Leupold 3HD “How’s the quality “

[Mountaineer]

My last two new Leupold’s have both went back for warranty work. I’m wondering what experience folks are having with their 3HD with CDS. I like the small size, but don’t want to waist my money if the will not hold up. Thanks.

 

[USMA84DAB]

Interested in hearing this...

 

[mdwest]

I’ve had zero problems out of any of my Leupold optics.. I’ve got VX Freedom, VX3, and VX5 scopes as well as a set of BX4 binos… all have been functioning perfectly since the day purchased…

 

[375Fox]

Why did you send the scopes in for warranty work? I’ve never had an issue with Leupold.

 

[cajunchefray]

Curious on the resolution of this.

I have a few older Leupold's, VX-2, VX-1 and a couple of FX-2s.
Recently got a VX-3HD 1.5x5x, Firedot with the CDS dial system. I never fooled with the CDS dial no need for me, I only purchased it for the small size and Fire Dot reticle.
After 30 rounds on my 35 Whelen, lost zero, shooting left. Going back for service.

I have read of other experiences with the CDS system on this site and a couple of others. Too many new gadgets.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

I have only sent 2 in over 35 years, one was a target scope that had turrets for silhouette competition and was being turned back and forth every week for matches. the other was 35 years old VX111 just a month ago. I am very happy with all of them

 

[ftrovato]

I sold Leupold scopes for many years (1980's & 90's).

I personally only know of one going back and it was user error.

Recently I had a senior moment (brain fart) and forced the vertical adjustment beyond its range.
Leupold had it back to me in several weeks with a free repair.

 

[Mountaineer]

The last one I had was a 5HD 3-15. After about 3 months it started shooting 6 inch groups. I sent it back. All was good for 6 months and then starting shootings 6 inch groups. Leupold sent me a list of everything they repaired. I didn’t know there was that many parts in a scope.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

The last one I had was a 5HD 3-15. After about 3 months it started shooting 6 inch groups. I sent it back. All was good for 6 months and then starting shootings 6 inch groups. Leupold sent me a list of everything they repaired. I didn’t know there was that many parts in a scope.

What happened after it was repaired the last. time

 

[sgt_zim]

Only Leupold I've ever had an issue with is a VX3 1.5-5, and that was just because I put the front ring to close to the objective. Twice (didn't realize what I'd done the first time). Leupold fixed it twice.

I have several Freedoms, a couple other VX3s and a VX5

 

[Mountaineer]

I traded it for a Swarovski.

 

[samson7x]

Leupold quality has seemingly slipped through the years. They aren’t known for good tracking or zero retention. There’s currently a thread on another forum discussing this very topic and, at the time of this post, only a little over 30% reported zero being retained after a fall/bounced around in buggy/etc. You can pick apart that poll however you want but that doesn’t inspire confidence.

I say all this as an owner of a mk5 which had to go back twice for internal debris that somehow passed QC.

 

[Luvthunt]

Leupold and I have never had any bad issues. In 70 years of purchasing of them and from Alaska to Africa no Issues.
Best company that I have dealt with in the hunting business

 

[375Fox]

Leupold quality has seemingly slipped through the years. They aren’t known for good tracking or zero retention. There’s currently a thread on another forum discussing this very topic and, at the time of this post, only a little over 30% reported zero being retained after a fall/bounced around in buggy/etc. You can pick apart that poll however you want but that doesn’t inspire confidence.

I say all this as an owner of a mk5 which had to go back twice for internal debris that somehow passed QC.

I often wonder what people do to scopes that could account for something like 30% failure. I’d think that’s highly exaggerated or only a select group of people are participating to make that number seem high. I can’t remember the last time I’ve needed to adjust the scope arriving for a hunt or even after getting home from a hunt.

 

[sgt_zim]

I often wonder what people do to scopes that could account for something like 30% failure. I’d think that’s highly exaggerated or only a select group of people are participating to make that number seem high. I can’t remember the last time I’ve needed to adjust the scope arriving for a hunt or even after getting home from a hunt.

I see quite a lot of gold rings on optics when I'm watching DG hunting videos. Probably more of those than the rest put together. Can't be that many failures.

 

[Mountaineer]

My family and I have many Leupold’s, some are 40 years old with no problems. Post covid seems to be the problem. I have vx-3 and vx-7 on my DG rifles and no problems. I’m hopeful they are getting their act together and back to the quality we were used to 20 years ago, that’s why I’m asking this group about the 3HD.

 

[375Fox]

My family and I have many Leupold’s, some are 40 years old with no problems. Post covid seems to be the problem. I have vx-3 and vx-7 on my DG rifles and no problems. I’m hopeful they are getting their act together and back to the quality we were used to 20 years ago, that’s why I’m asking this group about the 3HD.

All Leupold scopes are supposed to be the same toughness. The only difference is tube size, glass quality, and magnification range.

 

[whisk(e)y hunter]

I bought a new VX-3HD in the fall of 2022 or spring of ‘23 and have shot well over 100 rounds on a 375 ruger with no issues. May not speak to current production models though

 

[Bigmedcin]

I have a couple very freedom and vx3….I regret buying the CDS ones due to very weak detent design of the dail , turns way too easy, in and out of my soft rifle case a couple times turned the dial from 100-200 yards! Maybe not a big deal but yup it’s a big deal!
I since put a rubber o-ring under the dial, hold it down tight with my thumb as I tighten the set screws, turning the dail now take effort, unfortunately not an Harvard engineer but it seems to work.

If I was using one on my short range DG rifle, the cap word come off and go in my pocket after zeroing.