Warning on new Leupold scopes

[AndrewB]

I have purchased 2 2-12 VX-6HD gen 2 CDS-SZl2 and 3 3-15 VX-5HD and just started to mount the first one on a rifle and came across the child proof battery covers these new scopes now have that require a special tool to deal with the batteries.

This is a horrible idea - I would have been taking these scopes to Africa but will not now as I refuse to be chained to something that I can not handle with just my fingers or commonly available tools.

I now have thousand of dollars worth of scopes that I consider garbage and would have never bought had I known of this non advertised feature. It is not disclosed it the website

I have no young children and these live in a safe unless I am working with them. Think about it - a toddler would have to have access to the scope, would have to know to unscrew the battery cover, would have to have the finger strength to do so and then would have to swallow the battery. And would have to be non supervised in the amount of time it would take to do all of that, all while playing with scopes which range into the thousands of dollars.


I have sent an email to Leupold to see if they have replacement battery covers that do not require a special tool to use.

I will revert with their response

 

[Thud]

Return them.

 

[SecondsCount]

I'm curious what they look like.

Most scope battery covers use a slot that a coin will fit in. My 5 year old, who knows to keep batteries out of his mouth, wouldn't have the strength or dexterity to remove that type of scope cover.

Maybe this issue is for 13 year olds that eat Tide Pods?

 

[xr650rRider]

Those batteries will last several years............How long you going to stay in Africa?

Looks like an enterprising fellow could use back of a knife blade to unscrew them?

 

[Clancy]

You were going to carry a Leupold in Africa?

 

[Gary in MD]

You were going to carry a Leupold in Africa?

 

[hogpatrol]

You were going to carry a Leupold in Africa?

Could be worse, a Vortex.

 

[choprzrul]

I wonder what that battery life is like at 0* ?

 

[Tesoro]

I would think that for overseas hunting trips, and esp Africa, one would want to strictly subscribe to the KISS system.

 

[rr2030]

Out of curiosity, I searched both the Leupold website and used AI assistance to find instructions on replacing the battery in the 2-12 VX-6HD and 3-15 VX-5HD scopes. According to everything I found, the process involves unscrewing the illumination dial counterclockwise. Could you confirm the proper procedure and post the instructions and any special tools required? Thanks

 

[JEFFPPC]

I have purchased 2 2-12 VX-6HD gen 2 CDS-SZl2 and 3 3-15 VX-5HD and just started to mount the first one on a rifle and came across the child proof battery covers these new scopes now have that require a special tool to deal with the batteries.

This is a horrible idea - I would have been taking these scopes to Africa but will not now as I refuse to be chained to something that I can not handle with just my fingers or commonly available tools.

I now have thousand of dollars worth of scopes that I consider garbage and would have never bought had I known of this non advertised feature. It is not disclosed it the website

I have no young children and these live in a safe unless I am working with them. Think about it - a toddler would have to have access to the scope, would have to know to unscrew the battery cover, would have to have the finger strength to do so and then would have to swallow the battery. And would have to be non supervised in the amount of time it would take to do all of that, all while playing with scopes which range into the thousands of dollars.


I have sent an email to Leupold to see if they have replacement battery covers that do not require a special tool to use.

I will revert with their response

2 lessons here. Look before you buy expensive items, maybe even enlisting the advice of a friend, 4 eyes better the 2. Lesson number two, you wonder why our gov't is messed up while folks keep voting for lawyers.

 

[xr650rRider]

Out of curiosity, I searched both the Leupold website and used AI assistance to find instructions on replacing the battery in the 2-12 VX-6HD and 3-15 VX-5HD scopes. According to everything I found, the process involves unscrewing the illumination dial counterclockwise. Could you confirm the proper procedure and post the instructions and any special tools required? Thanks

Your AI must have had a rough night.
https://www.leupold.com/media/manuals/Riflescope_Quick_Start_Guide_183979G.pdf



The first gen listed battery life at 300-1600 hrs. It also has a motion sensor that turns everything off after 5 minutes of inactivity and turns on when you move it. I've got some 1st gens that had batteries put in 7 or 8 years ago and still work.

 

[gdbleb]

Solution, Put the Leupold in the safe. Leave the rifle and ammo out. Now you're childproof. Good grief!
Rushing downstairs now to put my digital calipers and micrometers with coin batteries in the safe.

 

[Edd]

You were going to carry a Leupold in Africa?

What kind of scope should be carried in Africa?

 

[X-Caveman]

If the covers stay put and the membrane button has some actual tactile feel to it, I’d consider the new cap an upgrade. The illumination control and battery cover on the Vx5 3-15x44s that I have are crap - my least favorite part of the scopes. Can’t feel anything and they’re prone to coming loose. I’ve lost one and almost lost a second (found it in Polaris floor board).

 

[AndrewB]

Out of curiosity, I searched both the Leupold website and used AI assistance to find instructions on replacing the battery in the 2-12 VX-6HD and 3-15 VX-5HD scopes. According to everything I found, the process involves unscrewing the illumination dial counterclockwise. Could you confirm the proper procedure and post the instructions and any special tools required? Thanks

The special tools and cap are brand new - and there is nothing advertised by Leupold about it on their website. Why would they? It's a disincentive to buy the scopes.

The earlier generations of scopes are twist off caps

 

[hogpatrol]

What kind of scope should be carried in Africa?

One that looks good in the photos.

 

[Knotwild]

As I’m getting older I think I’m making better decisions. I’m not well to do so I can’t afford the really nice European stuff. But when I found out about Meopta, Tract, and Sightron I quit Leupold. I havent bought one in over 20 years.

 

[jxb]

You mean people actually put batteries in their scopes?

Ship them to me, I'll be more than happy to use them without batteries.

Seriously though, who has extra batteries with them in the field? I can see back at camp, but then most of us eat with a fork, spoon, or knife. All of which you could simply use the handle or eating end to open it with. If someone's hunting without a knife, pretty hard to gut your game without one and you can simply use the back of the blade if no other items work. I just don't see the issue here. This of course is assuming a quarter won't work, looks like it needs something fairly flat.

 

[lawman29]

Making Families Safer from Button Cell or Coin Battery Dangers; Reese’s Law Leads to New Federal Mandatory Safety Standard

Making Families Safer from Button Cell or Coin Battery Dangers; Reese’s Law Leads to New Federal Mandatory Safety Standard

www.cpsc.gov

SIG SAUER Recalls ROMEO5 Red Dot Firearm Sights Due to Ingestion Hazard; Violations of Reese’s Law Federal Safety Regulations for Consumer Products with Button Cell Batteries and Child Resistant Button Cell Battery Packaging

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled firearm sights and contact SIG SAUER for instructions on how to submit a picture of the serial number to receive a free recall kit, which includes a new cap with the required labeling and an updated instruction manual. Consumers will be...

www.cpsc.gov

The Commission recognizes that there may be limited testing availability and potential hardship with meeting the mandatory requirements; therefore, the Commission has granted an enforcement discretion such that these requirements will apply to products manufactured or imported after March 19, 2024

Leopold just complying with the law
I would predict that other scope etc mfg will be doing the same.