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Field Test of Leapers Model SCP-T168 Rifle Scope

by

Bill Black

Before I go into the field testing results on this scope, let’s take a quick look at the specifications for it.

• The scope is a fixed 6-power, with a 32mm diameter objective lens.
• The overall length of the scope is approximately 8-inches, with a weight of 10.2-oz.
• The eye relief distance is approximately 3-inches and the field of view at 100-yards is 17.5-feet.
• The “click value” for both the windage and elevation control is ¼-inch per “click” at a distance to target of 100-yards.
• This scope also has a lighted reticle capability for low light conditions.
• The battery is a “pancake” type 3V Lithium, #CR-2032.

With regard to the reticle in our test scope, it was a 30-30 type duplex cross hair system; however, as an option the scope is also available with a MIL-DOT type reticle. With regard to rings for this particular model, there were none supplied, nor did we need any since the scope has an integral AR15/M16 base mount cast into the bottom of the scope body. If you have an AR15/M16 with a carry handle, you are good to go with this basic system, however, if you want to mount this scope onto a “flat-top” upper receiver, you will need to buy their optional ‘Picatinny’ mounting adapter. By the same token, there is also an optional Weaver type rail adapter available for .22LR and air rifles.

For our field testing, we used a COLT, SP1, HBAR, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. Our test rifle has a 20-inch heavy barrel, with a 1:7 twist rate. The ammunition used for all testing was 62-grain FMJ ball, which I had hand loaded to MIL-SPEC velocity. All test shooting was done from a portable bench rest platform, with the distance from shooter to target being a measured 50-yards. After a few minutes with a Bushnell boresighter, I was ready for the range.

Once I had posted a few 50-yard bullseye pistol targets, I was ready for my first 5-shot test group. My point of aim was the center ’10-X’ on the target and my initial boresight group was not too bad on paper, with my windage being off only 2-inches to the left of center and my elevation being 2.5-inches above the point of aim. After firing my next 5-shot group I quickly determined that I had shifted the windage the wrong direction (some days are like that), however, my elevation was exactly ¼-inch above my point of aim.

After making meticulous adjustments to the scope, I then fired my third shot group, which surprised me because it was 1-inch right and 1-inch high of my point of aim. Something was a little strange here, but I cranked in the necessary 8-clicks left and 8-clicks down (NOTE: Remember, although the scope had a factory click value of ¼-inch at 100-yards, I was firing from 50-yards, ergo, I had to double the number of clicks for all of my adjustments). After looking at my fourth shot group, I knew something was not exactly kosher here, as my shot group had started walking up the target. A quick check of the scope base mounting screw answered my question, as it had come loose and the scope had been shifting vertically with each shot. Time to put some muscle on the sight base screw!

My fifth shot group was close enough to my point of aim that it only required 4-clicks left and 2-clicks down for me to get a confirmed shot group on the ’10-X’ of my target. Thus far in the field test, when the scope base locking screw was tight, the scope was surprising me at the quality of its “click tracking” for both windage and elevation adjustments, as they were right on the money every time. After shooting a final confirmation shot group, it was time to test the scope for other properties, so I took the scope off of the rifle and then remounted it again to see if there would be any change in the location of the shot groups. Once again, the scope surprised me. After dismounting, remounting, and firing four different shot groups it was obvious to me that the scope would indeed maintain zero to within 1/8-inch of previous shot groups!

That pretty much takes care of the live fire testing, so at this point I will give you some parting comments on the scope. With regard to the integral scope base, the upside is that the “see through tunnel”, which was designed into the base gives you an unobstructed view of the iron sights when the scope is mounted onto the rifle. The downside on the scope base is that unless it is really locked onto the rifle, it will eventually shoot loose, so, until the factory makes a change in their system, you will have to incorporate some type of lock-washer into the retaining screw. Oh yes, I almost forgot something else about the scope base. Do not over tighten the scope base retaining screw, as the aluminum used in the scope base is a little “soft” and you will strip the threads in the base like I did!

With regard to the clarity of the scope, this was another area which surprised me as it was quite good, even in low-light shooting conditions when I used the illuminated reticle for night firing. Our test scope came with a set of “see thru” lens covers, which are a good idea to have on any scope, but the lens covers supplied with this scope distorted the image so bad that I could not even see the ‘X’ on the target at 50-yards.

I mentioned that the illuminated reticle worked well for me. However, there was a serious problem with the On-Off/Brightness control switch, which I learned the hard way. As it is now designed, the switch has a “hair trigger”, which means that you can accidentally turn the system to the On position when you put your rifle into a carrying case. Considering how much was good with this scope, the factory really needs to correct this switch problem as soon as they can before it costs them in needlessly lost sales.

So, what is my bottom line on this particular scope? Considering its low cost (under $70 MSRP), it is a very good scope and I can recommend it for those wanting to upgrade their AR15 or M16 rifle.

Purchase Information

Available from Clearview Investments
Part # SCO1680

Bill Black is a Double Distinguished Shooter for the United States Navy team. He graduated from the Colorado School of Trades (Gunsmithing) in 1984. He builds match-grade rifles specializing in M1A and M14.

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