Rifle Scopes IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

RTR Elmore

Private
Minuteman
Jun 3, 2011
18
0
45
Tennessee
I recently purchased an IOR 3.5-18x50 Illuminated FFP mil/mil from Liberty Optics. Then I made the mistake of mounting it before I gave the thing a very thorough looking through. A couple days later I got it outside and discovered 3 specs of trash in the reticle. They are very tiny, but still there. If u just focused on the crosshairs, u would never see them. However, for what the scope cost, it's not acceptable. I contacted Valdada, and they told me to send it in. So then I had to fork out more money to ship back a scope that I had for 2 days. I got the scope back Friday with a note from Val that said they cleaned it up and everything was perfect. Looked through the scope and the specs are still there. Needless to say, I'm pissed. Now for my question. Has anyone had this problem, had experience with Valdada's customer service, and do u think they will make me pay for shipping again?
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

Sir, Scott at LO is about as good seller as there is. No disrespect here, but I'm surprised you didn't contact him to ask about the issue. He stands by 100% everything he sells. Ring him up and ask what the next step should be.

FWIW, I had an IOR with the same "speck" issue several years ago when I had one, and, at least then, it was a known issue with some of them.

Call Scott, though,

HTH,

tony
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

What you are seeing is dust from the engraving of the reticle. I do know of one other person who has had this problem. You will not find better customer service than Valdada. All you have to do is ask and they will likely reimburse you for your shipping assuming you are the original owner and have a receipt for purchase. They would likely replace the scope with a new one if asked and one was in stock. I and most of their customers on this site have had nothing but unbelievable customer service from them. The last scope I shipped on Thursday to them, I got back on Wed. the next week. They replaced a two year old scope with a brand new version at no charge. Many, many others have similar stories about this company so talk to Scott at Liberty or Val in Colorado and they will get it taken care of.

I am not associated with Valdada other than owning a number of their scopes and having had outstanding results anytime I needed anything from them.
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

Don't get <span style="font-style: italic">too</span> mad. This happens quite often on MANY optics. Personally, I've had a small speck of stuff on both a Premier and USO. If it bugs ya, send it back. It has never interfered with operation of the optic and hasn't really bothered me so I just drove on and ignored it.
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

What you are seeing more than likely is the anodizing that can get chipped/rubbed, what ever, off the inside of the scope after assembly. When the parts start to move, as in someone dialing up and down on the power a lot sometimes the coating bits at the edges will break free and end up on a focal lens. Most times it gets captured by the "tube lube" but sometime it gets loose.

I won't speak for IOR as they do make a nice optic but if it was a USO I'd tell you to smack it on a phone book and see if it was still there before sending it back.

Cheers,

Doc
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

agreed this is quite common, and not just IORs. If you don't like the phone book idea then you can put it on the hardest kicking rifle you own and I think after 20-30 shots they will be gone. Worked for me, had a couple of specs on a new scope a while back but wasn't going to let it ruin my day of shooting. On about round 23 on a 300wsm the specs where gone and have not returned hundreds of rounds later.
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

I've seen these specs before and assumed it was due to poor cleanliness during assembly. Could be from the reticle process or the assembly process. I'll bet the Valdata factory uses HEPA filtered laminar flow hoods over assembly workspaces instead of class 10,000 clean rooms with proper gowning areas. Assembly workers probably wear gloves but no gowns, hoods or facemasks. Not a terrible thing, but certainly disappointing after spending big bucks on a scope.

Looks like you'll have to send it somewhere again.
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

Thanks for all your replies. Tried the phone book, but the specs are still there. Granted, I was only willing to smack it so hard. The hardest recoiling thing I have is a single shot H & R 12 ga. slug gun. That would be a sight. Might have to take a picture of that setup. Everything else is .308 and under. It would probably cost me more to put 20-30 slugs through the thing than to ship it back. Doc was right. I shined a flashlight down the objective and I can see the specs on the focal lens. I guess they are on there pretty good. Looks like it will be going back again.
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

RTR-

I had a lense chip on one of the scopes I purchased from them with less than 10 shots throught the rifle. I sent it back and I had a new one in my hands four days later. Don't give up on them yet.

Buddhapapa
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

RTR-

I had a lense chip on one of the scopes I purchased from them with less than 10 shots throught the rifle. I sent it back and I had a new one in my hands four days later. Don't give up on them yet.

Buddhapapa
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

Has Val ever hired anyone to service and repair scopes? Still just him and the other Scott, holding down the fort? The only 2 man company in the optics game I betcha...

At one time I owned 6 IOR scopes, now only have 1. Got rid of them at a loss rather than have to deal ever again with Valley Boy from Romania or is it Ru? IOR is Ru-Ro no matter how you spell it.

I returned a brand new in-box $1400 scope to them because the optic quality was like looking through a coke bottle at low and high magnification. The word I got was, "Scope looks fine" and, "you didn't buy this scope to use on low-power did you, buddy?"

If Scott will give you full credit towards anything else he sells, ask him and make the trade. Buying from LO might be the only decent thing going for you on this purchase.

