Simmons WTC 1.5 to 5 failure

[flamoudi]

Anyone help with this?

My Simmons WTC (Phillipines model) 1.5 to 5 ‘scope has lost its clarity and focus. I cant get the clear sight picture and the reticule in focus together as before. This happened to another of the same scopes a few years ago.

I had used it with a heavier than usual indoor load on my Marlin .357 out to 200yards. A cast 158g head with 6.5g CSB5 (didn’t have any other powders left other than Bullseye and I use 3.8g as my indoor load).

My guess is something’s moved inside? Is it fixable? Any theories? Any solutions? Any abuse?

Luckily I have my Tasco Titan as backup. It’s a lot heavier but solid.

[dromia]

Speak with Paul Burke.

[Chapuis]

Anyone help with this?

My Simmons WTC (Phillipines model) 1.5 to 5 ‘scope has lost its clarity and focus. I cant get the clear sight picture and the reticule in focus together as before. This happened to another of the same scopes a few years ago.

I had used it with a heavier than usual indoor load on my Marlin .357 out to 200yards. A cast 158g head with 6.5g CSB5 (didn’t have any other powders left other than Bullseye and I use 3.8g as my indoor load).

My guess is something’s moved inside? Is it fixable? Any theories? Any solutions? Any abuse?

Luckily I have my Tasco Titan as backup. It’s a lot heavier but solid.

What guarantee did you have with it when you purchased it?
I had one of these and returned it to the importer after two years of use on my gallery carbine. It had similar issues to those described. My scope was replaced FOC with a slightly different improved model. A couple of guys in the club also had similar experiences and their scopes were replaced also. It would seem that there was a bit of a manufacturing issue with some of these lovely little scopes. When they work they are cracking little scopes and I can see why they are so popular.
Incidentally the importer changed between the time I purchased the scope and when I returned it but they still honoured the warranty.

[flamoudi]

Sadly this was an ebay purchase a few years ago.

I have two big WTC bought from the USA that might have contact ino on them and warrenty info. I will look at that and alsp check out what Dromia suggests.

[flamoudi]

update...

I contacted Bushnell in England and they are sending out a form for the return of the scope to them. Hope they don't bounce it back. They seemed to say its unlikely they will be able to repair but will replace with a like for like?

I will now ring Paul in Birmingham to see if he can fix and at what cost.

I have had a scopes go wrong that a good company returns policy seems essential. So far 2 Hawkes, I Sightron and now 2 Simmons!

[1066]

I have a couple of these little scope - the early ones are certainly better that the lookalike later ones. If it was me, being a £100 scope I would take it apart and have a look. Sounds as if a lens has shifted and it should be fairly obvious once it was apart.

[flamoudi]

Yes I see your point. I did look at some youtube breakdowns on basic scopes and if I was patient and careful I think it could be done. But being as I am, a ham fisted bruiser I will end up using a hammer and grinder on it!

[dromia]

I will end up using a hammer and grinder on it!

Scopes, way to go!

[flamoudi]

Dromia you are dead right! I am seeing the light.

I took the scope off the .44 and put on a peep sight and love to use it. If I'd had another available peephole type for the .357 I'd have used that.

I shoot F class rifle using a scope but starting to prefer using the .303 with iron sights. Funny how you evolve into these things.

[flamoudi]

A replacement scope arrivedfrom Bushnell. I cant fault their service but the scope is a dog!

It's a 1x4 Bushnell Banner 32mm objective made in Korea. Circle X reticule.

I doubt I will ever use it.