Leupold Riflescopes - Mostly Long Guns

Mostly long guns.

- Brian Pearce

A pack mule once stepped off the trail in an effort to pass other animals of the pack string, only to have the rocks give way, causing it to fall and slide down the steep, rugged Salmon River Wilderness mountainside. The problem was that my rifle was on its pack. I watched the event in what seemed like slow motion, as the mule rolled over the panniers and rifle scabbard. Visions of a bent barrel, splintered stock and shattered scope raced through my mind. If lucky, perhaps it would only break the scope, and the rifle’s iron sights could be used for the remainder of the hunt.

After the commotion stopped, and we made our way down to the mule to unload the panniers and get him back up to the trail, the rifle was examined. The heavy leather scabbard was torn and cut from the rocks, and a large chunk of wood was broken from the rifle’s buttstock. The barrel appeared to be in good shape, while the scope showed a heavy impact with deep gouges and dents. The power ring still turned, and the main tube appeared straight.

After arriving at our campsite, the Ruger M77 RS .338 Winchester Magnum with a Shilen barrel was again carefully examined, then fired at an impromptu 100-yard target. Fortunately, three shots grouped tightly and to the correct point of aim. This was 35 years ago, and the scope that survived such abuse was a Leupold Vari-X III 2.5-8x 36mm with the then relatively new click adjustments. In spite of starting that trip off with a bit of bad luck, a 375-inch bull elk was taken a few days later.