Hope you get squared away. Hope you paid with a credit card, because I would dispute the transaction if neither LO or IOR will give you a refund.
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

I spoke to Scott at Liberty Optics today. He said to send him an email explaining the situation and he would take care of the rest. I'm pretty new to the Hide, but I can tell from my short time here that Scott is highly respected. That being the case, I have no doubt he will get the issue resolved. What's concerning is that due to my issue, I have realized that IOR has had a hell of alot of scopes returned, whether or not it was a positive customer service experience. What's the deal?
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bignada</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Has Val ever hired anyone to service and repair scopes? Still just him and the other Scott, holding down the fort? The only 2 man company in the optics game I betcha...

At one time I owned 6 IOR scopes, now only have 1. Got rid of them at a loss rather than have to deal ever again with Valley Boy from Romania or is it Ru? IOR is Ru-Ro no matter how you spell it.

I returned a brand new in-box $1400 scope to them because the optic quality was like looking through a coke bottle at low and high magnification. The word I got was, "Scope looks fine" and, "you didn't buy this scope to use on low-power did you, buddy?"

If Scott will give you full credit towards anything else he sells, ask him and make the trade. Buying from LO might be the only decent thing going for you on this purchase.

Hope you get squared away. Hope you paid with a credit card, because I would dispute the transaction if neither LO or IOR will give you a refund.
</div></div> IOR has taken good care of me.. I own 2 and would buy another. Their CS has come along ways! IOR is good stuff IMO and I know there are others here that feel the same!
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

Well I for one love my IOR, was out shooting saturday and my two "high end" scopes are. Vortex Razor HD 5x20 mounted on a AR with a 24" tube(5.56), IOR 3x18x50 on a 300WSM. And While the Vortex is no sloutch the IOR is better in my opinion. The Glass is much much clearer, instantly noticable when switching from one to the other. also I much prefer the 10mil per revolution vs the 5 on the vortex.

Also have a 2x10 IOR on another AR (308). I would buy another IOR and in fact may soon.

Mount that sucker up and go shooting.
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

I had the same problem with the new 2.5x10 IOR scope ... looked like a small fleck left over from the manufacturing process stuck in the upper left quadrant. Val swapped it out immediately without any questions asked. In my experience, the IOR team are great folks to deal with.
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bignada</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Has Val ever hired anyone to service and repair scopes? Still just him and the other Scott, holding down the fort? The only 2 man company in the optics game I betcha...

At one time I owned 6 IOR scopes, now only have 1. Got rid of them at a loss rather than have to deal ever again with Valley Boy from Romania or is it Ru? IOR is Ru-Ro no matter how you spell it.

I returned a brand new in-box $1400 scope to them because the optic quality was like looking through a coke bottle at low and high magnification. The word I got was, "Scope looks fine" and, "you didn't buy this scope to use on low-power did you, buddy?"

If Scott will give you full credit towards anything else he sells, ask him and make the trade. Buying from LO might be the only decent thing going for you on this purchase.

Hope you get squared away. Hope you paid with a credit card, because I would dispute the transaction if neither LO or IOR will give you a refund.
</div></div>

Thanks bignada, or should I say Ed Hogan, the member formerly known as Swamper. You were banned awhile ago but I see you've reared your ugly head again. You just can't help yourself, can you? Rest assured Lowlight has been contacted with news of your untimely re-emergence. I have a feeling you will have to attempt to re-emerge..yet again.

Buh-bye,

Scott
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

RTR Elmore, please call me, "we have a deal"
wink.gif
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

Apparantly years ago IOR's cs only liked to deal with LEO or military (Boston says this)--it seems it has gotten better in recent years.

As for Scott at LO--he has my optics buisness for life! He will take care of you.
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RTR Elmore</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I recently purchased an IOR 3.5-18x50 Illuminated FFP mil/mil from Liberty Optics. Then I made the mistake of mounting it before I gave the thing a very thorough looking through. A couple days later I got it outside and discovered 3 specs of trash in the reticle. They are very tiny, but still there. If u just focused on the crosshairs, u would never see them. However, for what the scope cost, it's not acceptable. I contacted Valdada, and they told me to send it in. So then I had to fork out more money to ship back a scope that I had for 2 days. I got the scope back Friday with a note from Val that said they cleaned it up and everything was perfect. Looked through the scope and the specs are still there. Needless to say, I'm pissed. Now for my question. Has anyone had this problem, had experience with Valdada's customer service, and do u think they will make me pay for shipping again? </div></div>

Check the link on my sig. for IOR cs. They are awesome, And Scott from Liberty Optics is one of the best vendors out there.
 
Re: IOR 3.5-18X50 Trash in reticle

I am glad I am not the only one to have a coke bottle quality glass IOR. I sent mine back once and it took TWO weeks to even get a reply and longer to get another scope. This one is a little better but still not what I expected on a scope of this quality.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bignada</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Has Val ever hired anyone to service and repair scopes? Still just him and the other Scott, holding down the fort? The only 2 man company in the optics game I betcha...

At one time I owned 6 IOR scopes, now only have 1. Got rid of them at a loss rather than have to deal ever again with Valley Boy from Romania or is it Ru? IOR is Ru-Ro no matter how you spell it.

I returned a brand new in-box $1400 scope to them because the optic quality was like looking through a coke bottle at low and high magnification. The word I got was, "Scope looks fine" and, "you didn't buy this scope to use on low-power did you, buddy?"

If Scott will give you full credit towards anything else he sells, ask him and make the trade. Buying from LO might be the only decent thing going for you on this purchase.

Hope you get squared away. Hope you paid with a credit card, because I would dispute the transaction if neither LO or IOR will give you a refund.
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