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zoom very stiff

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Category: Scopes
Forum Name: Rifle Scopes
Forum Description: Centerfire long gun scopes
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=40370
Printed Date: March/28/2024 at 08:13
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: zoom very stiff
Posted By: RWBlue
Subject: zoom very stiff
Date Posted: August/28/2014 at 20:15
I have a 2-7 Leupold I bought several years back.  Seem to remember it being expensive and recommended by some big game hunters.  I mounted it on my 458WM.  For a while there, I thought I was heading to Africa so it may have 1000 rounds through it.  Then it sat in the closet for many years.

Well I pulled it off and put it on something I plan on using more.  The issue is the zoom is very tight. There is not a single scratch on it.  Yes, it zooms, but it is not something I could do quickly and easily with cold hands while hunting. 

So, what did I do to it?  
Or in letting it set did that make it tight?
Or was it always this way and I just forgot?
Is there any way to make it so I can turn it quickly and easily?


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To be or not to be, that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them.



Replies:
Posted By: NDhunter
Date Posted: August/28/2014 at 20:36

It will get better, just spend some time and work with it.

You do have to use your optics and get used to them, don't

just take them from closet to airplane for the next hunt.




Posted By: RWBlue
Date Posted: August/28/2014 at 21:43
NDhunter, thanks.  

My fear was I broke something when shooting the 458WM.  If it is just a matter of playing with it, I will take it off the new rifle and I will sit at home and turn the zoom back and forth until I loosens up.




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To be or not to be, that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them.


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: August/28/2014 at 21:58
This is frequently caused by your rear scope ring screws being torqued too tight, distorting the tube slightly and binding the zoom tube. Don't know if that's the case here, but from what I've seen, more often than not when zoom is too difficult to turn, an overly tight rear ring is the culprit.


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Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: August/28/2014 at 22:06
I don't know if Leupold improved this issue or not, but all my older Leupold's had hard to turn power selectors. Ted might be onto the issue also, but the only way to know that is to loosen the rear ring altogether and turn the ring to see if it's easier. If it is then Ted hit the nail on the head. On or off my rifles, they were hard to turn. Especially the Vari-X II's.


Posted By: RWBlue
Date Posted: August/28/2014 at 23:14
It is not the rings.  I removed the scope from the rifles, loosened up the rings, worked the zoom back and forth probably 100 times.  It is a freaking workout.  Even with a cloth over zoom, it still feels like it is ripping the skin on my hands.

None of my other scopes are this tight.


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To be or not to be, that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them.


Posted By: RWBlue
Date Posted: August/28/2014 at 23:31
Is there a throw lever I can get for this scope?

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To be or not to be, that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them.


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: August/29/2014 at 08:52
Vise grips would help........lol. I've heard of folks that sent their scopes back to Leupold with the same issue, so maybe that's worth a shot.


Posted By: Gerry Atric
Date Posted: August/29/2014 at 13:45
A lot of swedes have sent their scopes overseas to Leupold and have had the power selector remedied.
A change of faulty seal material that swells. 

There´s also this gimmick:

http://www.mgmswitchview.com/switchview-levers

Me and my friend have the same scopes; Leupold VX III 3,5-10x50  the power selector on my scope is smooth as, the power selector on his is really tough to turn. 

I guess it´s one of those Leupold things Wink


Gerry Atric


Posted By: Son of Ed
Date Posted: August/29/2014 at 13:52

" Weaver!! "   Roll on Floor Laughing






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Visit the Ed Show


Posted By: Outrider
Date Posted: August/29/2014 at 23:16
Have a 3X-9X-40 VariX-II that has the same problem. Sent it back to Leupold twice to be repaired. Repairs lasted no more than two weeks, then right back to a hard-to-rotate power ring. Leupold said both times they greased the o-ring. Stiff enough in warm weather, but hard to turn in cold weather. I have given up on it leaving it on a gun I only seldom use.

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Outrider


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: August/30/2014 at 11:21
IMO, it is a design flaw and not an add extra grease issue.


Posted By: RWBlue
Date Posted: August/31/2014 at 17:22
Gerry Atric, as it appears to not just be my scope...

Does the http://www.mgmswitchview.com/switchview-levers work?


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To be or not to be, that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them.


Posted By: Gerry Atric
Date Posted: September/01/2014 at 00:15
No idea, just fooled around the net and found that mechanical device.
 
I would do a mock-up MacGyver style in order to determine if the lenght of the lever is sufficient to move the zoom (and still short enough that it doesn´t get caught in bushes and other green matter.) Cool
 
Gerry Atric


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: September/01/2014 at 14:30
Not to make fun of your problem, but I remember a gun writer penning that a stiff power ring was the sign of a good scope, as he was told by Leupold. They must train their employees to put a positive spin on design flaws. I guess eye relief that varies by an inch must be positive trait that only professionals can appreciate as well.


