Leupold 40X and 45X scopes..yes or no?

[FN in MT]

I'm looking for a scope primarily for 100 and 200 yd load testing.

I currently have a Sightron S III in 6-24X, and a pair of NF scopes that max out at 22 and 25 power. If money were no object I'd probably go with the NF 15-55X , but unfortunately not within my budget.

I've looked at scopes this past week at SHOT and I liked the 40 and 45X Leupold Comp models. I was also impressed by the S III in 10-50X. Both priced within my budget.

After researching both choices in this forum a few alluded that the fixed, Leupold Competition scopes had some issues. Can anyone expand on that?

Intended use is to test the accuracy of hand loads at 100 and 200 yds, on paper, off a bench.

None of my rifles are heavy kickers, all fairly heavy Varmint, precision rifle type bolt actions.

 

[dkhunt14]

They weren't holding point of aim. A lot of the short range guys had the internals frozen so they wouldn't move. This was on a PPC ad they don't have much recoil. Matt

 

[LHSmith]

The Leupold Comp. scopes definitely had issues in their first 2 years on the market -failure to hold POA. These are S/N's w/ M and N suffix. A bunch of shooters came up with various methods to freeze the internals and utilize scope mounts with adjustments (ala the old Bausch & Lomb Balvar pre-'70 series). External adjustment scopes for this type of comp. have proven to be not too user friendly. Of note, LCS's were not the only scopes with this problem as Sightron 36x's were being modified early on as a "fix" to the wandering internals. Enter March scopes, which supposedly fixed the problem -but at a huge premium LCS price x 2).
Take a look at the short range BR match results NBRSA and IBS in the last few years and the LCS is STILL the dominant scope on the line....and invariably they are unmodified. I have observed that there are quite a few March scopes being sent back (Japan) and the 5 yr warranty (orig. owner) certainly deters a lot of sales.
My experiences with the LCS's- I got three (3) on match guns used in comp. Two (2) I got new, and one (1) I got recently with a "proven" comp. rifle. I began to suspect one of my originals when I changed barrels to a "proven" barrel that did well in comp. by the previous owner, but not in my set-up. I sent the scope back to Leupold, they replaced some internals, and viola- I started to shoot some great scores with this gun.....the scope was a "M" model.
The change in POA is so subtle it is very hard to detect ...even with full blown BR comp. rifles. If I knew that March was indeed the "holy grail" in scopes then I would already have one..but their track record so far leaves me skeptical.
I will be watching closely how the new Nightforce BR preforms, but until I see proven results, I'll stick with Leupold.
Weaver recently introduced a 42x fixed model that started to win more than a few competitions....until they all developed internal issues -were recalled and finally bought back by Weaver with absolutely no re-issue with a corrected design......the very reason never to buy from an optics company that constantly changes ownership. Leupold has done very well by me.....even replaced a 25 year old hunting scope.

 

[JoeMcNeill]

+1 on the Leupold competition scopes. I have a 40 and a 45 and they hold POI for me and since
they have a 100% warranty I think they are keepers. A new scope recently on the market and
used by some very good shooters is a 36x by Valdada for around $1000.00. I like more power
than 36x so my LCS's are what I will continue to use.
Regards,

Joe McNeill
SW Arkansas

 

[cardman5448]

I have used both the Sightron 10-50x and Leupold competition scopes. I have used March and Brackney conversion Leupolds. I lean heavy towards the Sightron. I use the 10-50's on my railgun, unrestricted handgun, and my benchrest for score rifles. It is nice to turn down the power in heavy mirage with the variables. I hold 21 national records in the CBA (cast bullets) the lions share with the Sightrons. I have 3 newer 45x Leupolds and have no issues with them. Just like the versatility of the Sightrons. I have sent Leupolds in for service and living in Oregon where they are serviced, turn around time is A-1. I have never had to return a Sightron, so I cannot comment on their warranty service. Re-sale and used prices favor the Leupold....

Mel Harris

 

[FN in MT]

As always I appreciate the learned advice.

FN in MT

 

[Eric Leonard]

I have a 35X LCS with a raised super fine crosshair I use at 300 and 600 and with the raised reticle can see my flags through the scope and it tracks really well and is as clear as a bell,,I had been using a Sightron SIII 8-32 and I can see much better at 600 through the LCS than the SIII,,seems I am always fiddling with the fast focus on the SIII,,

 

[FN in MT]

Ordered a 45 X Leupold a few hours ago. Thanks for the input Gentleman.

FN in MT

 

[Gabe22BR]

There's some 40 power listed here in the classifieds for $800......

 

[FN in MT]

Mounted the 45X in a set of Nightforce rings. This will give me the option to use it on ALL of my LR rifles.
I can switch it to any or all of them easily.

Cloudy day today but at 100 and 200 yds on paper it is super clear and crisp. I think THIS is going to work very well for me.