Today reader Ian McKee, whose blog name is 45Bravo, tells us about his experience of filing a warranty claim with Leapers for a UTG riflescope.
If you’d like to write a guest post for this blog, please email me at blogger@pyramydair.com.
Take it away, Ian.
How difficult is it to file a warranty claim with Leapers?
by Ian McKee
The UTG 4-16x56mm scope with a 30mm tube.
Several years ago, I acquired a UTG Accushot 4-16×56 on a used airgun I had bought. You can see one like it above. I liked the scope, and used it for years but on a different rifle.
Once it was on the new rifle, I had no need to adjust anything other than the magnification or the side parallax adjustment as it was mounted on a hunting rifle. As a pair, they were always ready to go and zeroed.
I loaned the rifle to a friend for a couple of years to get him into PCP’s. We were at the range when he returned it, so I put a few shots through it to verify zero, and then put it in the case and put it in the closet when I got home.
Fast forward a few years and I am now writing about and testing guns. When I needed a scope for one I dug the rifle out of the closet, removed the scope, and mounted it on my .357 Airforce Texan. I only had to adjust the windage to achieve a 50 yard zero.
I let a friend borrow the Texan to make a video for his YouTube channel. While he was trying some different ammo at longer ranges, he found the elevation adjustment was wonky. I pulled another scope from a different rifle and he continued his review.
I like Leapers/UTG scopes on my hunting guns, they have a clean uncluttered reticle, side focus, an illuminated reticle and they are well made.
I decided I would try to return the scope even though I was not the original owner. I checked their web page, and did not see any reference to the warranty being for the original purchaser only. So, I sent an email, describing what the problem was with the scope and asking for their assistance in getting it repaired or replaced.
The next morning I received an email from one of their representatives, Jesse Truan, asking for more details. He asked me to follow some troubleshooting steps. I knew this was to make sure the problem was not user error, but he delicately avoided implying that could be the problem.
It was at this time I decided this was going to become a guest blog regardless of the outcome.
The troubleshooting steps were simply to make sure the locking rings were unlocked, and making sure the adjustments were not at the end of their travel in either direction by trying to center the reticle.
Side note here: You have to remember, the company has to deal with owners who may have very limited experience with guns, either air or firearms. They may buy a scope because th
ey like the looks of it, and then pay the gunshop to mount it and “zero” it for them by laser-bore sighting it. And then they head to the woods without actually checking the zero.
I followed Jesse’s troubleshooting steps and responded by email that the elevation adjustment would make about a half turn, then get really tight for half a turn, then repeat the same problem over and over.
He said they would take a look and see if it could be repaired. He included an RMA number (return merchandise authorization) and the address to send it to. I sent the scope to them, and had a response back within two days after they had received the scope.
They agreed that there was a problem, and it was non repairable. As that model optic is no longer in production, they offered me full retail price credit towards a new optic or any Leapers/UTG equipment.
I shopped through their catalog and decided on a compact UTG Accushot 4-16×44 and a set of their UTG quick release rings. (Like I said, I like the Accushot scopes on hunting rifles.)
UTG Accushot 4-16×44 scope with the rings it comes with.
The 4-16×44 compact scope is much smaller and a good fit for the Texan.
A few days later, the scope arrived, the scope I had chosen came bundled with a set of their Max Strength rings, and in the box were also the quick release Max Strength rings I had requested.
UTG Max Strength quick detachable rings.
Other than the initial online questionnaire, there were no questions about having a sales receipt, was I the original purchaser, or anything. The process was smooth, easy and professional.
I had met the owner of Leapers David Ding, some of his family and staff while at the 2023 Pyramyd AIR cup. They are some really good people. He was surprised to see I was using one of his UTG Accushot 3-12×44 scopes for the Gunslynger competition. It was the best tool for the job at hand.
I contacted him before writing this report to clarify that the warranty applies to authentic UTG scopes, and is not limited to the original owners.
This was the second optic in my life I had ever tried to return for repair or replacement, the first one was a Leopold scope used on a firearm, and the return was denied as I could not produce a sales receipt (the scope was a gift.)
I have several UTG scopes, a few of their soft rifle cases, one of their range bags, and many of their rail adapters or risers. I have been pleased with everything I have ever bought from them. No I am not sponsored by them, if I got it new, I bought it.
Leapers/UTG will continue to get my business. They are nice people whose products give great value for the money spent. I look forward to seeing what new offerings they have at SHOT SHOW 2024.
Shoot safe, have FUN!
