Previous owner.
Unknown abuse or accident ?
lease keep us posted as to what SWFA says or does in this matter.
Aside from the pounding this scope would take from a lot of us, and without any quarter, if it was a Leupold. From what you described as the failure, reeks of the previous owner selling you a scope he tortured or abused.
The elevation turret coming off from contact when throwing your bolt, and you confirmed stripped threads, is enough proof that the original owner turned the turret past it’s stop point.
Some sellers will lie their ass off to sell an item...I too bought a barely used, like new SWFA 5-20x50 HD scope from another forum classified. When I got the scope, and finally took the time to thoroughly look it over, I discovered black particles inside the objective glass that were obvious and easy to see. I’m sure the seller knew they were there.
SWFA handled it fast and efficiently, just like Leupold will sometimes do. They shipped me a brand new scope. Your going to end up with a new SWFA...Mount your new glass and continue your test...Good luck to you...😎
