK 4 variable was a complete waste of time and effort.
Out at the ranch I have a 75 pound concrete block with a V-block scope mount made out of ballistic nylon. The front and back mounts have an elastics Velcro strap for securing the scope. We have a 6’ square target at exactly 100 yards which was measured by a buddy who’s a surveyor. The target is set up as inch grid with 1/2 “increments which is hung perfectly level. Once the scope is mounted on the V-block it makes testing a scope for tracking, function, latter test as well as cant a simple task. You remove human error of shooting and you see exactly how a scope functions…or doesn’t.
I haven’t owned a Leupold for over a decade until last month. I just purchased their new V6 1-6 which tested flawlessly as well had great optics.
I got F%^&*d by both Leupold and Premier Reticles a few years back. Neither would claim the bastard child....Today I shoot Nightforce and there is no conflict or need for service after the sale. Leupold was once a proud American scope maker. Today they kneel at the alter of cheap Asian labor...I would rather buy a Zeiss Conquest than a Leupold for my hunting rifles...
Pay your money and take your choice.
Pay your money and take your choice.
Been a shooter about 30 years. My first scope was a Leupold 3-9 and about all the scopes I have owned are Leupolds. No regrets or problems.
I bought a Mark 2 6-18 when that's all I could afford, competed with it on a 300WM and still use it today on my AR. Dials worked fine, still a reliable scope. Purchased a Mark 4 ERT 6.5-20 on a guide deal, a proffesional guide liscense get a better deal than LE or military.
I own two leupold scopes. As I can get their fed/mil discount, the price point for their mk4 line works for me, and the glass quality is awesome. However, I think there are other more specialized brands for the tactical world that can offer more customization and specific features for a reasonable pricefor the average civilian consumer.
I've got several Leupy's (LRT Mk 4 the best). Used them in extreme temps in both directions and in the wet AND...I twist the turrets on the Mk4 like crazy...no problems. Yes, my crippled ass has also slamed them into hard packed dirt elevation turret first...no loss of zero. My Mk 4 has a few specks I didn't notice until I read a thread on here years ago about them having a prob with them 
. Getting ready to order a scope for a light 308 Norma mag built on a 03a3 receiver that kicks like a mule....it'll be a 2-7x33 vx1 because I know that at a bit over $200 it will handle the recoil and have clear glass for a field rifle.
Okie
. Getting ready to order a scope for a light 308 Norma mag built on a 03a3 receiver that kicks like a mule....it'll be a 2-7x33 vx1 because I know that at a bit over $200 it will handle the recoil and have clear glass for a field rifle.Okie
I owned a Mark 4 for a while that was great and glass was damn good. Treated me well, never needed to deal with CS, upgraded to a Premier.
Many of the folks I run around with have dealt with their CS and around here you never hear anything but good reports back about it. Keep in mind they are local to us so it is a matter of walking the scope in, explaining the problem, and they make it right.
The one personal experience I've had was a few months back, my father was getting a rifle all prepped/cleaned to raffle off for the local VFW post. It had an old Leupold of some form on there, he swore that it was blurry but it looked pretty decent to my eye. Opting to do the smart thing and not argue with him at all about it (retired Lt Col, Army) I went ahead and sent it in for him just to simplify the process. Included a quick letter explaining it was blurry and if they could do a once over on the whole thing. A couple weeks later it came back, complete build sheet with date of manufacturer, and an invoice for $0.00 listing everything they did which included replacing some glass. It was flawless and no complaints at all from my father.
Many of the folks I run around with have dealt with their CS and around here you never hear anything but good reports back about it. Keep in mind they are local to us so it is a matter of walking the scope in, explaining the problem, and they make it right.
The one personal experience I've had was a few months back, my father was getting a rifle all prepped/cleaned to raffle off for the local VFW post. It had an old Leupold of some form on there, he swore that it was blurry but it looked pretty decent to my eye. Opting to do the smart thing and not argue with him at all about it (retired Lt Col, Army) I went ahead and sent it in for him just to simplify the process. Included a quick letter explaining it was blurry and if they could do a once over on the whole thing. A couple weeks later it came back, complete build sheet with date of manufacturer, and an invoice for $0.00 listing everything they did which included replacing some glass. It was flawless and no complaints at all from my father.
