Rifle Scopes Broke another scope!

Fotis

Fotis

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 14, 2009
268
27
60
Cheyenne, Wyoming
gsgroup.co.za
#1
Darn that 378 WBY!!

Went out today and shot her again.

First two shots with 260 accubonds and H4831 went into the same hole. So far so good,
Third shot went .8" away. OK I can live with that.... Fourth and verifier 3" away. Oh Oh!

To make a long story short loads were

260 AB 112 +113 H4831
230 Raptors H4350
270 Hornady H4831
250 TTSX with RL22
300 Sierra BT IMR 7828
300 Sierra BT RL25.

Best group (after the initial group) was 3.5-4" worst was 10" at 100 yds.

This is a 4.5x14x40mm MARK 4 30mm strongest scope they make.

Before this she broke a 3.5x10 VARI x-3
and a 4.5x14x40mm 30mmtube LR VX3

Sold the lead sled so that is not an issue. It does have a brake on it.

What to do? Called Leupold and they were amazed. The manager said sent the scope back to his attention to analyze it in the impact department. We will see!!!!!!!!! They said scope might be too heavy for the gun.

So sightron zeiss what?

Anyone have any opinions on the Swarovski Z3 3-10x42? 12 OZ scope....light
 
#4
Re: Broke another scope!

You shot a 378WBY at least 24 times in a short period of time and still have a shoulder. You are the man. About 5 shots from a 300WM and I'm done.
 
#6
Re: Broke another scope!

I had the same problem about 4 or 5 years ago on my 338 Win Mag with a muzzle break on it. Was using a Leopold Vari X-III 3.5-10. The internel adjustments would break giving me crazy adjustments or not maintaining consistent groups. I mailed the scope back to Leupold, who fixed it then mailed it back. Scope lasted about another box of ammo, then broke again. So, round 2, mailed it back to Leupold who fixed it once again. Lasted about the same amount of time so I will no longer use Leupold, EVER.

Since this was just my hunting rifle I put on a Vortex Viper and haven't looked back. Thought the glass was better, adjustments more true, and the Vortex has been more reliable by far. I used to put Leopold Vari X-III on all my hunting rifles. Now, I've taken every one of them off and replaced with Vortex.

Send the Leopold back to the factory, get it fixed and sell it. Replace with another brand is my recomendation.
 
#7
Re: Broke another scope!

What are you using to mount the scope? Rings and base obviously but which ones? Are they torqued down correctly? I had a 4.5-14x40 Mk 4 break after less then 100 rounds from my 300 wby. Thus I have not used a Leupold since. However this sounds like a mounting issue to me. Something more along the lines of poor alignment, machine work, or improper installation.
 
#8
Re: Broke another scope!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wareagle700</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try and break a Bushnell Elite. I haven't yet. </div></div>

I have one in 2.5x16 6500 on my 30-378. So far no issues.
 
#9
Re: Broke another scope!

My SPS Tactical with Busnell Elite Tactical 3-12x44 was dropped several feet to freshly graveled ground while shooting one day from a high rest. Scuffed the top knob a little, stil held zero and hit same hole every time...
 
#10
Re: Broke another scope!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Longshot38</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are you using to mount the scope? Rings and base obviously but which ones? Are they torqued down correctly? I had a 4.5-14x40 Mk 4 break after less then 100 rounds from my 300 wby. Thus I have not used a Leupold since. However this sounds like a mounting issue to me. Something more along the lines of poor alignment, machine work, or improper installation. </div></div>

I did check for scope movement. Did that and no movement at all. I am using Leupold steel weaver type bases with steel QRW rings.
 
#11
Re: Broke another scope!

STOP BUYING LEUPOLDS AND YOU'LL STOP BREAKING SCOPES!!!
wink.gif


In all sincerity, Mark 4 or not, I have found them to pale in comparison to the sturdiness of multiple other scopes, especially the NF. I too have had bad experiences with broken or malfunctioning Leupold scopes in the last several years...they are all gone now and when the few I have left go south, they'll get replaced with better optics as well.

When they return you a new scope, sell it off and put the monet toward a 3-15x NF (or higher mag if it suits you...just basing my recommendation on your current magnif range). Once you do, you'll not be satisfied with anything Leupy thereafter.

