Illuminated Leupold riflescopes?

[HankB]

I've been a satisfied user of Leupold optics for decades - and now I'm looking for a new, high power variable "tactical" scope. Naturally, Leupold is at the top of my list.

I see Leupold has several Mk IV variable scopes which include integral illumination . . . but from reading the literature at Leupold's website, apparently the illumination module carries a 2 year warranty rather than Leupold's traditional "lifetime" warranty on the rest of the 'scope.

So my question is: Does anyone here have experience with Leupold's illuminated reticle riflescopes, know of any "issues" that have surfaced over time with them, or know how Leupold's legendary service department deals with illuminator problems?

 

[herrwalther]

I have a Leupold VX-III 1.5-5x20mm scope for my Marlin. Part of Leupold's "tactical" line, it is illuminated. I haven't had a single issue with it other than finding batteries, which I usually order online. The news of the warranty is new to me, pretty sure the paperwork that came in my box said lifetime, you are just forcing me to find it.

 

[Outlaw Man]

Yes, like most electronics, Leupold's illumination is limited to two years. I've never owned any personally, but I think most major issues would surface within that two year time frame. Knowing how good they are at fixing problems, I'd wager that two years is their expected minimum life under heavy abuse. They just don't want someone dropping a ten year old scope out a tree and filing a warranty claim. They probably don't keep the electronic parts that long.

Which one are you looking at?

 

[gamestalker]

I don't have experience with this particular scope, but the following should give you some idea as to how good Leupold's CS is.

I bought Leupold's top of the line range finder back in like 2010. In April of this year it just quit working. The life time warranty it has only covers the glass and other non electronic parts, but I sent it in anyway. Leupold sent me back their newest top of the line range finder, the old one had been discontinued. They had no responsibility to do anything for me, and they didn't charge me a red cent.

I have had a bunch of warranty experiences with Leupold, and not once did they ever give me any problems, not even when I sent them a pair of 25-30 yr. old binoculars that I accidentally drove over and crushed them. They replaced the glass and put new tubes on them, good as new, I still use them to this day. But once again, it was clearly my fault, but they took care of me and didn't charge me a dime.

You can trust Leupold to treat you right, it's just how they do business.

GS

 

[HankB]

Thanks, all.

I'm looking at a "gently used" illuminated Mk IV 8-25x50 scope with TMR, apparently in perfect condition. Person is asking about 2/3 of the best online price I've found.

As I wrote, I've got a number of Leupold 'scopes, as well as binocs and a rangefinder, and so far I've never needed Leupold's customer service. A 3x9 Vari-X II has been on my M70 .30/06 since I was in high school in the '70s and I've used it from subfreezing temps in MN to TX summer heat, as well as several African hunts, and it's so stable I don't even have to re-zero as long as I keep to the same load. Good stuff.