Typical rifle scope lifespan?

[SandLine]

Does anyone have an estimation for how long a rifle scope from a quality manufacturer (Leupold, Nightforce, US Optics, Schmidt & Bender) should last?

Are they only good for a certain number of rounds fired, due to recoil? Do the windage and elevation adjustments wear out?

If I'm going to spend $2K+ on a scope, it had better last forever...

 

[RoostRider]

If I'm going to spend $2K+ on a scope, it had better last forever...

I'll say!!!

wow..... you are considering some pretty nice scopes.....

Anyways..... a scope from any quality manufacturer should last you the rest of your life if you treat it right and don't have an accident with it.... and well into a couple other lives as well, although, sooner or later, someone will probably mess it up....

 

[SandLine]

Excellent! That's what I was hoping to hear... now I just need to determine if they are worth the hefty price premium. If it'll truly last forever, I think it might be worth it.

 

[rrflyer]

If you can afford it they truly are and they surely will last as long as you do. A good scope can be kept when you change out rifle after rifle.

Keeping zero, repeatable turrets, and glass that can squeeze in the last bit of daylight to make that dream hunt a success.

I'm saving my pennies for a USO.

Just for fun USOPTICS tough
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88ewpwPTA6Q

 

[.38 Special]

I have scopes that belonged to my grandfather. They have withstood countless thousands of rounds for more than six decades. So I think a good quality scope can withstand recoil for essentially forever -- with the caveat that the gigantic variables currently in vogue might not be a great idea with cartridges larger than the .300 Magnum class.

As for the adjustments wearing out, well, I've never done it or seen it. But I am not constantly dialing my scopes up and down, preferring to zero them and then quit fooling with them. They are mechanical interfaces, and mechanical interfaces wear when used. I can envision the inveterate scope twiddler eventually wearing out the adjustments.

 

[DRYHUMOR]

I've got an M8 Leupold I know is 20 yrs old. It's been on numerous rifles for hunting and just to sight in with. No problems.

And, it's been on a couple with some significant recoil.

 

[Sav .250]

I have several "old" weaver and Redfield scopes that are still on active duty.
All bought in the early 60`s. Never been returned for repair of any kind.
Have been on a rifle since day one. Been in all sorts of weather conditions
over the years with nary a problem.

If and when you get that $2K scope I hope you put it on a rifle worthy of
it.......$$$$.

 

[PRE 64 JOE]

My 39 year old Leupold 3x9 has been on .264 Win. mag. a 300 Win mag, a .300 H&H mag. a 6mm, Rem. and still going strong, I love my Lupies.

 

[rcmodel]

Leupold for one has a forever warranty.
That should be long enough for you to get your moneys worth out of it.

If any Leupold Golden Ring® product is found to have defects in materials or workmanship, we will, at our option, repair or replace it. FREE. Even if you are not the original owner. No warranty card is required. No time limit applies.

rc

 

[KenWP]

Do not put a Arms Sport scope on a 375HH mag. Holds point of aim for maybe 5 shots and then shifts. One of my poorer choices.

 

[jaschneider72]

i have an OLD beat up tasco world class 3-9x40 on my custom mauser 98 in .30-06 and it has performed flawlessly for two generations of hunters - probly 30+ years. the gouges on the side are from me eating it down a talus slope as a young pup, but it hasn't ever lost zero in the 17 years i've used it.

Granted tasco used to make better stuff once upon a time...

 

[matrem]

Leupold for one has a forever warranty.
That should be long enough for you to get your moneys worth out of it.

How can you do any better than that?
Folks in Oregon USA can probably use the work too!