COUNTERFEIT leupold scopes

Bought a used savage 10 with a fake mark 4 on it in december 2013. I paid 400 for the rifle and scope from csc and was never told it was a fake. I was just happy I found a donor action. I crushed the scope with a hydraulic press. It was pretty satisfying to make a scope go from 14 inches long to 4 inches long.
 
Hmm maybe I should see if someone wants to give up one of their fakes and I can use it to try and recreate the Carlos Hathcock shot :d
 
This is a pretty common problem. I know that some companies in Hong Kong and mainland China make fake scopes and sell them online. Not only scopes, but all optics. The low price and packaging normally tell you its fake. I'm really careful with anything used.
 
NAA said:
I read in another thread one way to verify a fake is the power adjustment goes clockwise to increase power on a real Leupold but counterclockwise on a fake.

Can you verify this info?

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NAA.
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I just checked my Vx3i 3.5-10x40 and am happy to say it is not a fake scope :)
 
LWERD said:
Is that true?!
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I had made that comment in another thread based on the 10+ Leupolds I have. Korth has since confirmed that Leupold scopes increase power in the clockwise direction.

I don't think all fakes are opposite but I have seen many that increase power counterclockwise, when I am looking it is one of the first things I check.
 
I seem to recall a few episodes of Pawn Stars whereby the Harrisons basically eat anything they bought that turns out to be fake or stolen. That's proper business practice in my mind; customers hit Gold and Silver knowing all merch has been vetted. The way it should be.
 
LWERD said:
What're other ways to determine its authenticity?
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I have contacted Leupold a number of times to confirm if a scope is legit and they have been very helpful.
I would just touch base with Leupold and ask them about a scope if you have any doubt at all.
 
Korth Group Ltd said:
We have encountered a couple of brand new Leupold clones that were sold as new Leupold optics at the Toronto Sportsman's show this year. We have been there to display for the last two years, but opted to not attend this year. Wish we had now - would like to know where these knockoff optics were sold. FYUI - these were sold at proper Leupold retail; not discounted to make it known they were fakes.




A few things to look for:
The Gold Ring is not a proper gold colour
Laser marks on the gold ring are not centered
Laser marks are not as crisp
Check under the turret caps - Leupold does not use any gold colouring on new optics under the caps
Tactical reticles in a hunting optic
Packaging looks off
More than one optic for sale has the same serial number

We have encountered hard-to-identify VX-3i 3.5-10x40 and LCO's recently that are very well done.

When in doubt, call us or Leupold.

KGL
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Hello Korth

I just got back from the Orangeville gun show today. There was a guy there selling BNIB Leupold Vx3i 4.5-14x40 for $295 hmmmm? and same x50 for $325 double hmmmm?
So I'm thinking - this is way too good to be true...then I remember seeing this thread...

Now I'm immediately thinking these are counterfeit for sure.

I looked them over pretty good (I have a couple Leupold scopes so know what they look like)
Checked the ring, checked under the caps, turned the magnification dial....looks pretty much like the real think

Only think I thought was definitely wrong was the package - no way it was a real Leupold package.

Anyway, I didn't buy anything from him. Alarm bells were ringing.....

You should have someone check out the net show....if I go I will write down the serial #'s
 
Bigbubba said:
Hello Korth

I just got back from the Orangeville gun show today. There was a guy there selling BNIB Leupold Vx3i 4.5-14x40 for $295 hmmmm? and same x50 for $325 double hmmmm?
So I'm thinking - this is way too good to be true...then I remember seeing this thread...

Now I'm immediately thinking these are counterfeit for sure.

I looked them over pretty good (I have a couple Leupold scopes so know what they look like)
Checked the ring, checked under the caps, turned the magnification dial....looks pretty much like the real think

Only think I thought was definitely wrong was the package - no way it was a real Leupold package.

Anyway, I didn't buy anything from him. Alarm bells were ringing.....

You should have someone check out the net show....if I go I will write down the serial #'s
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Thanks again for letting us know. If the deal appears too good to be true, it probably is...

KGL
 
kc34 said:
I have contacted Leupold a number of times to confirm if a scope is legit and they have been very helpful.
I would just touch base with Leupold and ask them about a scope if you have any doubt at all.
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so what was the outcome...i know its an old post but what happened
 
Don't buy any Leupolds off amazon. I would assume anyone buying from a gun store is likely buying it from a gun store that bought from amazon(as it came up cheaper than through their dealer) to turn more profit. I've personally witnessed this.
 
I was previously burned twice on fake Leopold scopes. However, they did perform fine and in each case I sold the rifle with the fake scope as a "gimme" being fully transparent about the provenance of the scope. One stood up well even on a .308 and I didn't realize until one day I was unable to find a serial number at all.
 
kc34 said:
I have contacted Leupold a number of times to confirm if a scope is legit and they have been very helpful.
I would just touch base with Leupold and ask them about a scope if you have any doubt at all.
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chola said:
so what was the outcome...i know its an old post but what happened
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Leupold keeps track of serial #'s that have been used on counter-feit scopes as I guess the makers tend to make multiples with the same #.
The one time I called Leupold to check a serial # they told me that that particular # I gave them had been used on fake scopes in the past. It was a scope I was in the process of buying off the EE and didn't have yet. I'm pretty sure the seller was unaware and had picked it up from a gun store somewhere as used. Our deal didn't happen of course and I encouraged him to go back to the store he got it from but don't know if he did.

The other times I have called Leupold they confirmed that the serial #'s were ok for the scopes in question.

It pays to be a bit cautions and check things out.
 
BluteEhre said:
Don't buy any Leupolds off amazon. I would assume anyone buying from a gun store is likely buying it from a gun store that bought from amazon(as it came up cheaper than through their dealer) to turn more profit. I've personally witnessed this.
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In my opinion most reputable gun stores would not buy their scopes from some cheap Amazon seller to turn more profit and risk getting fakes but are there some around that do that....... there likely is........
 
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