Within the hunting community Leupold has provided excellent customer service and has really supported their hunting scopes. Starting at the end of the early 2000’s the tactical community was the red headed step child for Leupold. Leupold had fallen behind the competition in products and feature sets. IMHO, they took a big nose dive when they took their standard Vari-X III line and renamed it the new Mark 4 variable. This of course came with a hefty price increase for no real added features or up graded glass.
The down fall for the Leupold with this move are tactical shooters as a whole actually test the functionality of their scopes. Most hunters just mount their scopes, sight in and they’re good to go. This left Leupold exposed and the support for the tactical community was pretty bad. Scopes didn’t track as advertised, shooters were finding a lot of reticle cant for which Leupold said their spec was +/- 3 degrees. For each degree at 1000 yards is equivalent to about 6’ of bullet drift, so 3 degrees was 18” or more. I don’t think leupold knew or understood the growing tactical community. Plus their glass was average at best.
It hasn’t been until recently Leupold has figured out the tactical community as well as their needs and requirements.
Time will tell on how they do moving forward.
THIS in bold.....The only reason I have a Leupold (4-14x50 Mark 4) was because Scott at Liberty Optic gave me a deal on it. I was going to order a third NF for my Tikka but decided to try the Mark 4. If Vortex was around back then, I would have gone with their PST and still had some money for ammo/supplies.
That's interesting info for sure.
It seems like a lot of the positive comments are coming from people who got a special discount for mil/LE/hunting guide. I haven't seen a % quoted but from the glowing praise of the discount I'm guessing it's 20-30%, or more. Well, hey, guess what, almost any scope on the market (not the Chinese crap) will look absolutely GREAT if you get it for 30% off what everyone else pays. Vortex products? Nightforce? Nikon Monarch X? S&B? USO? Any of those - absolutely GREAT if you pay 30% less than anyone else does.
What I am reading between the lines in this thread is twofold:
1) If you get a massive discount off the ordinary street price, you like them.
2) If you started using them 30+ years ago when they may have been the only decent non-European scope available, you like them.
What I am reading between the lines in this thread is twofold:
1) If you get a massive discount off the ordinary street price, you like them.
2) If you started using them 30+ years ago when they may have been the only decent non-European scope available, you like them.
I don't read that at all, just positive experiences or negative experiences and mentions of cost comparisons noting discounts to mil/Leo. Maybe we were taught how to read between lines differently, course I went to public school.....
I have always wondered about Leupold scopes and never bought them, always thinking that they were just style Icons, well many years later I wanted a Proper pair of Tacticle Binoculars, I wanted a pair of Steiner 8x30R's but because of the ITAR Garbage I could not get them, Then I saw a Pair of Leupold Mark 4s 10x50s so I searched the internet and found 3 or 4 dealers with them in stock, and I'm glad that I bought them coz they are the MilDot version and the Quality is the best a person can find, Yes they are made in China but they Are Leupolds just the same and they are of the same quality as any Leupold Item ever made and the case that they come with is worth a fortune I would have paid $150 just for it and like many of you I also try to always buy American made Items, I'm an Aussie living in London and I think this ITAR crap is stupid when I cant buy things from our closest friends,
Thank God for Leupold because they see the bigger and I now own something better than I was looking for, and just because they are made in China does'nt mean that they are of a lesser quality because these Mk 4s are the ducks nuts and you can rest assured that they are made to that exact same Quality and Bench mark that Leupold set in Stone many years ago, and before you ask NO I dont work for them, But I will be replacing all my Gear with Leupold Optics and I have just seen how much the US Military have spent on Leupold Products (many MILLIONS) so if its good enough for them Then its good enough for me,
Blessings, John
Thank God for Leupold because they see the bigger and I now own something better than I was looking for, and just because they are made in China does'nt mean that they are of a lesser quality because these Mk 4s are the ducks nuts and you can rest assured that they are made to that exact same Quality and Bench mark that Leupold set in Stone many years ago, and before you ask NO I dont work for them, But I will be replacing all my Gear with Leupold Optics and I have just seen how much the US Military have spent on Leupold Products (many MILLIONS) so if its good enough for them Then its good enough for me,
Blessings, John
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I started using Leupold's in the 1970's on hunting rifles. I have three 3x9 on a 22/250, 25/06 & 338 that have served their purpose well as hunting scopes over the years. Several years ago I purchased a Savage 12bvss in 223 and put a VXIII 4.5 x14x40 on it. Shoots 69 smk/70 bergers lights out. After being forced to retire due to age 2 1/2 years ago (30+ years state/federal wildlife enforcement) I took up the long range precision game this last year. Had Keith down at Wyoming Armory build a custom 6.5 cm on a Rem 700 action. Started looking at scopes. My requirements included SFP, target turrents, and MOA reticle, the only thing Leupold had close was the TMR recticle. Then started asking around etc and it came down to the following:
Vortex 6x24x50 at ~ $750; Sightron III 6x24x50/8x32x56 ~ $800-$900 this compared to the Mark4 8.5x25x50 ~ $1,400 or a NF ~ $1,900.
