I have a Ruger # 1 chambered in .416 Rigby, and am thinking of mounting a Leupold VX III 1.75-6 x 32 variable scope, using the Ruger rings which came with the gun. Does anyone have experience with Leupold scopes on heavy recoiling firearms? How do they stand up over the long term? Are there better scopes for the money than Leupold? All comments appreciated.

No prob... had a similar set up myself.

I have the 1.75x6 and the 2.5x8 on .375's. No problem after about 150 rounds through each. Held zero and no problems.

I have a very similar set up now and love it no problems holding zero more of a problem not flinching but that is another story.
As for better scope for the money I have tried several types around the same price range and ALWAYS go back to the leupy and wonder what I was thinking. Zeiss is nice and can be found on e-bay for around $400.00 but that would be the only thing to compete and when shooting the larger calibers warranty is worth something. Zeiss and leupold are the best at that in my book.

Anecdotal evidence indicates that the Vari-X III may be a little less recoil resistant than the older Vari-X II design (the internals of the new VX-III and VX-I & II are essentially the same design as their respective Vari-X series counterparts).

I personally believe that their is little, if any, difference in the recoil resistance of the two designs and that the slightly greater number of failures that are cited with the III than with the II are a result of many more III's being mounted on heavy recoiling rifles, therefore many more chances to fail. In any event, the failure rate of Leupolds due to recoil is very low, and "recoil" failures are often actually attributable to something else.

Bottom line: Leupolds, whether I's, II's, or III's, are about as recoil resistant as any scope made (other than perhaps a fixed Leupold M8 or fixed Weaver K series). Leupold's reputation for service (which I can't attest to as I've never needed to send one back in 40+ years) would seem to make them a good choice if you're concerned about damage from recoil.

Stonecreek: I concur completely with your Leupold "experiences".
I have been shooting Rifles with Leupold scopes on them for 42 years now and I have never incurred a "failure"!
Let me expound a little on the "Leupold experiences" I have enjoyed!
I have used them in the Olympic Rainforest and the west slope of the Cascade Range of western Washington! I have used them in the panhandle of Alaska on 4 Mt. Goat Hunts! I often describe the SE Alaska Mt. Goat Hunts as exactly the same as taking your Rifle into the shower with you in the morning - and staying in there ALL DAY for a week!
I have used them in 40 degree below zero Big Game Hunts in Montana as well as the stifling heat (100 degrees!) on the high plains Hunting Varmints!
I have Hunted off of horses with them and off of ATV's and Jeep Hunting and back pack Hunting - never a failure!
But I have to remind folks that the Leupolds have never internally fogged on me in the countless thousands of times I have taken them in and out of warm (HOT?) vehicles out to freezing (and way below freezing!) temperatures!
Over the 4+ decades I have been shooting and Hunting with Leupolds I am sure I have owned and used way more than 120 of them. Never a failure. I am sure as of today I possess at least 40 or 50 of them!
Knock on wood - problem #1 has yet to befall me with any of these Leupolds.
I will also relay this - I avoid heavy recoiling Rifles AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE! I do have and have used Leupolds on 300 Winchester Magnums, 338's, 7mm Magnums and such. I have never owned a Leupold that I shot on a Rifle above 34 caliber.
But I have banged my Leupold equipped Rifles around so much and for such extended periods of time that I do declare that Leupolds are splendidly reliable!
I hesitate to NAME the legions of scopes that I have seen that did fail for my Hunting and shooting mates! These failures occurred while shooting at the range or in the field right alongside MY Leupolds that kept chugging along. That would only start a flame fest! Just let it suffice to say that MANY of these failed scopes originated in Europe!
Long live the Leupold Company!
I only wish they would make a sincere effort to diminish PRICES of their products!
I have of recent found myself searching out "DEALS" on lesser brands of scopes, like Nikon, Sightron, Weaver as well as on used Leupolds!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Thanks for the posts guys. Much appreciated. Sounds like a new Leupold is on the way.

Rick

I have the very scope your talking about on a Weatherby .378 not a problem.

I would like to add this.
I own what I and others far more informed than my self strongly feel is a slug gun whos deisgn by it vary nature is one of the most potent scope destroying firarms available.

I am talking about the New England Firearms Pardner, model Tracker II in 12 gauge 3" magnum. For thoses reading this thread that are not familure with it, the Tracker II is of a break-breach design like an Encore that (just like the Encore) places the scope mounting directly on top of the chamber, insted of on top of the receiver as do most other scoped firearms. The result is a dramaticly far greater and direct transmission of the substancial recoil forces generated by a 12 gauge magnum sabot to the scope, far more so than if the scope were to be mounted on the receiver as is the case with firearms of nearly any other design.

