Spotting a Leupold Imposter

[CobbJC]

Are there any obvious characteristics to look for when determining an authentic or fake Leupold scope?

 

[Helka]

The most common is the serial number is mostly 8's eg: 8088808

If you do come across a Leupold scope your interested in, especially a used one ask for the serial number and call Leupold (with the model, magnification etc) and confirm the details. Also if the person has a box in the picture ensure the serial number listed on the box matches the scope bottom.

 

[bassackwardzz]

I’m no expert by any means, but I have seen a few listed on GP that have spelling mistakes on the box. Matte was spelled without the “e”. Coincidentally both that I saw were LPVO’s.

 

[struff55]

you can go on line and verify the sn
google leupold serial number and it will come up

 

[Gillshot]

There’s a couple videos on YouTube on how to spot a fake one. Saw a couple fake VX-3’s at a gun show several years ago. Very close but just not quite right.

 

[45C]

Had one a couple of months back and the gold ring was really dark compared to the real ones.
Called leupold USA and they confirmed.

 

[homslice]

Had one a few years a "quabity" sticker was obviously wrong.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

I came across one listed here on the EE a few years back. Physically, it was a copy of the VariX II 3-9X40 and the geometry was good but on the side, the branding had a mistake as it was spelled, "LEOPOLD".

 

[SJAR]

I've seen fakes with the magnification ring turning CCW to increase magnification whereas Leupolds are Clockwise to increase.

 

[RRCo.]

Just try to buy a Mitituyo digital vernier that's not fake!

 

[Battlerifleelitist]

Brilliant clarity and brightness, crystal clear coatings, tougher than a two dollar steak, lightweight and with dead accurate turret tracking.

Most of those are hard to figure out before the fact, especially when online shopping