I bought the Sightron III 6x24x50 put it on the 6.5cm, it has worked well (won the match last month...). However, that still leaves my .223 without the ability to crank turrents up and down, duplex reticle etc. So the Sightron is going on the .223 and I'll be ordering a new scope this week for the 6.5 cm. It will either be a sightron III 8x32x56 moa or a NF 8x32x56moa or maybe a NF Atacar. If the Mark4 had a moa reticle and I wasn't retired and I could get the le discount it would be under consideration... The question becomes is the Mark4 worth $500+ bucks more than a vortex or Sightron and is the NF worth $500 bucks more than a Mark4? I've decided no to the first and yes to the second.
Vortex 6x24x50 at ~ $750; Sightron III 6x24x50/8x32x56 ~ $800-$900 this compared to the Mark4 8.5x25x50 ~ $1,400 or a NF ~ $1,900.
I bought the Sightron III 6x24x50 put it on the 6.5cm, it has worked well (won the match last month...). However, that still leaves my .223 without the ability to crank turrents up and down, duplex reticle etc. So the Sightron is going on the .223 and I'll be ordering a new scope this week for the 6.5 cm. It will either be a sightron III 8x32x56 moa or a NF 8x32x56moa or maybe a NF Atacar. If the Mark4 had a moa reticle and I wasn't retired and I could get the le discount it would be under consideration... The question becomes is the Mark4 worth $500+ bucks more than a vortex or Sightron and is the NF worth $500 bucks more than a Mark4? I've decided no to the first and yes to the second.
I've owned over a dozen Leupolds over the years including Mark4, Vx3, Varix3, Varix2, VXR, Ar, and I'm sure I might be missing one or two variants. I've never had a malfunction myself, but I have friends that have in the past. Their are lots of optics available now and the market is very competitive. I believe Leupold is a good buy along with some other manufactures out there. The new Leupold mark4, 6, and 8 are awesome and very competitive against some of the best glass in the world. The Mk6 3-18 is my next optic buy.
Like most products, when someone has a problem their quick to point it out and quick to jump on threads such as this. I'm sure the amount of satisfied customers far out weights the ones that have had issues.
Like most products, when someone has a problem their quick to point it out and quick to jump on threads such as this. I'm sure the amount of satisfied customers far out weights the ones that have had issues.
I own three Leupold VX-I scopes. All are on hunting rifles. One on my rifle, one on my sons, and one on our back up. Despite being "low shelf" Leupolds, they are fantastic scopes. Bright, clear, accurate, and everything works exactly like it should. Also, despite internet BS I've read, they are superior to equilvelent money Bushnells and Nikons... and they are made in the USA. At least mostly, anyway. And that is also still important to me.
I bought all of them from a dealer with no discounts, LE or otherwise. I would buy them again.
I bought all of them from a dealer with no discounts, LE or otherwise. I would buy them again.
I have 2 MARK4's. 4.5x14x40's. Functionally there great. Heard a lot of good things on there warranty too. Whether that remains true in there future? They get the job done though. My friend splurged on a Premier a few years ago and after shooting together got a MARK4 on his latest build. Seems the skies the limit for optics prices nowdays but guys getting into the sport should focus on functionality and how well the manufacturer stands behind there product cause there is plenty of other stuff to buy. My opinion. Good to hear about Vortex though. The more competition they have amongst themselves the better it is for all of us.
Leupold has been a staple on my and my boys rifles for 30 years.