Dave Henderson once commented that while shooting a Tracker II he and his partner were taking bets as how many shots it would take before the scopes of lesser quality that were mounted atop the Tracker II would fail and at times litterally fly apart. Mr. Henderson recammended mounting high quality scopes such as eithor a Nikon or a Luepold.

My personal experience is this.
My friend and I both own Tracker IIs and 209x50 Encore magnum MLs and VariX-IIs sit on top of both. Combined we have over 150 rounds out of the Trackers and well over 1200 (yes thats right 1200) out of the Encores and the VariX-II have performed flawlessly. My other VariX-IIs sit atop a .300wm and a .338wm, and two other 12 gauge 3" magnum bolt action slug rifles. All strong recoiling firearms.

1000s and 1000s of rounds and ZERO problems of any kind.

quote:

Originally posted by Clem:
I have Leupolds on a 300wm, 375hh and 458wm (and 4 other rifles with smaller chamberings). I have never had a single failure with any of them.

Now, I wonder how long it'll be before that stinky little fish is trolling around here?

So if someone doesn't like the brand you like they are "stinky"? I'm glad that you are able to smell over the internet. That's a feat in itself. Please droll on....

This is sorta anectodal evidence, but was at the range today with a friend's 7 mag with a 3.5x10x50mm Leupold and my 30-06 with a Kahles 3x9x42. Shot the 7 mag for 2 shots first and could not see where it hit. Thought that it was off the paper until I shot the 30-06. Then I could clearly see that the 2 shots from the 7 mag had hit 2" high and 4" right up in the orange. Next time I had the 7 mag I tried adjusting the Leupold scope. Where it was clearest (still couldn't see the holes), the reticle was out of focus. Lot of parallax too.

Now I know why so many shooters bring a spotting scope to the range. Lot of Leupold scopes out there. That ought to get things started!

I had a 1.75-6x Leupold scope fail. It was on a .416.

I sent the scope to Leupold and put on a Bushnell Elite 2-7 that I had so I could practice. Scope worked so well I kept it on the rifle. I will never in my life spend more on scopes collectively than I did on that Tanzanian hunt, so I guess at the end of the day I was pretty confident in the Elite.

I like Leupold very much.

That said, I've had two failures of a 1.5-6x LPS on my 460 WBY. Both after at least 250 rounds.

After #2 died, Leupold replaced it with a 2.5-10x LPS. That one died after about 400 rounds from my 460 WBY.

I'm confident they'll replace it as well.

I've never had a failure of a Leupold on any of my other magnums.

Regardless of scopes, let me ask how one finds occasion to run nearly 700 rounds through a 460 Weatherby? Would it be prairie dogs or ground squirrels?

While I was getting ready for a Big 5 safari, I started practicing ALOT of offhand. For alot of reasons. To get used to the recoil. To make sure I could consistently put all three rounds on a pie plate at varying distances rapidly. To reacclimate to shooting off sticks. That kind of thing. For me, the recoil did a decent job helping train my focus to keep the cross hairs where they need to be while the rest of my brain was screaming "this is really gonna hurt".

And, I may have gotten a little addicted to the look people gave me at the indoor 100 yd range when you pull the trigger. The "what the hell is THAT" scowl as they hurry to get out the door and behind the blast glass. It's probably not nearly as addictive as watching someone else getting hammered by that recoil (you'll have to ask Saeed on that one ). But it's still pretty funny.


Besides, continuing to practice with that monster brings back vivid memories of great safaris.

Here's a link to that last one:

https://forums.accuratereloading.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/1411043/m/949100633

Stuntpilot

I don't mean to hijack this thread....Back on topic: It's been a month since Leupold took possession of my 2.5-10x LPS. They emailed me yesterday to tell me they're still having some trouble getting one back to me. That's a first for me in many otherwise excellent, and much faster, service experiences.

If Leupold cant handle the recoil nothing will.

Sure it will handle that recoil & plenty more.
When you look at a Leupold scope you are looking at the best scope for tough practical hunting conditions,full stop

quote:

When you look at a Leupold scope you are looking at the best scope for tough practical hunting conditions,full stop

No way are the leup(old) the best hunting(or any other purpose)scopes out there. Do some searches on this forum so I don't have to reitterate.