Ian
Ian, I have been a Hawke devotee for the years I’ve shooting, but between BB’s love of Leapers/UTG products and now your experience dealing with them, I’ll have to look at these scopes next time I purchase one. Thanks for your excellent blogs. Orv
Orv,
I have both UTG and Hawke Optics and really like them both. Until you get into the larger UTG scopes, the Hawkes generally have clearer optics, but tend to be quite long. I will qualify this and say I have not bought any of the newer UTG scopes and I like the BugBuster and Compact SWAT scopes.
Generally speaking, I find it so rare for warranties to be honoured, that I neither trust- nor worry about invalidating them.
And now, after reading about Ian McKee/ 45Bravo’s impressive experience, I wonder if Leapers/ UTG treat all customers thus…
My reason for chosing their scopes has been the included attachment rings. 🙂
Hi3, I am sure David had no idea I was returning a scope for warranty.
I did not drop any names, pull any strings or mention that I write content for Pyramyd AIR, or that I knew David.
Just Hello, my name is Ian McKee, I have a UTG 4-16×56 ACCUSHOT that is not working as it should, can you help me?
I did not reach out to him until I had the replacement in hand, mounted on the rifle and part of this review written.
I feel safe saying they probably treat all of their customers with the same level of professionalism that was extended to me.
Ian
Similar defect and It took months to get my scope replaced. Possibly, a supply shortage. But it was done.
3hi,
I would not hesitate to use their warranty service should it be necessary. I have used the warranty service with Hawke. I was not the original owner and my experience was almost identical to Ian’s. I now have a brand new Hawke sitting here at RRHFWA waiting to decide what I should mount it on.
I recall watching a video on the company and they appear to be dedicated to customer satisfaction and innovation. The Bug Buster was just what airgunners needed.
I have a few of the BUGBUSTER scopes, they work well, one has a permanent place on my .177 caliber CZ 200s.
Ian
Ian,
A good follow up to UTG would be how does one determine they have an original in the first place and not some cheap knockoff?
Siraniko
Hmmm, that is a good point, sounds like I need to do some research.
I do know a few other scopes use the same style turret locking system.
I guess that’s another blog topic to write on my to do board..
Ian.
Hmm… maybe I need to try the UTG Scout Scope on my Ruger GSR!
OP,
It will likely seem like a big scope, but you will find it to be quite rugged and quite serviceable.
Ian,
Thanks for this little blurb. I am certain this will aleviate many people’s fears concerning these scopes. I have not used the Leapers warranty as of yet, but I have taken advantage of the Hawke Optics warranty and have had almost the identical experience. I also was not the first owner, but that question was never brought up in my instance either.
You do not have to pay an outrageous price for good optics. 😉
P.S. I also really like the BugBuster line. Now, if I can just swing their etched glass model. 😉
Great information,thanks Ian.I’ve sent back two Leopold scopes and neither time was I asked for a receipt but it was a long time ago.
I own four PCP rifles and all of them wear the same scope model, the discontinued UTG 3-12-44 true hunter classic, wire mil-dot. To an extant I guess We are all like “Cora” “When you find something that works, you stick with it.” 😉
Bravo45,
Glad it worked out for you. Leapers is supposed to make stout equipment.
Hawke in the other hand, seems to lead the world in return scopes! On GTA, all you hear is hw wonderful the return policy is. It needs to be, because Hawke scopes, at least the cheaper Airmax and below seem to frequently break. Get a Meopta!
-Yogi
I am sad to hear that, Yogi. I have two Hawke scopes that came with 2 airguns I purchased at auction. If I recall correctly, one is an Airmax 3-12x that came on the Diana 350 Magnum. It had a some small parts missing from one of the turrets. I think it was the lock to indicate where you zeroed the scope. There was a small circular piece and two small screws. I called the Hawke customer service line and although the scope was recently discontinued, they kindly sent me the last parts they had that were missing. Now the scope is whole again. The other scope is a smaller 2-7x on a Air Arms TX200 Mark III. It had a turret cap that had this strange discoloring. Same story. They were kind enough to send me the part. And now that scope looks brand new again.
Since the Diana 350 is meant for hunting and the TX is meant for target shooting, I may switch the two scopes. Perhaps the Airmax will last longer on the relatively more docile TX?
Roamin:
Since you mentioned the Diana 350, I’m sure you are quite well aware of the violence of that series shot cycle. My 350 is the carbine and it is a most unpleasant, but highly accurate shooter. It also ATE at UTG Leapers 3-9 40 MM IR Scope. The reticle let go and became an “X” rather than a “+” and was sent in after some electronic interchanges.
The scope was replace without any histrionics or grinding of molars. Interestingly, the 350 came with a Diana (actually likely a Xisco) scope that it ate within a few dozen shots. Diana replaced that scope that I put on my Model 34 where it works happily with less in the way of fatal jolting.
