I bet you can't tell me what brand scope this is

[M70375!]

I bought this scope used, but looking like a new scope at a gunshot for $250. But it would not hold zero and when I rotated the eyepiece the cross reticle danced all over the place . I sent it in to Leupold, they returned it saying it is a non Leupold scope, a counterfeit . It looks and feels just like a new Leupold. So ,I called them and asked how they know it is counterfeit . I was told by the serial number, it is not a Leupold serial number. I then said how am I to know if a used scope is real or not and was told , if in doubt call Leupold customer service and read them the serial number and they would be happy to verify it. He told me that the counterfeiters have gotten so good nowadays that you can't tell them apart from the real Leupolds. I thought I made a good deal, but was totally screwed. So I just ordered a new Leupold Freedom 3x9 from Euro optics for $299, it's a demo at a $100 discount . Not so crazy about buying used scopes at gun shows any more.
Just thought I would share this with you guys, so you can be on the lookout when buying used Leupolds.

 

[DaddyFlip]

I just did a search for 'fake Leupold scopes' and, sure enough, yours meets all four criteria that the AI result provided. Who knew there was such a market and that it would be lucrative enough to enter it? Darn shame...

 

[M70375!]

what is the four criteria ?

 

[M70375!]

what is the four criteria ?

Leupold told me that those scopes are sold on Ebay, guns shows and they put them on rifles to increase the value and trade them in. Beware.

 

[DaddyFlip]

what is the four criteria ?

• The Gold Ring: On genuine scopes, the iconic ring has a muted gold hue with black lettering. Fakes often feature a very shiny, brassy, or silver-looking ring with white lettering. [1, 2]
• Magnification Dial: Genuine Leupold scopes increase magnification when turning the dial clockwise. Fakes frequently reverse this, increasing magnification when turned counter-clockwise. [1]
• Power Markings: Real Leupolds have power markings on the back (eyepiece side) and do not feature them on the sides. Fakes often display power markings on the front of the adjustment ring. [1]
• QR Codes and Serial Numbers: Legitimate modern scopes feature laser-etched serial numbers on the underside and have QR codes placed strictly on the right side. Counterfeits often place QR codes on the left side. [1]

 

[baxterb]

One of the tricky things about being explicit about how you know a scope is fake is that you give the fakers more information to make better fakes. I mean they are setting up tooling and dies to make a 100% counterfeit product, making an algorithm to sweep this kind of info isn't beyond the realm of possibility.

As far as buying a used Leupold, I bought a use 1 x 4, and it would fog up going from my garage to outside. I sent it in 4 times. On the 4th time I put a note in the box to NOT send the scope back if it's not fixable as I have lost all confidence in it anyway. They replaced it with a new VX3xi 1.5x 5

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Fakes or counterfeits are common in Leupold
I know of several burned on Mark V scopes and some VX3s. When in doubt I call it in. Had two two the other day didn’t look right. But are legit. Just older 1999-1996 scopes.

 

[V.Veritas]

I have 2 Leupold VX-6 1-6x24 with No.4 reticle.
Once I compared them side by side and realized one has a thicker reticle than the other. So I call Leupold to verify if one is fake. No, they are both legit. It just they made them with different reticle thickness (i.e. medium and heavy).

 

[Safari Dave]

That's a counterfeit Leupold.

I bought a 3.5-10 VX-III a couple of years ago at a gun show.

I became suspicious when I couldn't see through it well at dusk.

The opposite direction power dial gave me more suspicion.

When I called Leupold and read them the serial number - all was confirmed, but I was totally out of luck.


I also bought a counterfeit Sig-Sauer Tango06T off of eBay. Sig was a bit more difficult to deal with, but they ultimately confirmed that it was a fake.

I had to send it back to the thieves who sold it to me, but I finally got my money back.

 

[Spartan5]

I have not been burned in a fake Leupold, but have been on a couple of fake Zeiss at a gun show. Guy looked me in the eye and shook my hand that they were real. A year after I got them black spots started appearing in the glass like bugs…too good to be true, it usually is.

 

[Spartan5]

Oh, and to answer the OP’s challenge I am guessing the brand is something like WeScruYu or YuDumFul.

 

[Muskox]

Ebay can be really decent for the buyer. As a seller I have been burned quite a few times.

Once I bought a scope that was broken internally, and was able to get my money back.

 

[leslie hetrick]

once found out the scammer should have his real fake scope stuffed up his rectol orifice.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Unfortunately it’s not only Leupold. Many brands sold used or on EBay are counterfeit. It became such a problem for Trijicon they have a tool to search the serial number before buying.

Even a person you know may not know they have a counterfeit that they are selling.

 

[Bandera]

My guess to op’s question is the brand is… Ruepold.

 

[M70375!]

I even found out you have to be careful when buying high end spark plugs, like Denzo Iridium Power plugs, what has this world become, so sad.