ETA: I just saw your post on the rings/mount you are using and while that setup may work "ok" on some rifles that generate far less recoil impulse/energy, I'd drop them like a hot potato and move to a 1pc picatinny rail mount and some heavier duty rings (Badger, NF, Seekins, etc., etc.).
 
#12
Re: Broke another scope!

I also drink NF coolaid.

I bought one, then another, then another... I've got them mounted on every serious rifle I own, including a .50bmg with several hundred rounds down-range and have not had a single issue.
 
#13
Re: Broke another scope!

Mark 4s, at least the old ones, are just rebadged VX-3s. Nothing special about them.

My light weight .35 Whelen broke my VX-III after five or six rounds. It wouldn't maintain POA/POI, so I sent it back to Leupold to find that the erector assembly needed replaced. I stuck a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 on it and its held up for two or three years and 300 rounds now.
 
#14
Re: Broke another scope!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ledzep</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I also drink NF coolaid.

I bought one, then another, then another... I've got them mounted on every serious rifle I own, including a .50bmg with several hundred rounds down-range and have not had a single issue. </div></div>

I agree the 5.5-22X50/56 will withstand the 50 BMG, That's the scope I use on my heavy recoiling weapons.
 
#15
Re: Broke another scope!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fotis</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Longshot38</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are you using to mount the scope? Rings and base obviously but which ones? Are they torqued down correctly? I had a 4.5-14x40 Mk 4 break after less then 100 rounds from my 300 wby. Thus I have not used a Leupold since. However this sounds like a mounting issue to me. Something more along the lines of poor alignment, machine work, or improper installation. </div></div>

I did check for scope movement. Did that and no movement at all. I am using Leupold steel weaver type bases with steel QRW rings. </div></div>

Checking the scope for movement and proper torque are two completely different things. Excessive torque can be just as bad as not enough. All quality rings and bases have torque specs for a reason. Also have you check your alignment? Improper alignment can cause undue stress to the scope and thus cause failures as well. Did you lap the rings? One more source of poor alignment that is easily rectified.

Were I in your shoes I would sell the scope and start over at square one. New high quality mounting hardware and a new scope. But that is just me. Leupold is not a horrible brand and in recent years they have made great strides to correct the problems of the past. However I feel like they are vastly overpriced for what you get these days.
 
#16
Re: Broke another scope!

I see a pattern emerging! Sounds like several Leupolds went to the crapper!
I don't own any but I do know my PSTs, weaver tac, elite 6500, NF, and super snipers have never failed. several of these have been on my .300wm and my 50bmg.
 
#17
Re: Broke another scope!

Guys Leupolds have sat upon everything from 22lr to 50BMGs. They are nothing new to the market place. Yes they can and do fail. Most of us here have at least one example of this. But this is no different from any other mechanical device.

So before we turn this into another Leupold bashing party lets make sure the Leupold is to blame. More scopes have been ruined by improper installation and use then have come off from the factory being defective.

As of the Mk4 line. They are not just rebranded VX3s anymore. They utilize a different erector design that while annoying as hell is very rugged. So the OPs problems might be Leupold, but we don't know that to be the case yet. More information and investigation is warranted before we start with bashing on Leupold.
 
#19
Re: Broke another scope!

I had the same problem with leupold a few years ago, three in a row went to shit in no time at all, haven't bought a leupy since and never will again.
sounds like you are in the same boat.
try something higher quality.
cheers.
 
#20
Re: Broke another scope!

I have just bought my first Leupold and it is mounted on a Rem. 700 .308. I haven't had any problems (maybe because of lower recoil). I will have to see how it holds up.
 
#22
Re: Broke another scope!

The Bushnell CS is good. I would be suprised if you broke the 6500. I have the same scope and it has been mounted on 4 or 5 different rifles. Still works like new. I have never had a issue with any Bushnell Elite. For the money they are very tough.
 
#26
Re: Broke another scope!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wareagle700</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Bushnell CS is good. I would be suprised if you broke the 6500. I have the same scope and it has been mounted on 4 or 5 different rifles. Still works like new. I have never had a issue with any Bushnell Elite. For the money they are very tough. </div></div>

that is tempting.

Got on on my 30-378 SAKO TRGS and holds true everytime
 
#28
Re: Broke another scope!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Texdoug1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You shot a 378WBY at least 24 times in a short period of time and still have a shoulder. You are the man. About 5 shots from a 300WM and I'm done. </div></div>

Your a pussy
 
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