Opinions on Leupolds

[Scottyboy]

My opinion, I will never trust one ever again. Had 2 different scopes fail on 2 different hunts. The first was a muzzleloader hunt in the gila...scope (vx3i) lost zero for no apparent reason ie; I didn’t fall, gun wasn’t dropped etc. after rezeroing thankfully it held up for 1 more shot and after that it went away.

the second was vx5 on an elk hunt in Montana, again no rhyme or reason aside from normal “wear and tear” riding buggy from camp (zero was on) to the field....zero not on. Used a buddy’s rifle to seal the deal.

I’m sure I’m the minority with my experience, but much like vortex....a lifetime warranty you will need, and certainly use.

 

[Elkhntr08]

Thoughts on the FireDot? Worth it or PITA? Kinda like the CDS, not sure I need it, but I might like it.

 

[OutdoorAg]

Thoughts on the FireDot? Worth it or PITA? Kinda like the CDS, not sure I need it, but I might like it.

On the VX6 that I owned with a fire dot, I liked it. But found out that when it really came to hunting, I rarely used it.

 

[JG Wentworth]

I have the vx-3i 4.5-14x40 with CDS on my 300wsm. So far it has been a great scope for me. I compared it to my brothers similarly priced Vortex Viper 4-16 x44 and found the Leupold to be brighter, more crisp, and much lighter. Durability has been on point and the elevation turret has fairly pronounced tactile clicks. Things to keep in mind the lack of a zero stop on the turret can cause serious issues if not careful and the .7 inch change in eye relief between min and max zoom will force you to adjust your cheek weld on the stock. Overall it’s a great price point scope if you’re looking for that zoom range in a compact lightweight package.

 

[RHR280AC]

Just my two cents worth fella's: I have owned Swarovski Z8's, Z6's and Z3's as well as The Zeiss Victory V8 and HDs. ALL have been outstanding glass with outstanding customer service to back up the product. HOWEVER as of late, I have used strictly Leupold optics and have been more than satisfied. Why the change? As I get older I realize the value of an American Company, with American Workers putting out a World Class product in a domestic manufacturing facility. This is one thing we should all take into account now that our nation is dealing with this Covid19 plague. Having to rely on another country for almost everything we consume is not a smart practice. So I do my part and purchase what I can that is made in the USA by its workforce.

There are very few companies who make their own glass so I can overlook the use of Japanese glass in Leupold optics. The country of Japan, its government and citizens are one of our best allies. One cannot say the same for the government of China. Politics aside, we: ie America used to be THE manufacturer that provided for the world, with top quality and craftsmanship. We should all think about that when spending are hard earned dollar.

Thanks for letting me chime in. I am proud to say that I utilize two Leupold VX-3i's in the 2.5-8x36 with Duplex version. They are a perfect optic for hunting whitetail deer here in the Northeast.
Rg

 

[Formidilosus]

The Leupold is made in USA while the Bushnell is made in China and Zeiss...

If you are going to feel so strongly about something, at least be factual. The Bushnell LRHS/LRTS/Elite Tactical scopes are Japanese made at Light Optical Works.




Both of the OP’s stated scopes are bad aiming devices if correct function of the erector, and zero retention are important. For those who doubt it, shoot a 10 round group, drop the rifle on whatever side you like (right/left/top) from a couple of feet and shoot another group. You won’t like the results.

 

[28bang]

Too many failures for me to go back to Leupold unfortunately. Just received a vortex amg. Made in the USA, everything but the reticle, it’s german. Leupold designs, machines and assembles here. So I doubt much of the scope is of USA origin. As close as you get these days I guess with the exception of the AMG.

 

[AK Troutbum]

Leupold designs, machines and assembles here. So I doubt much of the scope is of USA origin. As close as you get these days I guess with the exception of the AMG.

I don’t follow you, can you elaborate?


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[N2TRKYS]

Never had a VX5, but have had VX3s from the early 90s to the present day variety. I've never had one minutes trouble out of any of my VX3s. Mine hit where I aim them.

Folks I know that have the VX5 have said that they felt that it was an upgrade in glass from the VX3s. YMMV.

 

[28bang]

I don’t follow you, can you elaborate?


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which part? Glass they get is from Japan(nothing wrong with that)on some models, they do not make their erector system here either. It’s why they say designed, machined, and assembled in USA and not made. Pay attention to the language used.