Check out the scopes used by SSK Industries http://www.sskindustries.com since their wildcats are a bit different.Leupold,Nightforce,etc

FWIW, I have Leupold VX-IIs and VX-IIIs on all my rifles excepting a 45-70 Guide Gun that wears a B&L 4x, including 2 .375s and have had ZERO problems with any of them. I have put a lot of rounds through the .375s and the scopes work perfectly. I can't imagine they wouldn't hold up to a .416. They may not be on an optical par with some of the Euros but for the money they're a heckuva scope.

quote:

Originally posted by small fish:

quote:

When you look at a Leupold scope you are looking at the best scope for tough practical hunting conditions,full stop

No way are the leup(old) the best hunting(or any other purpose)scopes out there. Do some searches on this forum so I don't have to reitterate.

Firstly.
Bite the big one junior,"leup(old)".

Secondly.
Dont bag a scope you proberly have never used let alone owned.

Right back at ya

PS-"Do some searches on this forum so I don't have to reitterate".
We have a saying downunder.GAGF

I'm glad you know what scopes I've owned,used and had experiences with. Your scope of choice SUCKS. I have stated my peace and have nothing more to add to your ignorant drivel. Asshole.

Okay we have spoken our minds,so lets move onwards & upwards.

The thread is =
"I have a Ruger # 1 chambered in .416 Rigby, and am thinking of mounting a Leupold VX III 1.75-6 x 32 variable scope, using the Ruger rings which came with the gun. Does anyone have experience with Leupold scopes on heavy recoiling firearms? How do they stand up over the long term? Are there better scopes for the money than Leupold? All comments appreciated."

Well spoken my friend,let's move on then shall we?

quote:

Originally posted by small fish:
Well spoken my friend,let's move on then shall we?

No prob's mate.

Leupold scopes are the best scopes for the money. Period. That is not to say they are the best scope. Leupold scopes hold up to recoil and just about everything else you can throw at them. I have and will continue to put Leupold scopes on any rifle and hunt anything anywhere.

quote:

Originally posted by small fish:
Your scope of choice SUCKS. I have stated my peace and have nothing more to add to your ignorant drivel. Asshole.

Leupold scopes suck?

Seems you're the one adding the ignorant drivel.

There's nothing ignorant at all about any of my posts. I look at all scopes with an open mind and "call it as I see it". I think you can do much better in todays market than buying a worn out old hag of a scope.

I have Vari-X III 2.5x8's on a couple .375's and a .416 with no problems. After around 500 rounds through my .460 with another 2.5x8 the power ring was getting difficult to turn (but still worked fine). They fixed it without question and I can't ever remember it being not sited in when I checked it.

In my experience the older Vari-X II was not nearly as durable as the Vari-X III. I had a 3x9 on a .458 that broke the power ring every year or so. It would still stay sited in but was stuck on whatever power it was on when it broke. Leupold would fix it everytime but they said the parts were aluminum in the Vari-X II and brass (more durable) in the Vari-X III.

I don't have enough experience with the new designations to comment on them.

For the last 18 years I've been in the field 100 to 200 days per year with several hundred clients so I get to see a ton of scopes in rough conditions. Dollar for dollar nothing compares to Leupold.

In fact, I tried a Schmidt & Bender just because I've heard so much about them and am quite disappointed (poor eye relief, loosing point of impact, etc.). I would have been much happier with a Leupold (and saved several hundred dollars).

I'm not that impressed with the one Zeiss I own either. Swarovski's seem to do well for clients. At some point I may get one to try but it would have to go along way to sway me from Leupold.

