Leupold scope fogged up

MD

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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I was out hunting for a week (got back Wednesday) in really nice weather and my Leupold M8 4 power scope fogged up. It wasn't impossible to see through, but it was not crystal clear either. I was hunting big openings with possible 300 yard shots and in dim light in the evenings I knew if I saw something I just wouldn't be able to see the target clearly.

I regretted not bringing a spare rifle.

After about three days it cleared up. I didn't expect that.

I've sent in Leupold scopes to Korth in Okotoks twice already, once for fogging up and another time for getting knocked out of alignment.

I also sent in a Bushnell Elite 3-9 to Bushnell for repair when it developed a wandering zero.

One of my hunting buddies says he's never known anyone who has so much scope trouble as me. I had a vintage Weaver K4 fog up on me once too, but that was a very wet trip and a very old scope.

What should I do? Wait and see if it does it again or send it in?
 
One of my hunting buddies says he's never known anyone who has so much scope trouble as me

That's because most people don't shoot enough to break them, well enough to know if they have or are using them in a manner that doesn't expose their shortcomings. At least with a fogged up scope there isn't a lot of wondering if there's a problem. Small consolation, but better than the alternative.

Send it in, it isn't going to fix itself.
 
They fog up because a seal is failed and the gas has leaked out. Get it fixed. Might be a lemon from the start, or maybe they didn't fix it well enough the first time you sent it in. Tell them this is a repeat offender.
 
What should I do? Wait and see if it does it again or send it in?

Stop buying older scopes would be my first recommendation. But with any older Leupold of unknown pedigree a preemptive trip to Korth isn't a bad idea. As for this particular Leupold, don't screw around...get it sent in ASAP and take a different rifle next trip out.
 
Rubber seals will harden and dry. There are a lot of Leupold scopes still in regular use today, that were made in the '50s.

But yes, the scope made in 1959 still has a lifetime warranty. I can't think of any other product anywhere with that type of guarantee.

If there is one, please enlighten me, so I can buy whatever it is.
 
Something people forget about warranty is that the company has to actually still exist if/when you need to use it. In a world where very few brands actually make their own scopes that's something to consider.
 
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