Leupold power adjustment ring hard to turn.

SEE: https://www.marlinowners.com/forum/336/43093-i-finally-got-bottom-leupold-scope-problem.html

Could be misalignment in the rings and it could be excessively torqued rings.

Or it could be......a common problem. Had a friend with the same problem on a brand new in box Leupy. Sent it in to Leupold before he even mounted it and they fixed it with no fuss or money out of pocket.

IMO Leupold has the best customer service in the optics industry. Yes, better than Vortex. Leupold customer service reps are more knowledgeable than Vortex reps.

my mid 90s vari-x ii is super stiff to. can't even move it on a 10 degree day. i think its just the o ring there maybe dry. i would send it in leupold will replace it no problem, but then i would get a lower end scope. my eyes like the older leupolds better for some reason. i have a nikon that's the opposite the ring moves so easy, id bet even with recloil. same thing nikon will replace it, but it's a japan made nikon and very clear

troy fairweather said:

my mid 90s vari-x ii is super stiff to. can't even move it on a 10 degree day. i think its just the o ring there maybe dry. i would send it in leupold will replace it no problem, but then i would get a lower end scope. my eyes like the older leupolds better for some reason. i have a nikon that's the opposite the ring moves so easy, id bet even with recloil. same thing nikon will replace it, but it's a japan made nikon and very clear

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You get a vx-f for a vx-II, for me that's a good change, but if you like the older ones much less so.

Something to remember is that variable scopes USUALLY have a slot about 1/2way across the main tube, directly under the adjustment ring where the connecting rod from the ring engages the erector tube assembly.
It's also usually on the top of the tube. It takes less force to pinch the area close to the slot, especially with horizontal split rings, and or low quality/poorly aligned rings.

Leupolds got a relatively short adjustment ring so you can get much closer to that slot than most other manufacturers. The scopes are also lighter than most so the tubes "maybe" thinner, and more easily pinched when they aren't whole.

I've never pinched a scope bad enough to jam up the adjustment ring, but I've bent a couple at that slot, one just by sliding across a wall and hitting the eyebell on another gun.

LoonWulf said:

You get a vx-f for a vx-II, for me that's a good change, but if you like the older ones much less so.

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i feel the eye relief is better with the older. i have not looked thru the freedoms since they came out, my eyes have changed over the last few years. i need to check them out again.

troy fairweather said:

but then i would get a lower end scope.

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I had a pair of leupold binos that I sent back. Got a brand new upgraded pair N/C

Had a VX-III that was maybe 40 years old that lost zero. Got a brand new VX-3 N/C

I feel it’s impossible to beat Leupold customer service

redneck2 said:

I had a pair of leupold binos that I sent back. Got a brand new upgraded pair N/C

Had a VX-III that was maybe 40 years old that lost zero. Got a brand new VX-3 N/C

I feel it’s impossible to beat Leupold customer service

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ye they have good cs. but they don't make my model anymore. and i know they will not give a vx-3. id get a freedom wich is a good $100 less the the last vxii.

If you talk to them they will let you pay the difference and upgrade. I sent a 2-7x33 VX-III and upgraded to a 4-14 x 40 VX-3. Makes a super scope for my CZ 453 .22

redneck2 said:

If you talk to them they will let you pay the difference and upgrade. I sent a 2-7x33 VX-III and upgraded to a 4-14 x 40 VX-3. Makes a super scope for my CZ 453 .22

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that's a good idea, i wonder if the vx-3 tube i longer then the freedoms. the longer tube are nice for mausers and long actions.

I think the VX-3’s are really, really nice scopes. I’ve used them deer hunting many times and have never been disappointed

I’m not a knob twister, so I have no idea of the tracking. My hunting buddy has several with CDS and says they track great

i don't now if i would get a 2.5-8x36 or just get the 3.5-10x40.

Glad this tread started. I have several Leupolds and have had the problem of ultra stiff adjustments. I have been just living with it and good to hear I don't have to. Thanks.

troy fairweather said:

i think its just the o ring there maybe dry. i would send it in leupold will replace it no problem, but then i would get a lower end scope.

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When Leupold replaced scope for me the quality of the scope were comparable. I had sent in an and older 24x scope for repairs for physical damage. Scope was replaced with a then current 25x Silhouette scope. The old 3x scopes were replace with FX-4's. I'd suggest giving them a call to discuss repairs etc. Many Leupold scopes have gone through my hands in the last forty years..

Addendum: The scopes that were replaced were no longer made. My old 4x cost new $50.00. Added later. The replacement 4X scopes were both FX II,s

My experience: Click on the Leupold website. There is an application for repairs. Also, you can call directly. A company rep will call prior to repairs or replacement. I was reluctant to let go of two of those scopes considering long use etc. Realized it was replacement or no scopes. The Long Range scope was repaired and returned. The company will treat you right. That's my experience.

I really don't understand all this thrashing around when the answer is a phone call away.