If the 350 kills the UTG a second time, it will get a Dampa Mount to allay some of the double recoil. Probably should do that now?
I think mine must have been tuned because although it is powerful, it is not buzzy and is well-mannered. So far, no slaps upside my head. However, I find the scope mounts and base that it came with to be impossibly high and one of the things I would like to do is find a scope mounting system that keeps the scope as low as possible. For that, I need a smaller scope, lower rings, and and the lowest base possible. I just haven’t had time to call P.A. during working hours to discuss the matter and have the gun and my calipers at the ready.
This post hopefully will gain at least a few more customers for Leapers, including one FM; see, there is this Maximus needing a good optic on it…
For you vintage springer guys, here’s a rarity….FWB 127 in deluxe stock with period Feinwerkbau rear diopter/peep sight:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/325913250377?hash=item4be1f18a49:g:4J0AAOSwnrFlbPk7&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwKemGPWOjfor9Bslc5JR73dzZx9z0F1f3Jhbp0TUGpFNhLaIuJqg4bdpC9TY6azgIPI6xfKqIOLTco%2BJ1n7tKpq%2BtVwoQbnZtI%2FRqUb7W%2FlPaH3cJsfL46zOd9Gt5ZI%2B0m5H%2BYQFDno97fP4AG1g7M%2FPIW9ocG6FD5gal1Yz8a62pkZzenxFu6s9OYx51WCMzc2tPhWfwLRRHaCayxa1uRZ9SCmtEJywjGfSFJLYePiFJfocPx%2B3SvYI204ER%2BU6qw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7jr8feJYw
Wow, that’s a nice rifle. I’ll add that to my watch list. Out of my budget right now. Hopefully it will stick around. I have a 124 that is waiting for seals.
I just took delivery of a 100th Anniversary Crosman 362, plus a set of their pellets with the special commemorative tins.
It sold for $800. I think that’s too high. But what do I know.
Roamin,
Soon you will know more because I bought it. 🙂
BB
I am happy for you. Glad it landed in knowledgeable and capable hands. Also glad to know its value. I had remembered that you had said that the powerplant was not suited to .22, or perhaps I am not remembering correctly.
Thanks Ian, good to know, hope I don’t have to go through that myself 😉
I like the UTG scopes as they are reasonably priced and good value for the price.
I have a variety of scopes – mostly Hawke and UTG with a couple of Bushnell, Weaver and Tasco in the mix – but never had the need or budget for a high-end brand.
Lots of new airguns on the market and scope designs have evolved to suit them.
Modern PCPs have tripled and quadrupled the range I used to shoot at and, accordingly, I’ve purchased some higher magnification scopes with larger objective lenses and body tubes to match.
For long-range, exaggerated trajectory shooting, I look for a scope that has turrets designed for “dialing” (adjusting the elevation for each shot) that feature positive detents and more durable materials (like stainless steel instead of brass) in their components. For anyone looking for a reasonably priced dialable scope I’d suggest looking at the Element Helix line of scopes. I have a couple of them and like them very much.
Cheers!
Hank
I agree with the range of airguns being used being constantly extended.
But I have never been a clicker.
I always hold over.
You have to learn your equipment, but I have always found it faster and less worrisome than clicking.
When you pick up the gun after 5 or 6 months of not shooting, the question is did I reset it to zero before I put it up?
Ian
Ian,
“When you pick up the gun after 5 or 6 months of not shooting, the question is did I reset it to zero before I put it up?”
This is one reason why i keep talking about keeping good D.O.P.E.
SO much frustration avoided!
shootski
Ian,
I’ve always been one to hold-over and I’m pretty good at being able to hit a grackle-sized target, center mass, at out to 60ish yards. Beyond that, considering the trajectory and the small size of the target things get iffy for guesstimating.
Laser rangefinders will give you an accurate range and having the corresponding numbers on the scope turret will provide the correct elevation. You still have to allow for the wind and make a good shot. Still a lot of skill evolved.
I made up a couple of sheets of “scope turret stickers” and I’ll be calibrating the scopes on my long range rifles next spring. My scopes have a mechanical “zero stop” so knowing where you are on the dial is not a problem.
Seen a lot of videos where the long-range guys all dial their shots. I’ll let you know if all this theoretical stuff works next grackle pesting. 🙂
Cheers!
Hank
Vana2,
“Modern PCPs have tripled and quadrupled the range I used to shoot at…”
Just HAD to repeat THIS comment of yours Hank!