Kyler

smallfish: You are wrong about the Leupold scopes.
Take it from those of us that have more experience and a more open mind than you have. Leupold scopes are outstanding performers and are without a doubt THE best looking scopes on the market today!
Add to that the Leupold iron clad and UNSURPASSED warranty and customer service.
Just take the time to go get a Leupold catalog and peruse it!
Carefully, if you are capable.
No one on earth offers more models of scopes than Leupold.
Dittoes for reticles offerings!
Dittoes for finishes!
Dittoes for power ranges (variables) and power offerings (fixed)!
Dittoes for customizing features!
Dittoes for pistol scope!
Dittoes for shotgun scopes!
Etc etc etc.
If you care to discount the testimonials from previous posters and the first hand testimonials you SHOULD HAVE encountered over the years - IF you have any shooting experience WHAT SO EVER, then thats simply YOUR problem.
Doing that is similar to sticking your head in the sand and being contrary - for contraries sake.
You ARE diminished by such shortsidedness and closemindedness there on your part!
I ALWAYS choose Leupold for my Big Game and Bear Hunting Rifles.
Ignore my recommendation, and my pointing out your errors and shortcomings at YOUR OWN PERIL there smallfish!
Having said the above I must re-iterate my previously posted (many times in fact!) consternation regarding Leupolds prices of recent!
I think Leupold has been making more expensive scopes and models of scopes purely with the intent on gloming onto every cent they can.
For the "one scope every couple years" types (like yourself) this is not a big problem. But I buy several scopes every year and the costs of Leupolds "hurts" me anymore.
This new policy of Leupolds is contrary to their pricing policies of past decades!
Perhaps in Leupolds defense - EVERYTHING is getting more expensive these days and I am a notorious penny pincher! NO ONE wants to get value for their dollar more than I!
No one!
So far this year I have bought scopes by Weaver, Nikon, Bausch & Lomb, Sightron and Redfieild for my personal use on Varmint Rifles - many of these scopes I bought used some were new.
Up until a couple years ago I would not even CONSIDER buying anything but a Leupold scope for ANY of my Rifles (Target, Big Game or Varminters!) but the prices of BOTH new and used Leupolds has sent me off course a bit. I now seek out "killer" deals on new and used "lesser" brands of scopes (than the Leupolds) for my Varmint Rifles!
Shame this - I think!
But still I would not even consider ANY of the lesser brands of scopes for my Big Game Rifles.
There is another way to look at my sensitivity to Leupolds present pricing - if I were to buy a new Leupold scope I of course would be able to resell that scope quicker, easier and for a higher percentage of my investment than with any other brand made today!
So that fact is definitely in Leupolds favor (defense!).
That (Leupolds worth used) smallfish is a fact that even your contrary self can't credibly dispute.
So again the Leupold is still todays best choice for high recoiling dangerous game and big game Rifles and pistols!
Its reliability (weather proofness, ability to hold point of aim during travel and hard use), performance and durability over time IS unsurpassed.
Learn to appreciate that and live with it smallfish it will make your Rifle shooting and Hunting more enjoyable in the long run.
Again you should defer to and trust those of us with more experience than you and those of us that have a more open mind than you have.
Long live Leupold!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

quote:

Originally posted by Rick Behling:
I have a Ruger # 1 chambered in .416 Rigby, and am thinking of mounting a Leupold VX III 1.75-6 x 32 variable scope, using the Ruger rings which came with the gun. Does anyone have experience with Leupold scopes on heavy recoiling firearms? How do they stand up over the long term? Are there better scopes for the money than Leupold? All comments appreciated.

I have a Leupold VX-1 2-7x33 on my .22 Hornet. Last year I fell into a pit, and hit the scope objective violently into a stone block. The objective ring was battered, and I though the scope was totally destroyed. I fired three shots from 50 yards into a log: the zero remained as before the hit without any alteration.

At home I sent it for controle and repair to the leupold importer. It came back the same week.

I wouldn't hesitate to put a leupold on a heavy recoil rifle - indeed I think that it is the quite proper scope.

Fritz

smallfish: Get up off of your wimpy ass and try to defend your posted stupidity!
Obviously you can't - so why don't you be a man and delete your batch of stupid blather!
Typical fucking contrary - no guts, no sense, no pride in oneself!
I feel sorry for you smallfish you pathetic excuse for a human!
People get tired of you dimwitted mudslingers and your unfounded, unproven, unrealistic and mean spirited and baseless, "drive by" slanders!
Your brand of unspecific, specious and contrary, just to be contrary bullshit is not appreciated.
If you have some (ANY!) valid complaints or personal experiences with the Leupold line of scopes act like a fuckin man and post them!
Otherwise - shut your fuckin pie hole you contrary cocksucker!
But mind you, you pathetic dork, IF you come up with some lame ass statements be prepared for a cyberspace ass whipping like you have never had to endure before!
I will tear apart any untrue, unfounded, rumor based blather that you might burp up!
NO! Your baseless slanders will not be allowed to stand and everyone "just move on" - what kind of cowardly fucking excuse for a man are you?
You berate a fine - no an EXCELLENT line of scopes with the most specious (without merit) crap and you expect your shit to go unchallenged!
Aaahhhh... NOT IN MY LIFETIME!
Again burp up some credible evidence or shut up and go back under your rock!
small fish I consider you a small man!
Long live Leupold!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Leupold now tells me that my 2.5-10x LPS may be ready by the end of the next week. Assuming the best, that would make this third LPS repair job a two month turn around.

They've also told me they can't replace it with a new one (odd).