Straight 4 and 6x , Vari-X III 4.5-14x40 tacticals in both duplex and Mil-dot graced some varmint and tactical bolt guns, 6.5-20 x40 fine duplex on HB varmint rifles. My primary calling rig has a Vari-X III 4.5-14x50 Illuminated Mil-dot reticle and is used both day and night on coyotes. Handguns also have Leupolds in 4x and 2x. Oldest son has 3.5-10x40AO Vari-x III on his .25-06. I put a silver 3-9x40 on my son-in-laws .30-06, 1.75-6x VX3 , I have other scopes but I really like my Leupolds.
I'll share a customer service story from about 1994. My youngest son was turning 12. He had been using a Ruger 77 stainless synthetic in .223 with a Bausch & Lomb (remember them?) variable on it for hunting. He got his heart set on the then new Remington 700 VS Carbine in .223 Rem. it was a limited edition of 5000 20" barreled guns and he was really yearning for it.
I told him I couldn't afford it, then set the gun dealer on the lookout for one. Got a Leupold 4.5-14x40 Mil-dot Tactical in, then the rifle came in. We unboxed and went to mount and bore sight the scope on Monday. To my horror, the target turret turned in the scope body. Not the knob, the entire elevation turret. We were leaving on Thursday for a prairie dog shoot in the OK panhandle for my son's 12th birthday.
I called Leupold Customer Service and spoke with a true gentleman, Garth Kendig. I explained the situation to him and he over-nited a replacement that afternoon, WITHOUT ME SENDING THE DEFECTIVE ONE IN FIRST. Got the new scope in on Wednesday and got it mounted on the gun. Wednesday evening I had my son place an AR15 in a soft case before he went to bed. After he went to bed I replaced the AR with the VS Carbine. We loaded the suburban the next morning and headed west 300 miles to our prairie dog spot. Gun dealer sent the defective scope back for me.
Son shot for a couple of hours with another bolt gun (which happened to be a 700 VS .223 in 24" length) and I suggested he break out the AR. He went over and dragged out the AR case and slid out the gun inside. He looked at it funny and said "Dad, this isn't an AR." He told me later he thought he grabbed the wrong case. I asked what it was. He said "It's a VS." He still didn't get it.
I asked "How long is the barrel on that gun?" He held it out at arms length and looked it over. The look on his face when he recognized what he was holding is one of my fondest memories. Best birthday he ever had.
When I got back I wrote a letter to the Leupold President Werner Wildauer praising Garth Kendig and the customer service he provided. Garth made my surprise successful and I am forever grateful to him for that. That is the one and only defective scope I've ever received from Leupold. Edit: I got a call from Garth, saying he had just left the President's office regarding my letter. He asked what size hat and coat my son wore. I told him.
Joe received a Leupold cap and jacket for his birthday as well
Dozens have come and gone, but I will be faithful to Leupold. Yes, I'll buy others as well, but I'll always check to see if a Leupold will fit the bill for what I'm looking for. Garth is probably retired by now and maybe his replacements need a bit of time to adjust to spot they fill. Everyone is new to a job sometime. I don't know if others here and their more recent experience shows a possible change in company policy toward customer service. I'm just sharing mine.
Edit: found a couple more pics of Joe at 14 with his rifle. Thought I'd share.
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Straight 4 and 6x , Vari-X III 4.5-14x40 tacticals in both duplex and Mil-dot graced some varmint and tactical bolt guns, 6.5-20 x40 fine duplex on HB varmint rifles. My primary calling rig has a Vari-X III 4.5-14x50 Illuminated Mil-dot reticle and is used both day and night on coyotes. Handguns also have Leupolds in 4x and 2x. Oldest son has 3.5-10x40AO Vari-x III on his .25-06. I put a silver 3-9x40 on my son-in-laws .30-06, 1.75-6x VX3 , I have other scopes but I really like my Leupolds.
I'll share a customer service story from about 1994. My youngest son was turning 12. He had been using a Ruger 77 stainless synthetic in .223 with a Bausch & Lomb (remember them?) variable on it for hunting. He got his heart set on the then new Remington 700 VS Carbine in .223 Rem. it was a limited edition of 5000 20" barreled guns and he was really yearning for it.
I told him I couldn't afford it, then set the gun dealer on the lookout for one. Got a Leupold 4.5-14x40 Mil-dot Tactical in, then the rifle came in. We unboxed and went to mount and bore sight the scope on Monday. To my horror, the target turret turned in the scope body. Not the knob, the entire elevation turret. We were leaving on Thursday for a prairie dog shoot in the OK panhandle for my son's 12th birthday.
