Leupold power selector ring tightness

sendit223

sendit223

Well-known member
I am looking for a practical solution to the apparently common problem on many Leupold variable power scopes. Yes, my power selector ring is, well not impossible to turn, but impractical to turn when hunting (or shooting generally). So I leave it on 6 and if I see something way out there I spend a minute or two (and lots of motion) leaving skin on the knurling of the power selector ring as I up the power.

Does anyone have a practical solution to this? Are there any bolt on plastic rings with big notches in them to give me more leverage? I'm pretty much ready to get a plastic plumbing clamp on device and hit it with the Dremel until I get the shape/performance I want.

And no I don't want to trade it in for another brand.

Any ideas would be appreciated.
 
My first thought is that it sounds like the scope has moved back tight against the rings due to recoil, and the adjustment ring is the first to make contact, so it's really tight to move. I've had mine do this. If so, easy solution is to reposition the scope in the rings, and then retighten everything.

If you think it's the scope, the other easy answer is to send it to Leupold in Portland. They stand behind the scopes 100%. And their close enough to you, I'd bet they get it back to you within a week.
 
Sometimes the rings need lapped and are torquing the scope enough to cause the trouble.
 
I've got plenty of clearance from the rings. I suppose they could be torquing the tube. I'll see what Leupold says. It sounds like the scope will be making a trip back home.

Thanks all for the suggestions.
 
Is it a VXII?

I have three of them and they all have this tight/hard to turn problem. I may send them all back at the end of this season. It just isn't right that I should pay for shipping for their goof.
 
My VXII is the same. I know that I've heard Leupold will fix, but once I get a scope on a rifle, and get it dialed in and crosshairs level and eye releif set just right, I hate taking it off to send in. It does irritate me though at times.
 
Here you guys go with you leupold problems heres a phone number to a guy named garth. 503-526-1427 he is the one that helped me on my leupold that i had to send back and he will get the problem taken care of. Real nice guy if you need it back quick talk to him and he will treat you right. The first guy i talk to at leupold was kinda of a butt. So i called again before i wrote a letter and he was a real pro at what he dose. Hope this helps you may have to leave a message on his voice mail but he will call you back pretty quick.
 
One of my VX II scopes did it pretty bad anf I sent it back , it,s as good as or better than new now .......I also nad them change the reticle which cost 60 dollars or so but it was worth it hands down ... I,m thinking of sending a 2-7 in for an overhaul and reticle change to the LRDV reticle ...
 
working at leupold i have stated this problem myself. the vx3 isnt so bad with its little nub on the ring but agreed my -1 and -2 are vary stiff. Garth is a vary knowledgable guy and eager to help get things righted as quick as possible.

the ring tightening is also a vary good point. there was a great artical in the Rifleman from NRA. It straightened out some of the old ideas that had been passed down to me that might not have been correct.

hope you get your problem solved.
 
coyotejunki - yes it it a VXII. It's always been this way.

bowhunt32 - exactly! The thing is dialed in, so it's just irritating. Worse things in life I suppose than to have to send back an item and have the company stand behind it.

deerhunterjj - thanks for the number. I'll call him.
 
I know this is waaaaay late to the party, but I have a partial solution for this problem, especially if you don't want to send it in, or have and still way to hard to turn. Go to Wal-Mart and get a bicycle inner tube for a 1&1/4 or 1&3/8th bicycle tire, cut some rubber bands out of the inner tube and put on the power adjust ring, helps a lot and makes it easier on old hands like mine. Much easier to grip ring and easier on fingers. Take care, John.
 
I have three Leupold scopes and one is a VX-11 and very hard to change power.
Every newer Luepold scope that I have handled in the last few years have the same problem. I am talking about new scopes in stores regardless of model.
Why buy a new scope that has to be sent in for corrections?
I have bought two other brands since the VX-11.

I almost always carry a rifle with the scope set at the lowest power. For my use a scope’s power must be changeable with my left hand without loosing sight picture. I haven’t seen a Leupold that was made in a few years that this is possible with.
 
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