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: September/01/2014 at 15:37
One man's "stiff" is another man's "ruggedly precise."


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Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: September/01/2014 at 17:54
If their scope held zero, tracked and returned to zero correctly, I might be more inclined to believe the stiff power ring adjustment theory. They don't, so it was BS....Ted.


Posted By: JGRaider
Date Posted: September/01/2014 at 18:07
I always get a kick out of these schitty Leupold threads.   Especially when I've never had issues with any of them (about 20 of them since 1980), and none of my hunters who showed up with Leupold scopes, about 80 of them who hunt all over the world, have ever had any issues either......yet Leupy's always suck.  I guess we've been lucky. 


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: September/01/2014 at 18:23
Was being facetious, Roy.Big Smile


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Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: Kickboxer
Date Posted: September/01/2014 at 18:29
Originally posted by JGRaider JGRaider wrote:

I always get a kick out of these schitty Leupold threads.   Especially when I've never had issues with any of them (about 20 of them since 1980), and none of my hunters who showed up with Leupold scopes, about 80 of them who hunt all over the world, have ever had any issues either......yet Leupy's always suck.  I guess we've been lucky. 
Maybe so… I've had FEW Leupold scopes, had some significant problems with one, had great success with another.  However, my problems with Leupold and getting the scope fixed pretty much turned me off. In the meantime, Leupold rested on its "laurels" and did not innovate, did not improve, did not do much except sell increasing higher cost scopes with inferior technology.  They HAVE stepped up in the last few years and made some advances, but they have also increased prices substantially.  The Mk 6 and Mk 8 are putting them back in the ballgame, and I recently looked through a number of Leupold scopes (looked through and twisted some knobs… did not really evaluate) and the brief glance was positive.  
There is no scope in the industry that I would call my "go to" brand.  I like some of many different brands.  Overall, I like Hensoldt best of any I have ever used… doesn't mean it is the best, just the best I have had opportunity to use for a number of applications.  I don't advise against Leupold, just don't advise for over a number of others.  I'm not a Leupold fan, you are… I hope they always serve you well.  
A couple of years ago I got to shoot with a a Mk 4 on a Barrett 107… had great success, no complaints and I was favorably impressed, most of the things I look for were good, but the glass quality was less than what I would have wanted at the price.  I would probably purchase a Mk 8 before spending the extra on the "upper" Hensoldt… not sure I would like it as much, though.  I've looked at both, not been able to compare side by side.  
Personally, I'm looking for the digital sighting systems now.  


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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: September/01/2014 at 19:42

Originally posted by JGRaider JGRaider wrote:

I always get a kick out of these schitty Leupold threads.   Especially when I've never had issues with any of them (about 20 of them since 1980), and none of my hunters who showed up with Leupold scopes, about 80 of them who hunt all over the world, have ever had any issues either......yet Leupy's always suck.  I guess we've been lucky. 


Are you telling me that out of the 100 Leupolds you're "seen" that none had a stiff to turn power ring ? The Campfire is quite well represented with that issue. I seem to recall that you were not a fan boy either at one point, but now that you bought a VX6, that's all forgotten. I guess you're going to tell us that you haven't seen any threads at the Campfire regarding their tracking issues either, right ?

How about some Leupold quality control issues.........


Or a custom shop turret upgrade.....


 
 



Posted By: JGRaider
Date Posted: September/01/2014 at 20:07
Not one VX3, VX2, VXIII, VXii or Vari X that I have personally laid hands on, has had a stiff power ring.  I can only take my hunter's word for it though, as I ask every one of them if they've ever had any issues with their Leupy scopes, and they've all replied "none".  That's all I know.  I do have a 2-12 VX6 that has a little stiffer than normal power ring.  Not a big deal but I would prefer it to be not as stiff. 

  I think Leupy could do a little more innovating for sure, and the fact that their VX3 nor VX6 neither one have a rainguard of any kind is pathetic.  I have also read all those threads about Leupold's tracking issues as well.  I'm sure some have validity, and I'm equally sure some of these scope problems are due to improper mounting.  I'm also aware enough know, the way I see it anyway, that the average hunter is not a knob twister, more of a set it an forget it guy, therefore I don't think the average hunter will likely wear out a leupold, Elite 4200. Conquest, etc. class hunting scope.   They all fail at times, period. 

I like to fiddle fart around with CDS dials, but I've only about 3-400 rounds through VX3/CDS, and 250 or so rounds through a VX6/CDS and they've been perfectly spot on so far. 

I'm still not what I would call a 'fan boy" by any stretch.  I'm loyal to no brands whatsoever, and am involved with G&O programs with 4 different makers.  I like what I like for the reasons I like.   I do in fact love the mounting flexibility, reticle choices, and other options that Leupy offers though.  

I get equally amused at the many posts I read on the superiority of the so called alpha binoculars over the likes of a Conquest HD, Meopta HD, Gold Ring HD, etc, but that's another story. 