I called Leupold Customer Service and spoke with a true gentleman, Garth Kendig. I explained the situation to him and he over-nited a replacement that afternoon, WITHOUT ME SENDING THE DEFECTIVE ONE IN FIRST. Got the new scope in on Wednesday and got it mounted on the gun. Wednesday evening I had my son place an AR15 in a soft case before he went to bed. After he went to bed I replaced the AR with the VS Carbine. We loaded the suburban the next morning and headed west 300 miles to our prairie dog spot. Gun dealer sent the defective scope back for me.
Son shot for a couple of hours with another bolt gun (which happened to be a 700 VS .223 in 24" length) and I suggested he break out the AR. He went over and dragged out the AR case and slid out the gun inside. He looked at it funny and said "Dad, this isn't an AR." He told me later he thought he grabbed the wrong case. I asked what it was. He said "It's a VS." He still didn't get it.
I asked "How long is the barrel on that gun?" He held it out at arms length and looked it over. The look on his face when he recognized what he was holding is one of my fondest memories. Best birthday he ever had.
When I got back I wrote a letter to the Leupold President Werner Wildauer praising Garth Kendig and the customer service he provided. Garth made my surprise successful and I am forever grateful to him for that. That is the one and only defective scope I've ever received from Leupold. Edit: I got a call from Garth, saying he had just left the President's office regarding my letter. He asked what size hat and coat my son wore. I told him.
Joe received a Leupold cap and jacket for his birthday as well
Dozens have come and gone, but I will be faithful to Leupold. Yes, I'll buy others as well, but I'll always check to see if a Leupold will fit the bill for what I'm looking for. Garth is probably retired by now and maybe his replacements need a bit of time to adjust to spot they fill. Everyone is new to a job sometime. I don't know if others here and their more recent experience shows a possible change in company policy toward customer service. I'm just sharing mine.
Edit: found a couple more pics of Joe at 14 with his rifle. Thought I'd share.
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John, awesome story. Thanks for that one.
Nothing but positive here. I've owned only one. A MK4 6.5-20x50 ER/T TMR. Originally an M1 but I had them change it to M5 turrets in 2011. The customer service was excellent. Quick turnaround (1 week), about $125, (can't remember exactly), the young lady who I spoke to stayed on the phone with me for probably 15 minutes and answered all the hand wringing, technical geek, why can't I have illumination too questions. Good value, good glass, repeatable adjustments, as tough and weather proof as I needed it to be. Coated with dust, dropped, scuffed, mudded, on this rifle, then moved to that one, rode hard and put away wet, never failed me. Are there 'better' scopes out there? Yes. Are there 'better' scopes for less money, not really. If a leupold scope fit my optic needs, I would not hesitate to purchase and use one.
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I am not a rich man but a humble truck driver. So I cant afford USO or S&B or Premier. But I can afford used Leupolds that have the same warranty as the new ones. I have never repeat never had an issue in any of the probably around 15-20 of them I have owned. Had them on .308, .223, .25-06, .22-250, .300 Magx2, .375 H&Hx4, .416 Remington Magnum, .416 Rigby, .458 Winchester Magnum, .460 S&W, .44 Magnum (those fixed 2x and 4x pistol scopes are bomb proof I believe) and many others. I'm sorry I can't justify $2-3k for a scope. I am not a sniper that my life and the lives of others hang in the balance. Do I wish I could have them........Of course. But my Leupolds have a sense of pride for me for some reason. They in my opinion are top of the line for the blue collar person. Sure I guess I could melt my credit card and pay out the ass forever for one. If I want a new gun or scope I have to sell one. I have kids now that I didn't have before so I have to scrimp or save or sell to feed my hobby. I have had a shit load of guns and scopes in my 15 years of being in this hobby but it has been a ton of horse trading and selling and hunting deals. I also believe within the gun community it's a big dick measuring contest a lot of times. If you don't have a $3500 1911 or a $8000 rifle w/ a $3500 scope w/ a matching titanium suppressor and a fitted case you can't sit at the cool table. Fuck the cool table 'cause I'm havin' fun with what I have/can afford. So I guess I am yes a Leupold fan.
