LEUPOLD COUNTERFEITS

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Hey all
Just a word of caution, there seems to be an influx of Leupold counterfeits hit the US market thru some web sites.
I have seen two this week now here in Texas come in. Both were VX3i 4-14x40
Tell tale signs on these, 1- Box color and label is off, looks like but is not real. 2- These were CDS Models now discontinued and the fakes are NON CDS
3- and the biggest one and fastest to see, power ring goes counter clockwise, A true Leupold goes clock wise.
There have been some VX5 also seen.
Leupold will verify if you call customer service any serial number.

Just wanted give you all a heads up

 

[HuntingGold]

Thanks for the heads up!

 

[csmcclain]

All scopes are getting bad. I work in intellectual property protection (anti-counterfeiting) and I have worked with several major optics providers. Leupold was always one of the better companies about it, but whatever provider they use for it has been slipping over the past two years. Couple that with the SEO of Temu, and knockoffs that used to be hidden from public view (because they would omit the brand name in the listing title) are now available to everyone in basic searches.

 

[csmcclain]

That is not to mention the fact that over half of all sellers on walmart.com are from China, and eBay cannot be too far behind. Listings on eBay can be even more deceptive because the listing can claim to be based anywhere in the US, but the seller’s about page has them as a China-based company.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Here are some pics of counterfeit box and markings

 

[meigsbucks]

Three or four years ago, a friend at the range bought a “Leupold” off a website (Wish?). He was having issues with it. Called Leupold and the serial number was fraudulent.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Trijicon recommends you check the serial number on their website before buying any Trijicon product. But especially the RMR and SRO.

 

[csmcclain]

Here are some pics of counterfeit box and markings

Aside from the color (both the gold that is actually yellow and the crimson that is red) and sheen, there are a few other errors on this:

1. The end of the box with all the specs looks like garbage.
2. The font is off (and it’s bold)
3. There is no space between “VX3i” and the magnification
4. There is not a space between “Matte” and the dash
5. Boxes do not say “American to the core” anymore, because Leupold abandoned the trademark after failing to prove that they used it

Interestingly enough, they actually use the proper UPC code.

 

[csmcclain]

Trijicon recommends you check the serial number on their website before buying any Trijicon product. But especially the RMR and SRO. They are the most often fake.

100% recommend this. I would do this for every optic purchased from anywhere that is not a legitimate distributor. I don’t even trust local gun stores unless they are well established. I have seen counterfeit RMRs and ACOGs being sold by what would appear to be legitimate stores at gun shows. Once you know how to spot them, you can see them from a mile away.

I’m honestly happy to put together an optics/outdoor brand guide for spotting fakes if there’s enough interest.

 

[deewayne2003]

Trijicon recommends you check the serial number on their website before buying any Trijicon product. But especially the RMR and SRO.

As a side note you can do the same thing with the Habano’s website when buying Cuban cigars; there should be a UPC on the sealed box that will verify the brand and style.

Authenticity Check – Habanos, S.A. – Official site

www.habanos.com

Thanks to @Mark Biggerstaff for the public service announcement about the Leupolds, I’d seen a fake MKIV and several ACOGs but the best way I can describe it is……

While working security in college I would check thousands of IDs a weekend, sometimes a couple thousand a night and after a while you can catch fakes by the way they feel in your hand before you even look at it, something’s just not night about it and from there the better the fake the harder you have to look.

Hell, even some fake Rolex’s are made out of real gold.

 

[DaddyFlip]

This topic came up in June also (with fake criteria).

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

Jun 11, 2026

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...

• M70375!
• Replies: 15
• Forum: Hunting equipment, gear & optics

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[Inkgardener]

So, to avoid these problems only buy new from authorized dealers? And from what I am reading no Amazon or eBay “authorized dealer “?

I assume Bass Pro and Scheels are good, or have they infiltrated there somehow?

 

[375Fox]

So, to avoid these problems only buy new from authorized dealers? And from what I am reading no Amazon or eBay “authorized dealer “?

I assume Bass Pro and Scheels are good, or have they infiltrated there somehow?

You need to buy from someone that has to stand behind their name and has something to lose if sued. You are safe with bass pro and Scheels or other major names, but anyone can open an eBay store then open a new one. I’m comfortable buying certain models used, but even here on AH I’m hesitant buying used scopes unless I trust the member and they confirm they purchased from authorized dealer.