I have some older Leupolds that I like very well. I have recently picked up 2 M8 4X scopes. One is a 90's scope and the other a long tube no-prefix 4X (pre-1974) I got specifically for an old commercial Husqvarna mauser.

I was thinking about sending them in to Leupold service for a cleaning and check the seals ect. Anyone done this recently? I was curios if it was worth the fuss. I DON'T want them to offer to upgrade to a newer scope or for them to replace the internals with a new erector.

Thanks in advance.

I had a M8 6x that I bought used at a gun show in the 80’s. Had it on a rifle for 5 years or so, and then sold rifle and scope to a brother. He had it for 20 or more years and then gave the gun and scope back to me. At that point, the scope had a loose lens rattling around inside. I called Leupold, then sent the scope. They called me a couple weeks later to say that they couldn’t fix it, not having parts anymore for that old scope. So they sent me a new one, box, plastic wrap and all. Impressive service.

That is impressive service but I'm not looking for that. I just want to ensure these older scopes won't fog and will hold zero.

I recently sent a M8 8X Ao and a really old 3-9 AO. They sent them back with new lenses, and turrets. Sitting in the safe as spares right now.

The 3-9 AO come off of a reservation in N/M and is really rough Including scratched lenses. I now looks the same except for the new lenses.

I thought it was great service. Turn around was less than 3 weeks if I remember correctly.

Some how I double posted initially.

That is impressive also.

Not to be too much of a smarta$$, but why don't you contact Leupold CS and explain your situation...idk, i think it would help.

I had a VXIII 1.5x5 I bought it in 1980 in 2017 it had a yellowish tint to the view. I sent to leupold and got a call about 6 days later from a woman who told me they couldn't fix it so the were sending me a new
VX 3i and wanted to know if I wanted gloss or matte.

Since they have a lifetime warranty I doubt I would send them in unless they are broke.

Why send something back when there is nothing wrong!

I sent an older M8 4x to Leupold for a "checkup". They completely disassembled it, rebuilt it, filled with gas and did a QC check, and sent the scope back to me - all gratis. How do I know this? It was all detailed on the technicians report that was in the box when they returned it to me. I was blown away by the outstanding service!

Was it perfect when I sent it to them? I dunno, probably, but I had bought it used and was planning to use it on a DG rifle and didn't want to take any chances over something I had control over, before finding out the hard way out on a windswept plain somewhere.

Nothing but positives for the OP's idea.

I’ve sent in a few for new reticles, and they completely refurbed the scopes at no charge. There was a charge for the reticle, of course. And they sent the technicians report with the scope. It’s easy to talk with their customer service folk to discuss what you need, but don’t wait till right before the season starts.

If it ain’t broke, don’t monkey with it. Probably too close to hunting season to get a quick turn now.

Thanks for the responses. Yes, will call Leopold but I wanted to get some recent customer experiences.

I also understand the “ it’s not broke” mentality, but if I have to try and explain preventative maintenance, I’d rather save my breath. Again, both are used scopes where I don’t know their full history. Seals leak, and rubber will dry rot after 40 years.

They recently repaired/rebuilt a VX2 3-9x40 CDS for me. Great service as always.

And if you have one that cannot be fixed, they'll give you a new (better) one. My M8 6X that ran afoul of a horse was replaced with an FXIII.

This is all good to know seeing that I now own at least 9 Leupolds. Even the best can fail. I knew a guy that had a Zeiss fog on him. Of course they fixed him up with a new one for nothing. I think he said they even paid the shipping.

Whether Leupold will refurbish or replace an older scope probably depends on how old the model is. The older the scope is, the more likely you will get a replacement scope due to parts no longer being available. Running out of even minor parts such as specific o-rings, screws and nuts may prevent a refurb because, once depleted, making such little parts for the few old scope that trickle in is not worth the expense.

Makes sense to me...I like Leupold scopes, are there better? Sure there are. I would think a scope manufacture that has been around as long as Leupold or others that have would know exactly where you're coming from.

I sent in a 2001 Leupold that had a loose lens or something rattling inside. I was hoping they would replace it with new, but they fixed it and refurbished it. It looks brand new. They either replaced or polished the objective lens as well. I am totally happy with the repair.

When my Father died he left me with a Sako AII chambered in 22-250. It has a Leupold Vari XIII 3.5X10. Serial number says it was made in 1984.
First time I fired this rifle it shot an 18” group 😳. I took the scope off and instantly found the problem, my dad had over tightened the rings and crushed the scope tube front and rear, I sent it in to Leupold and they replaced the tube and had it back to me in 2 weeks. I guess they still have some parts for 35 year old scopes. Great CS

I would call them to explain what you are looking to do then send it in with the written instructions of what you are looking to have done as well. A coworker did this for a scope that was on a rifle his dad gave him with a lot of sentimental value to him. They couldn’t fix the scope and sent it back with a letter explaining what the issue was. He was happy to get his back.

GS is one thing, taking advantage of it is another. I still can't figure out why, some think it is all right to send back a 20 year old scope and expect them to fix it for free or send them a newer model for nothing. I know it is Leupold's choice to do so. Individuals also have a choice.

Add on the circumstance, where some go to a gun show and buy up beater scopes and send them in makes me figure more.

Battue,

I understand your sentiments but hope that your comments were not directed at me. I specifically stated I wasn't looking to send in an old scope to get a new one in return, and nowhere did I say I was requesting any service for free.

My scope (FXIII - 6x42) was sent in for repair earlier this year , as it started fogging up this past hunting season. It was only 12-13 years old and had taken some hard knocks but Leupold fixed it free of charge.

Currently have about 15 older Leupolds mounted on guns, have never had to send one back.

Nor me, Battue. My scope has a lifetime warranty where Leupold will repair or REPLACE at their discretion. I was hoping they would replace it. Nothing wrong with that. They instead repaired it to my complete satisfaction.