Forgive me but i Love it!
shootski
My scope experience is two returns in all the time I have had scopes. The first was a Burris 4.5-14X32 Timberline scope I had on a Walther Parrus. I returned it for a wandering zero. There were no questions about the scope other than the issue I was having. It came back repaired, now resides on a .222 Remington. The second I just sent back to Element, 6-24X50 Helix. I put it on my AA S510 and found that the scope was about out of upward adjustment at 20 yds. It was in a new set of BKL mounts, I reversed them with no effect. A Meopta Optika5 zeroed with only a couple clicks in windage and elevation, as did the Sightron originally on it. I was pretty stoked to try a higher magnification scope with target style turrets, that came to an abrupt end an hour into it. Element optics did reply promptly with clear instructions, I am waiting to see the results of this warranty repair.
45Bravo,
Interest blog on a topic i have no experience with;
either returning a defective commercial optic or a Leapers Optic. I have looked at their Integrix line but they seem never to be in stock.
Vortex Optics offers a lifetime No Questions Asked warranty and if reviewers comments are to be believed it is a fact.
The only Optic i have that is exposed to a springer (magnums at that) is the SIG ASP WHISKEY3 and they seemingly can take what the airguns can dish out in that devilish double recoil.
Thank you once again for the Guest Blog,
shootski
No problem with my Whiskey 3 scope on the ASP20.
Deck
Decksniper,
Mine are still shooting to specification i hope yours is as well! I never anticipated that i would enjoy shooting them as much as i do. I do wish the ASP WHISKEY3s had an illuminated reticle! Most of my other scopes have at least the center •/°/+ illuminated; much more than that i don’t like.
I have a minimum of 2,500 projectiles through each of mine. The .177 has shot the most Knock Out Slugs in 10.3 grain since the 13.4 grain proved to heavy to shoot sub MOA. I may need to buy a powerful .177 PCP to try the heavier stuff in ;^)
The .22 has seen only pellets even though i have a bunch of H&N as well as JSB Slugs (bullets) waiting for me to try in it. The two SIGs are on the rotation schedule next so maybe i will try the .22 Slugs at 30 yards.
shootski
Shootski
I have a similar number of shots on my ASP20 in .177 but you may recall that Sig repaired mine when it lost half its velocity. Sig said it was a seal, it cost me nothing and Sig was very prompt. That was after they pulled the product. Later I I heard Sig no longer serviced it. I continue to hope someone can service this wonderful rifle but until that happens I’m sticking to two pellets, JSB 8.44 and AA 8.44 grains. I had been using a heavier pellet when the seal gave way. Maybe that made no difference but I’m not taking the chance. I want this rifle to last as long as me.
Deck
I recently received a rebuilt .22 Crosman Mag-Fire Ultra and it came with a CP 3-9x40AO Scope. Not your ordinary package deal scope. It appears to go from about 4 yards to infinity. The lowest marking on the AO adjustment is 15Y but it continues to rotate lower.
The Mag-Fire is not what I would consider a Magnum, 975 fps but it is a somewhat hard-hitting gas piston and I’m tempted to never put the scope on it and save it for a PCP or MP. Don’t know how rugged it is. (No illumination on this one)
It’s no secret that the plastic magazine is fragile and pellet picky. I was told by Crosman that most problems were determined to be caused by customers failing to load it according to the manual. They recommend Pointed and “Destroyed” pellets that fit inside the rotating wheel. I’m sure they meant Pointed Destroyer pellets.
Oversized pellets could easily break it and the operating design may? generate some heat to further weaken the plastic over long shooting sessions.
The barrel breach has a ‘spring loaded inner air passage hollow bolt’. It seals against the piston tube when closed like a normal breach and is pushed out of the breach extension through a cross pin that rides on a cam designed into the face of the piston air tubes barrel pivot pin area.
It pulls the bolt out of the mag allowing it to rotate another pellet into position as it is cocked and then pushes another pellet into the real breach when closed. Amazing design.
Anyway, I suspect this short bolt may get hot and break down the plastic in the mag eventually? Need to check that out.
Also, It says to insert the mag with an empty ‘U type’ slot on the bottom so it can go over the protruding bolt.
The mag basically has open clips, instead of holes, that hold the pellets and are exposed at the bottom for the bolt to push out. Probably done for compactness but not too strong. You can also install a full mag once the barrel is broken open and the bolt is retracted from the mag housing. It protrudes from the first breach when retracted.
One more thing. When I first picked it up the barrel appeared to be bent? Not exactly a great refurbish job?
What a letdown. But then I looked at it holding it in my other hand, and it looked bent in the other direction?