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: September/01/2014 at 20:37

Originally posted by JGRaider JGRaider wrote:

I always get a kick out of these schitty Leupold threads.   Especially when I've never had issues with any of them (about 20 of them since 1980), and none of my hunters who showed up with Leupold scopes, about 80 of them who hunt all over the world, have ever had any issues either......yet Leupy's always suck.  I guess we've been lucky. 

From a Leupold tracking issues thread at the Campfire you wrote.....

Originally posted by JGRaider JGRaider wrote:

A Swaro A and a Leupold M8.  Erector problems on both.  



Posted By: JGRaider
Date Posted: September/01/2014 at 20:49
Yeah RD, guess I forgot about that one......that6x  M8 was on a Ruger 10/22 I traded for.  It was only about 25 years ago so you'll have to forgive me.  


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: September/01/2014 at 21:04
Listen, I'm not trying to call you out, as I happen to find your experience with western hunting interesting and informative JG. All I'm trying to say is that if you're telling me that you can't recall the dozens and dozens of threads at the CF regarding Leupold tracking and quality control issues, well I find that odd considering that I find you to be a fairly intelligent guy. As far as me being a Leupold naysayer or specter of doom, well I'll remind you that I bought 2 brand new Leupold's a year ago, one fixed 4x and a VX-2 4-12, from SWFA and both had major problem right out of the gate. The 4x reticle broke within 50 rds of being on a Ruger 10/22 and the VX2 had to be sent back to Leupold twice because it turned a very accurate custom 270 into a rifle that wouldn't group for crap. The adjustments were all over the place as well.


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: September/01/2014 at 21:10

Originally posted by JGRaider JGRaider wrote:

Yeah RD, guess I forgot about that one......that6x  M8 was on a Ruger 10/22 I traded for.  It was only about 25 years ago so you'll have to forgive me.  

That quote was from a thread dated October of 2012 and the thread was titled ( or paraphrased )........" How many have had scope problems/issues in the past 10 years'........ Again, just trying to refresh your memory.



Posted By: JGRaider
Date Posted: September/01/2014 at 21:26
No problem RD at all.  I totally understand some of the frustration people have with faulty Leupold scopes, especially experienced guys like yourself.  If/when I start experiencing problems like some of you guys have had I'll be the first to admit it. I also know that some things can be overblown.   I think you would admit if Leupold, or anyone else for that matter, repeatedly put out a POS product, they wouldn't sell millions of them, and wouldn't last long in the marketplace.  I will also admit in this day and age of mass production, Leupold could do a better job of quality control. 


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: September/01/2014 at 21:39
Yes, I know what you mean by overblown, especially when that gentlemen who is a military sniper (I think) starts talking about all of his Leupold "failures" when the guy shoots more in an average day then 90% of hunters would shoot in their life time. I tried to respectfully suggest that to him, but he's so full of himself that it got lost in his ego.


Posted By: JGRaider
Date Posted: September/01/2014 at 21:55
Originally posted by Roy Finn Roy Finn wrote:

Originally posted by JGRaider JGRaider wrote:

Yeah RD, guess I forgot about that one......that6x  M8 was on a Ruger 10/22 I traded for.  It was only about 25 years ago so you'll have to forgive me.  

That quote was from a thread dated October of 2012 and the thread was titled ( or paraphrased )........" How many have had scope problems/issues in the past 10 years'........ Again, just trying to refresh your memory.



I realize that.  First of all when the subject of a tight power ring came up, a fixed 6x was the farthest thing from my memory.  Secondly, I had that scope 10/22 combo 25 years ago or so, not that the post was 25 years ago.  Does that clear it up for you? 


Posted By: JGRaider
Date Posted: September/01/2014 at 21:58
Originally posted by Roy Finn Roy Finn wrote:

Yes, I know what you mean by overblown, especially when that gentlemen who is a military sniper (I think) starts talking about all of his Leupold "failures" when the guy shoots more in an average day then 90% of hunters would shoot in their life time. I tried to respectfully suggest that to him, but he's so full of himself that it got lost in his ego.


Full of himself is putting it nicely.  I've tried to make that point to him as well, to no avail.  I would also admit that if I were a full fledged turret twister, Leupold would be last on my list. 


Posted By: RWBlue
Date Posted: September/02/2014 at 00:05
Originally posted by Roy Finn Roy Finn wrote:

Not to make fun of your problem, but I remember a gun writer penning that a stiff power ring was the sign of a good scope, as he was told by Leupold. They must train their employees to put a positive spin on design flaws. I guess eye relief that varies by an inch must be positive trait that only professionals can appreciate as well.

Some people need to be slapped publicly.


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To be or not to be, that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them.


Posted By: RWBlue
Date Posted: September/02/2014 at 00:14
Side note, I have several Leupold.  This is the only one I have having issues with.  Then again, I tend to set it and forget it until I change loads or move it to another gun or....

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To be or not to be, that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them.



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