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G'day Mate, you know I just run into this same shit yesterday somewhere else where someone was trying to show those less fortunate how they can shoot on a budget, And I must admit I'm with you 110%,
Damn Proud to know theres still people LIKE YOU out there
Blessin's John
John_in_Wyo, Thanks for sharing that wonerful story with us, Sounds like the way I like to surprize people to and That look says it all and makes it all worth while,
John
John
I'm a Leopold fan, but have a cs story that finally ended well. Sent in my Vari-x lII 6.5-20x50 in for fog behind the objective, and to install target turrets. After 2 weeks it was back on my rifle ready to zero, and level. Zeroed it, and started shooting up my vertical line, dialing one turn of the turret and shooting a shot, repeat.... when I pulled out the tape measure after I was done, I was only getting 11-12" come ups per turn. Bummer!! Called Leopold and explained my issue, and they emailed me a return label, and the rest of my story is happiness. It did take them over a month to get it right, but it dials 15" per turn now, and everything in the erector box is new, along with both pieces of glass at each end. Wish it would have been tested the first time, but they got it right, and came back with a 100yrd box test target. I will be buying a new MK4 4.5-14×40 LR/T in the very near future!
"Don't misunderstand me here, I WISH they were less expensive. I also wish the same about gas, guns, ammunition, wives, kids, computers, etc."
Funny stuff there, thanks for an early Sunday morning laugh.
I have a Leupold Mark 4, 4.5-14x40 LR/T, Mil Dot. Love the scope, got it for 2 years, thousands of rounds shot (I like to practice a lot), very clear, very reliable. A friend of mine used it and liked it so much that he bought the same exact scope.
Cannot comment on Leupold's CS, as I never, nor my friend, had a problem with it. I had/have several other scopes of different brands and only had problems with an IOR, which was replaced, no questions asked, by Valdada's CS.
I am part of the happy customers.
Btw, thanks for taking out the garbage
Good shooting.
Ombre noire
I have 2 Mk4 Lr/t's currently and I have had no issues with either of them. I purchased a 6.5x20 on eBay from a private individual out west and was so impressed compared to the SS 10x that it replaced that I purchased a brand new 8.5x25 from my LGS (at a great price without LEO/Mil discount) and have used that extensively on my precision rifle at different local comps etc with no issues what so ever. It tracks consistent and true and is 100% repeatable.
I also just picked up a 60040 12x40-60 Mk4 spotty with the TMR reticle from the same LGS (also at a great price) and I can not wait to get it out into the field.
With that being said, the scope that is going on my newest build is a Steiner 5x25 MSR. I wanted a FFP mil/mil with ranging options that was also illuminated in a 25x configuration and happened upon an excellent deal on the Steiner so said...what the hell. I can only hope that I have the same success with this piece as I had with my Mk4's
The Capn'
I also just picked up a 60040 12x40-60 Mk4 spotty with the TMR reticle from the same LGS (also at a great price) and I can not wait to get it out into the field.
With that being said, the scope that is going on my newest build is a Steiner 5x25 MSR. I wanted a FFP mil/mil with ranging options that was also illuminated in a 25x configuration and happened upon an excellent deal on the Steiner so said...what the hell. I can only hope that I have the same success with this piece as I had with my Mk4's
The Capn'
Well thats an impressive break down if ever there was, But why do they issue SFP as I also perfer them and I am thinking of getting one in FFP
Thanks hrf, good stuff there
john
I own two 4.5 -14 x 40 LRT's and love them. Reticles are straight and clicks are accurate and positive. Never had to send them in for anything, except to have a TMR reticle installed in one, and the service was fast and friendly.
I think I have around 10 Leupold scope, most are hunting scopes. I have had to send one back, it was my fault but they took care of the problem without question. I also have Bushnell Sightron and Vortex they have all been great. Leupold has been my go to scope, I kind of do get into the my scope is better than your, but have not fell into trap yet!
I'm too lazy to go all the way back through and figure out the current ratio, but in the last 24 hours, the comments are something like 12 positive to 2 negative. Still, we're at less than 100 responses total, and several of those are mine. Please keep the coming.
HRF
HRF
Thank you HRF, thats kind of how I was thinking
Thanks for taking the time,
John
Thanks for taking the time,
John
I own at least 6 Leupolds, plus Kahles, Zeiss, Swarovski, Nightforce, a couple Pentax, one or two Nikons and lots of Burris.
Leupold has the following faults.