Apparently, the full-length tapered barrel shroud creates an optical illusion. At least I hope so!
Another thing. This may seem obvious in hindsight. The rifle weighs just under 10 lbs. but does not feel all that heavy? Then I moved my hand to a thinner spot on the forearm, much heavier?
The 2 1/2″ wide front section must spread out the weight on your hand make it more comfortable than the 1 3/4″ section behind it. The entire rest of the stock looks to be thinner than an average high-power type and probably goes a long way in reducing overall weight and increasing handling ease for such a big rifle.
Hope it shoots well. It is way more than I was expecting. Like new.
Keep us updated.
975 fps for a .22 is a Magnum in my book. Much faster, you’ll be hearing the crack of the pellet breaking the sound barrier, depending on your altitude and other factors, which will definitely hurt your accuracy with pellets.
That may be with ultra-light plastic pellets. Shot it a few times with 14.3 gr. Crosman Premier HP’s just to see how it was. Loudest noise was the gas piston.
The .177 is rated at 1300 fps, now that’s magnum for sure. A borderline rifle depending on the pellet. If so, I’m happy with that and looking forward to some testing soon.
If I can find a pellet or slug that lowers the fps, and it’s accurate, it may replace my FX for pesting. Reviews of it go both ways.
One pump of a break barrel to automatically reload and renew power or three pumps from a built-in hand pump on a PCP. Although it is not really required for every shot it adds up for each.
Ian,
Very well done!
The one time I sent an air gun product, a Walther LGV in for warranty service to Umarex USA because it honked like a goose and vibrated so much I worried it might loosen my dental fillings, they returned it apparently without having opened it up, with a note that read,
“Gun is a 21 joule model [note: incorrect — it was a roughly 12 ft. lbs. model] shooting at 1200 fps. [note: it shot 7 grain pellets at perhaps 850 fps.], it is going to vibrate. Thje only thing that can be done to eliminate vibration would to [sic] convert it down to 16 joule or 7.5 joule and that would not be covered under the warranty and it would reduce the velocity. Customer decided to have the gun return with no changes made, waived return shipping charges as a courtesy.”
Huh. After almost ten years of reading this blog, I never knew that all powerful springers vibrate!
Eventually B.B./Tom Gaylord generously offered to take a look at it and write about it. Please read the series here, it is enlightening and is as good a piece of instructional writing I’ve ever read on how a basic tune can turn “the buzziest air rifle B.B. Pelletier has ever examined!” into a smooth shooter with no significant change in its energy.
Please give these a read:
https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2021/04/michaels-walther-lgv-part-1/
https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2021/04/michaels-walther-lgv-part-2/
https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2021/05/michaels-walther-lgv-part-3/
I still own it, and it still is as smooth as right after B.B. fixed it.
Michael
I work for a photographic supply company (in Canada) that also deals with sport optics, not including rifle scopes…so bino’s and spotting scopes.
We are a supplier to local LE and military, as well as quite a few hunters.
One of our major brands is Swarovski…in my 25 years here I have not had a single Swarovski repair come back with a charge…and this includes obvious issues of abuse or neglect.
Not one single charge.
Ian,
Great report, and thank you for the background information on the owner.
So far, I’ve bought 3 of their scopes, and have been pleased with them all.
And based on what you reported here, I know I can by more of them with confidence.
Thank you,
Blessings to you,
dave
I have several UTG scopes on both PCP and higher powered springers as well as firearms. I’ve tried a couple scopes from other manufacturers, but keep coming back to UTG. Part of that has been features, availability of side wheels for focusing, and durability, but service, too. I’ve talked with Jesse Truan several times when I’ve had technical questions and he has been excellent!! Really like the products and the company.
Motorman
Eastern MO
Replying to this old thread because I had to…..
I’ve had two warranty claims with UTG scopes. The first one was a flawless and extremely pleasant experience, with 1st class service from UTG.
The second was painfully embarrassing and unpleasant. The company rep in question initially offered me a replacement scope that cost less than half that of the fawlty, broken, returned item. After a number of somewhat contentious email swaps he finally agreed to send me a scope of lesser value and quality. A REAL disappointment. So much so that I put the replacement scope up for sale, at a loss, a couple of days after it arrived. I just couldn’t stand looking at the thing as a reminder of a needlessly difficult and humiliating transaction, and of a company rep refusing point blank to honour the “Lifetime Warranty”. It would take an awful lot for me to reconsider doing business with UTG again. I own 2 other UTG scopes that have functioned very well on several different air rifles, and which I consider to have been good value for the money I spent, so I’m not a hater, but this last experience left a very bad taste.
Caveat Emptor.
No more UTG for me.