Just when you're not paying attention

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So lately I've been saving my pennies for a decent machining tool for the home workshop. I haven't been stopping at the reloading store or dropping in at the gun shops. Along that same theme I've been keeping my eyes off the online auction sites and local listing services trying to keep the budget as tight as possible. Well, yesterday I couldn't resist the temptation any longer and went for a little tour of the internet just to see what I was missing out on. Here was a listing on the local CL for a Leupold scope for $125, a listing I had seen weeks before but at twice the price. I looked a bit closer and it turns out to be a 4.5-14x VX-3i. I contacted the seller ASAP and set up a time to make the purchase. Upon meeting up this morning he asks if I wanted the 50mm or the 40mm scope, I only knew of the 50mm. The 40mm was unopened yet, I asked if he was asking the same price and he was:what:. So two Leupold vx3 scopes for $250 :cool:
 
Obligatory internet "proof" picture:

DSCF9066.JPG

That's the 50mm mounted atop my latest build. Now I will shuffle another scope or two around until I'm satisfied for now.
 
You know that's a good question. According to Leupolds website the most faked models are the mk4 and the vx-iii among others. I did not see the 3i listed but if they're faking mk4s then whos to say. I will email Leupold the serial numbers to make sure. I did, just out of curiosity, browse a few of those websites Leupold listed and none had any VX3i scopes. I have no doubts the glass is good enough, side by side with my vx-iii the 50mm appears at least as clear if not just a hair better. I guess if they turn out to be fakes for $125 a piece I'm not too hurt.
 
I’d buy them and I have zero use for a new scope

If one was still in the box, make sure it had the warranty papers. If so I’d assume it’s legitimate

Dunno
 
Leopold can tell you over the phone how to tell if it's a counterfeit, if you wanna call their customer service group and ask.
 
are they real Leupolds?
Well boys you can officially paint me a fool. The good deal feeling has dried up. Turns out the scopes I bought are counterfeit, also I need to have my eyes checked :oops:. The gentleman at Leupold said the serial number for the 50mm vx3i is actually for a 1-4x mk AR. I figure it can only help others out if I posted the fake #s. Best I can do is to try and prevent anyone else from being had.
4.5-14x50 VX3i 170708 serial 302621AC
4.5-14x40 VX3i 170692 serial 320209AC
 
You've got a couple of options! Other than the obvious that you might already be thinking of concerning the seller...

1. Sell them on Craigslist! (But you didn't hear that suggestion from me!)

2. (Probably the better option here...) Mount them up and check and see if they are halfway decent scopes anyway! If these counterfeit scope makers are turning out glass good enough to fool people that they are Leupolds, they might just make some honest money marketing their own brand!
 
And that's the funny part where I said before I wouldn't be too hurt If they turned out as they did, to be fakes. The glass is bright and clear, good FOV, fit and finish is beyond any chinesium scope I've seen previous. Lesson learned.
As much as I would like to 'return' the scopes to the seller I'm sure they won't return any type of communication. On that same thought I'm also not going to sell them without giving any potential buyer the full scoop, lest my reputation precede me (for the wrong reasons anyway).
Which brings me to your option #2, (which was already accomplished as of yesterday afternoon ;)). What I can tell you is that for $125 each I'm not feeling much remorse. Personally I agree they should just establish their own brand name and get into the optics business legitimately.
 
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