Factory scope finally gives it up.

[northny]

Two of my ML IIs i bought with the factory scope combo. (both because I wanted a smooth barrel without iron sights and ecomomics. I was buying two at once so I could ML hunt with my son that fall, and the combo was a way to get through the first season without also having to purchase two good scopes.) I quickly upgraded my sons rifle, but left the factory simmons 3 - 9X scope on mine (but I did change out the rings and bases to warn steel. :)I know, pearls before swine. ;D My intent was to test the scope to failure, as numerous folk told me it would not stand up to the pounding.

196 rounds later it gave up the ghost. (probably 40 were 250 gr, the rest Hornady or barnes 300 gr). Last week I was shooting my go to load and had four shots in 1.5 inches ( typical 5 shoot group 1.75 to 2 inch). Fifth shot went 4 inch low. Shots six through ten all over. Went home, checked that everything was tight (it was), installed new vent liner. Took it back to range yesterday, and it wanted to establish a new zero after every shot or two.

No complaints - I killed a few deeer and coyotes with it. Did what I wanted, now I will upgrade (probably Nikon buckmasters).

I do wonder if it might have lasted longer if I left it in the original aluminum bases and rings. Never know, don't really care to find out.

[bigmoose]

northny,
I'm not up on the current production at Leupold, but I have two VX 111 3.5X40mm on my two Savage ML's since 01, 6000 shoots fired, most full power loads, I wish I had a dollar bill, for each miles those scopes have traveled, Airliners, bush planes, RV's, trucks. No problems, I am now shooting 400gr Barnes Buster bullets with 63grs of H4198 in my 50, I it doesn't brake the scope [or you] nothing will.

[northny]

About 25 years ago, after sitting in a tree stand all day in a cold rain on opening day, I had a six point walk out about 25 yards away. Raising my slug glun, all I had in view was white, the scope completely fogged. I converted all my hunting rifles and handguns to Leuopolds. Never bought anything else for 20 years. I have hunted hard in all kinds of weather with a Nikon Buckmaster for about 5 years on my 270. Holding up well too.

Next scope will be one of the two brands.

Only reason I was messing with the Simmonds on the ML II was I hunt ML season from hunting houses, so scope stayed dry and warm.

[bigmoose]

Like you I am a long time user of Leupold scopes I got my first one at 13...60 plus years ago. With the exception of a Burris scope I had on a handgun, all my scoped rifles have worn Leopold scopes. I have yet to have one fail.
About 25 or 30 years ago Leupold had a promotion, were they gave away a red sweatshirt, with each scope. I still have it, maybe that means, I'm too cheap to get another one, a least once a year I wear it to the range.

[artjr338wm]

Count me among those who's scopes are 99% Leupold. 20++ years of hard as he!! hunting 1000s and 1000s of magnum CF rifle, 12ga sabot slugs, and magnum ML loads and zero failures of any kind.

I will add though all of my Leupold's are of the long discontinued VariX-II type and have no fact based opinions of the newer VX-II or III line of Leupold's.

The scope market has changed so dramatically in 10 years since I bought my last Leupold I honestly do not know what scope brand I would buy now. Especially since the next scope I will buy I want of a design that allows for shooting to around 800yds.

I do how ever know with absolute certainty what scope rings i will use and always use and that is Burris's Signature Z rings with steel Warne bases.

[bigmoose]

If you want the most up date info on scopes, contact Rossman, he is a store house of info.