Scope lifespan?

[Shrinkmd]

I had a Leupold FX-II 2.5x Scout scope mounted on an 8mm Mauser. After about 300 rounds (not all the same day!) it started shooting about 4 or 5 inches too high. I readjusted with the elevation knob, but after a few more shots it was all over the place. I removed the scope, remounted it, and loc-tited the mount (the S&K Instamount, with S&K rings) which I neglected to do the first time.

When I returned to the range, I was unable to zero the scope correctly, and it was all over the place. I am sending it back to Leupold (after drilling out the one stupid broken screw...)

So, is this "normal"? How many rounds can you put through a scope before it has problems? After all, this is a Leupold fixed scope. Shouldn't it essentially last forever? I hope it was just a lemon, or something stupid wrong. I was hoping on putting many thousands of rounds through this rifle, and the scope was great fun while it was working.

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, a quility scope should last a lifetime.

It is possible you damaged something internally due to a crooked mount, or out of line rings, or due to over-tightening the clamps and squishing the tube however.

That is not the scopes fault.

rc

 

[Sav .250]

I`ve got one old Redfield mounted on a Sav 110, 243 cal. been there since the early 60`s. Plus, an old Weaver 4x mounted on an old Marlin 336 also since the early 60`s. Still hit the mark and going strong.

 

[heeler]

I just recently sold an old Denver made Redfield six power that I bought in 1976 and it still worked fine.
I know a guy that hunts with an inherited Remington 760 in 300 Savage that was built in the 1950's that still has the original Lyman scope his Father put on it and it has held zero for decades!!

 

[Shrinkmd]

Yes, I am concerned about those issues with the mount, rings, etc. I had a knowledgeable friend mount it, but this time I am going to buy myself a nice new Tipton Best gun vise, a scope mounting kit with the torque wrench, and do it myself.

Assuming those issues are dealt with, however, I wonder what the record is for full power rounds on a scope. I know most people shoot their deer rifles a few times to sight in, and a box of 20 rounds can last a year or two. I plan on putting about 100 or so through each time I go to the range.

We'll see what Leupold says...

 

[Grumulkin]

Any scope can malfunction. The good thing about Leupold is that they'll honor the warranty even if you bought the scope used.

I've broken a Leupold scope I bought used on a 460 S&W Magnum handgun but of course, that's an extreme case. It took me maybe 100 rounds to do that damage. Leupold, of course, repaired it without a whimper.

Between the 460 & 500 S&W Magnum handguns, I've also broken 1 Bushnell Trophy scope I bought new (Bushnell didn't honor their warranty) and 2 T/C Recoil Proof scopes (both replaced without complaint by Thompson/Center).