Ever had Leupold QR base/rings loosen?

[stickhunter]

I recently purchased a used rifle that came with this style of Leupold QR base/rings:

I took the rifle apart for a cleaning/inspection and remounted the base and locked in the rings. When I used my scope alignment bars to check the rings, I noticed that the front ring had noticeable play, both rotationally and back-to-front. The play was small, but in comparison, the rear ring was rock solid. I also noticed that the front lever took quite a bit less force to lock than the rear lever.

I swapped the front/rear rings and this increased the tension on the front lever and reduced the tension on the back lever, but the front ring still had a small bit of play. Finally, I swapped the levers/locking bars and repeated the previous test. In every case, the front ring had play, which makes me think the hole is oversize.

I phoned Leupold and they confirmed that the rings should lock up fully, so based on my findings, their recommendation was to buy a new base. Unfortunately, there is no warranty, and the base is the most expensive part of this type of QR system. With a scope locking the rings together, there is no apparent play, but I don't want the scope to be holding the rings in place.

I now have to decide whether to replace the base or switch to a different ring/base combo. I've not read anything negative about this QR system, except for levers sometimes breaking, so I'm leaning toward my base having a manufacturing defect --- I can't see any visible damage or peening.

Just curious if anyone else has had this issue with the Leupold QR base? I don't mind trying it again with a new base as long as it's not prone to wearing loose.

 

[Kevan]

I have only ever had one set of those bases / rings so maybe I'm not qualified to offer an opinion, but they were on a 700 Remington Custom Shop 458. In spite of the fact that the rifle shot a lot of really heavy loads ( 600 gr. Barnes + max powder ) I never had an issue with the Leupold set-up and the 3X Leupold it wore retained virtually perfect zero constantly.
If my dentures would have stayed in place half as well as the scope I would have been happy...

 

[Longwalker]

I have had a sets in the past on a .35 Whelen Rem 700, and use them on one rifle now, a Sako 30-06. Both have performed perfectly with close tolerances using two sets of rings on each rifle. My brother also has one set up on a Sauer 202 30-06 and has also used two sets of rings with no problems. I think they are a good system, the previous owner of your rifle may have messed yours up somehow.

 

[stickhunter]

Thanks guys for sharing your experience with the Leupold QR bases. I wrote Korth and they suggested sending the base/rings for an inspection and possible replacement if they are found to have a manufacturing defect. I'm going to go ahead and do that. The locking mechanism is so simple that it's hard to imagine how you'd damage the mating surfaces without snapping the levers, but you never know. I'll post an update when I hear back from Korth.