 

[AK Troutbum]

which part? Glass they get is from Japan(nothing wrong with that)on some models, they do not make their erector system here either. It’s why they say designed, machined, and assembled in USA and not made. Pay attention to the language used.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Elkhntr08]

Well, just pulled the trigger on a VX5HD listed on here.
Now I need to get new rings. Always something!

 

[badkneesbro]

I can only speak of one vx2 I owned which was recently stolen along with my tikka. If the thief attempts suicide with that rifle, he'll probably miss because of the leupold thats mounted to it. I killed a couple mulies with it but never fully trusted it. Looking back I was constantly messing with the dials on that thing at the range trying to get it to group at the same place consistently. It'll be a long time before I'll go back to them. I would rather take my chances on a $200 burris than any amount on a leupold. For my new tikka I'll either be going with a swfa or a meopta meopro. But good luck with your choice I hope it does as well for you as it does for a lot of other people.

 

[Elkhntr08]

Guess I’ve been lucky, I’ve never had any issues with a scope like you guys talk about. Only failure was a Simmons 44Mag on a 300 RUM. After 50 or so shots, the duplex went haywire.
Right now I have several Leupold, a couple Zeiss, a couple Burris and a Nikon or two. Out of all of those, the Nikons are my least favorite.
I do care where my stuff comes from. But we all know, that most of the best glass comes from Germany.
Oh well, thanks for all the advice and thanks to the RS member for a good deal.Now I wait for the scope and the weather to break so I can take the 300 out and play.

 

[pirogue]

I’ve never had any issues with my Leupold brand scopes, bases, nor rings. But you never see their bases and rings recommended on here, for some reason.

 

[slowelk]

Both of the OP’s stated scopes are bad aiming devices if correct function of the erector, and zero retention are important. For those who doubt it, shoot a 10 round group, drop the rifle on whatever side you like (right/left/top) from a couple of feet and shoot another group. You won’t like the results.

Form, not everyone can be helped, but I do appreciate you never giving up.

The Leupold marketing machine is simply too powerful a vortex in the hunting realm, and seems to be picking up steam in precision shooting too. I don’t get it. It doesn’t take much more than a google search to turn up the issues, but those get drowned out with all the sponsored YouTube videos touting their capabilities.

 

[TxxAgg]

^^^ i agree. I like his informative posts

 

[DropTyne]

I can only speak of one vx2 I owned which was recently stolen along with my tikka. If the thief attempts suicide with that rifle, he'll probably miss because of the leupold thats mounted to it. I killed a couple mulies with it but never fully trusted it. Looking back I was constantly messing with the dials on that thing at the range trying to get it to group at the same place consistently. It'll be a long time before I'll go back to them. I would rather take my chances on a $200 burris than any amount on a leupold. For my new tikka I'll either be going with a swfa or a meopta meopro. But good luck with your choice I hope it does as well for you as it does for a lot of other people.

There are no flies on the Burris Fullfield II if you are just looking for a dependable set and forget scope. I used a couple for 2 years after I experienced a few Leupold headaches. One took a significant fall resulting in a small dent on the tube 3/4" in front of the elevation turret. The scope still functions fine and never lost zero.

This year I have moved up to the SWFA 3-9, and I am currently kicking myself for not making the move 5 years ago. What a scope.

 

[Formidilosus]

Form, not everyone can be helped, but I do appreciate you never giving up.

The Leupold marketing machine is simply too powerful a vortex in the hunting realm, and seems to be picking up steam in precision shooting too. I don’t get it. It doesn’t take much more than a google search to turn up the issues, but those get drowned out with all the sponsored YouTube videos touting their capabilities.

It’s marketing, it’s perception, it’s not wanting to believe that dad/granddad/favorite writer were wrong, etc. Then there’s a whole lot that don’t won’t to believe that manufactures don’t actually test these scope before they release them. It’s not just Leupold, it’s almost all of the manufactures- the public are the beta testers. I have no hate or love for Leupold (or any company). I wish Leupold would fix themselves, but they won’t. No new product is going to change that, corporately they have chosen and are genuinely locked into a different sales strategy.

 

[Fireman03]

It’s marketing, it’s perception, it’s not wanting to believe that dad/granddad/favorite writer were wrong, etc. Then there’s a whole lot that don’t won’t to believe that manufactures don’t actually test these scope before they release them. It’s not just Leupold, it’s almost all of the manufactures- the public are the beta testers. I have no hate or love for Leupold (or any company). I wish Leupold would fix themselves, but they won’t. No new product is going to change that, corporately they have chosen and are genuinely locked into a different sales strategy.

What is their sales strategy then?