1. Leupold is the last company to update their product, they are not leaders in the forward vision of the Optics world. Nikon, Zeiss, Swarovski, Schmidt Bender and often times Bushnell and Burris will do something a long time before Leupold will.
For instance Burris Fullfield was leaps ahead of the VX-1 and 2 scopes for years. Leupold didn't even have clicks in those scopes and a Burris was cheaper by at least $60-100 for a long time. They have sense remedied and updated their old lines, and I think they will continue to do so.
2. Leupold (until Nightforce and US Optics came along) has always been the most expensive American made optic. Other Optics companies have always called it that "L-word", as the market share that Leupold has means they can charge a premium on hunting optics over Burris, Nikon, Pentax and Bushnell regardless of quality. Leupold's brand name is worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
I don't personally think Leupold is a bad company. I think they have been at the top of the mountain for a long time and have made a lot of mistakes because of their number one place in the market.
A lot of companies have quality control issues: Nightforce had them for a while, US Optics has been plagued by problems as well, and even Schmidt Bender was antequated to the point of lunacy until their Military line came out.
Leupold gives a very good military discount, and other than Zeiss and Bushnell via promotive they are the only ones doing that.
Leupold's custom shop is great, where else can you get a scope set up with engraving and custom paint directly from the factory?
I'll own more Leupolds, and I don't have a problem saying that.
Leupold has the following faults.
1. Leupold is the last company to update their product, they are not leaders in the forward vision of the Optics world. Nikon, Zeiss, Swarovski, Schmidt Bender and often times Bushnell and Burris will do something a long time before Leupold will.
For instance Burris Fullfield was leaps ahead of the VX-1 and 2 scopes for years. Leupold didn't even have clicks in those scopes and a Burris was cheaper by at least $60-100 for a long time. They have sense remedied and updated their old lines, and I think they will continue to do so.
2. Leupold (until Nightforce and US Optics came along) has always been the most expensive American made optic. Other Optics companies have always called it that "L-word", as the market share that Leupold has means they can charge a premium on hunting optics over Burris, Nikon, Pentax and Bushnell regardless of quality. Leupold's brand name is worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
I don't personally think Leupold is a bad company. I think they have been at the top of the mountain for a long time and have made a lot of mistakes because of their number one place in the market.
A lot of companies have quality control issues: Nightforce had them for a while, US Optics has been plagued by problems as well, and even Schmidt Bender was antequated to the point of lunacy until their Military line came out.
Leupold gives a very good military discount, and other than Zeiss and Bushnell via promotive they are the only ones doing that.
Leupold's custom shop is great, where else can you get a scope set up with engraving and custom paint directly from the factory?
I'll own more Leupolds, and I don't have a problem saying that.
Are we working toward an NPS (Net Promoter Score) number? I dont mind either way it is always good for a company to read unfiltered feedback to make a better assessment of their perceived performance. Numbers crunched internally have a way of being manipulated to lessen the hurt for any particular department.
Tag for a real response later when I'm not at the gym
I have a couple of leupolds . one is a vxII 2x7 that I had a special reticle installed at the custom shop . the web site said 2-3 months for special order I got it in my hands in 3 weeks . it has held up great and the glass is very nice for a scope under 300.00 . I also have a mk4 cqt mounted on my 458 socom and think it is the bee's knee's for this rifle . the illumination works great early in the morning and in the evening plus at midway in the woods but not so much in the bright sunlight . I love the circle dot and one power for stalking deer in thick cover and being able to zoom to three power helps me out to the usable limits of the rifle.
no bad vibes here . I will buy a patrol rifle scope soon.
no bad vibes here . I will buy a patrol rifle scope soon.
Every one of my transactions with them has been positive, 100%
......leupold customer for life
......leupold customer for life
I think it goes even further than their lower lines as well. They were first to market with a 1.1-8x, something that most of the other big boys are still failing to do. I know there's other models out there but their Mark 6 line is quickly dominating both the 1-6x and also the lightweight 3-18x market as well. Their tactical division under the new leadership is really taking a lead lately.
This, coincidentally, is where I think a lot of the negative sentiment directed at Leupold originates. It's not that there is anything really wrong with the products they offer. Rather, people just become annoyed when the particular bell or whistle they want isn't in the line-up. I also think Leupy has tried hard to rectify that perception of late.
HRF
HRF
