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The counterfeit scopes also do not bear the Leupold medallion, a mark Leupold scopes will always possess.

Counterfeit Leupold Riflescope Warning

BEAVERTON, Ore.--Leupold is issuing a customer alert to purchasers of products, particularly via Internet sales, in regards to bogus Leupold products that are apparently being illegally imported from the People’s Republic of China.

These products bear many of the marks and trade dress of current Leupold & Stevens riflescopes making them very hard to distinguish externally from authentic Leupold products.

In recent months, counterfeited Leupold Mark 4® riflescopes have begun to arrive with increasing regularity at the firm’s Beaverton, Oregon, headquarters for service. These products are not manufactured by Leupold and are not covered by the Leupold Full Lifetime Guarantee.

Leupold employs serial number tracking for all its riflescopes, so if a customer finds a scope that is suspect, he or she can simply write down the serial number and call 1-800-LEUPOLD to confirm if it is indeed authentic.

In general, most of the scopes appear to originate from Hong Kong (People’s Republic of China), and have “Leupold Mark 4” laser engraved on the bottom of the turret in a silver etch, while the black ring on the objective is etched in white and does not include the name “Leupold.” The scopes also do not bear the Leupold medallion, a mark all Leupold scopes will always possess. An authentic Mark 4 riflescope will always be engraved black on

The black ring on the objective of the counterfeit scopes is etched in white and does not include the name “Leupold.”

Reader Comments

Unfortunately, this doesn't just happen on Leopolds, nor do the sales have to originate from China. Several American "dealers" have bought these in bulk, and Leopold, Tasco, Bushnell, Aimpoint, and others have been fully counterfeited, often very convincingly. If the deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is. You can also contact mfgrs before purchase to see if they are an authorized retailer.

Comment by: GLENN A | December 31, 2009

I am reminded that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. That said, it was inevitable that the most cost effective quality scope would be pirated. Thanks for the notice.

Comment by: Troy | December 31, 2009