If any of you know Tim O’Connor at Leupold or have other suggestions for tickling other buttons to get this repair moving faster, I’m all ears.

smallfish (smallman!): Apparently your drive by bit of bullshit regarding the Leupold scope line AND your being contrary just for the sake of being contrary was just that - bullshit and small minded contrariness!
You have been given a fair chance to back up your blather - AGAIN - and you failed miserably - AGAIN!
No surprise there as it seems all small minded contraries only burp up your type drivel simply in the spirit of meaness and ANY act of benevolence (like stating just exactly what your beef is with the Leupold line!) by having the courage to post your beef for all to see is obviously beyond you!
IF you COULD post your perceived problem with Leupold without calling folks assholes then maybe a beneficial exchange could insue.
You can't!
You won't!
So go back under your rock!
Troll!
MEANWHILE hundreds of thousands of happy Leupold users around the world will be venturing forth this weekend to various ranges, competitions, funs shoots, Big Game Hunting fields, Varmint Hunting fields and just plain old going out plinking!
These folks will be absolutely oblivious to smallfins empty attempt at drive by slander! Good for them.
Long live the fine Leupold line of scopes!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Stuntpilot2: You obviously are not going to be one of the "hundreds of thousands of happy Leupold users" venturing forth this weekend to enjoy their chosen firearms related hobbies!
I feel bad about that!
I have NO suggestion for you on how to expedite your repair.
I hope it will be repaired properly THIS time for you!
I will say this - I am somewhat incredulous as to your apparent oft needed services of Leupolds repair department (warranty services?).
I have been using Leupold scopes for more than 40 years now and have owned at least 200 of them that I used afield and at the range.
NEVER ONCE, not even ONE failure from any of my Leupolds!
I own at least 45 of them now - all of which are on Rifles that I shoot.
Again no problems what so ever!
For about 20 years I bought wholesale and sold scopes to earn extra dollars!
I sold a lot of Leupolds!
During that time I had exactly two Leupolds that I had to send back for their owners!
One had a broken crosshair (repaired and back in less than 10 days!!!) and the other I forget what its problem was but it was back promptly and no more problems with that one!
Leupolds failure rate was way lower than any other brand of scope I sold!
Could you enlighten me on your needs for Leupold service i.e. "thats a first for me in MANY otherwise excellent and much faster, service experiences"?
I have taken my Leupolds into every type of terrain and every type of inclement weather that exists on the North American continent and my Leupolds have come through with flying colors!
While right along side me I have seen numerous other brand scopes fail in many and varied ways!
Borrowing from that immortal urban youth I inquire - wha's up?
I mean - am I blessed with the ability to only purchase trouble free Leupolds? Or what?
I am not stating this next in Leupolds defense but I have shot a 460 Weatherby Magnum and if ever there was a romping stomping horribly recoiling miserble to deal with recoiling Rifle/cartridge - the 460 Weatherby is it!
I would not own one if someone gave it to me.
But if Leupold is going to sell a scope that is going to be used on monstrously recoiling Rifles like the 460 Weatherby they should make sure they stand behind their product OR suggest they not be used on 460 Weatherby's.
By the way the 460 Weatherby I shot had a Leupold fixed power scope on it. It worked fine for its owner.
Good luck with the Leupold this next time - if it ever comes back.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Hello VarmintGuy,
No doubt that Leupolds are good scopes. The reason my 460 wears one is that I expect ANY scope on it will eventually fail from the recoil. But, from Leupold's perspective, it probably doesn't make economic sense to build all of their scopes, 99.999% of which will not be mounted on a 460WBY, to all be able to take that kind of abuse. The extra expense wouldn't makes sense.

On the subject of optics business, it wouldn't surprise me if some green shaded accountant back at Leupold has designated me as an "unprofitable customer" after three returns and is hoping with this delay I'll switch to Zeiss of Swarovski.....and send their warranty budgets into the red!
You wouldn't happen to live in Bozeman, would you? I spent alot of time up there over the last four years.

Thanks,
Stuntpilot

I've used one for three years on a .416 Rigby Ruger RSM. It works fine and I've put about 400 rounds through the rifle. My last group this week was three shots in .256 with 105 grains of H4831SC and a 370 North Fork. This is not typical, the rifle normally groups .7-.8, but it will go into the .5's on occasion, possibly that's as good as I can shoot these heavy loads.

If being a leup(old) lover gets you into a frenzy that makes you look like a 12 year old pissed off girl from the inner city,than I CERTAINLY don't want anything to do with them. I've read some venomous posts but the adolescent vermin guy has taken the cake. Have you seen a doctor lately. You might want to try Doctor Optics as they will cure your affliction and addiction. You need a shrink really bad. I hope you make it. leup(old) is a entry level scope and it ends there!

In my world(Mind) Leupold are master scope makers.(IMO the BEST).

I mean I could not give a rats ass who dislikes Leupold,that's fine coz we are all different.

Okay,what brands make you rise smallfish?

Lets put this argument into action.

Closing out my contribution to this post: After 7 weeks, Leupold replaced my recoil damaged scope with another new LPS and delivered next day air.