r/canadaguns • u/Hotdog_Broth • Jul 28 '26
Buy recommendations Warning: Crimson Trace warranty is a scam in Canada or anywhere else outside of the US (and still a scam to a lesser extent even if you’re in the US)
TLDR: The “lifetime warranty” that they very clearly advertise all over their product boxes and on their website only applies if you have a US address. They also claim “no receipt required” despite that being a blatant lie.
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I thought I’d give Crimson Trace a try. I wasn’t too sure about them, but it seemed like it was worth a try since they very clearly and repeatedly advertise a lifetime warranty all over their products.
I purchased this scope a while back for a hunting rifle. Life got extremely in the way and I haven’t been able to even think about hunting again until this coming November. Because of this, I finally took the scope out to zero. Took a single shot, went to adjust the elevation for the first time, and the turret was completely locked up.
I gave crimson trace a call and they claimed that they require a receipt despite their own website clearly stating “no receipt required”. Between a basement flood amongst other things, I have no idea where the receipt would be or if it even still exists.
The receipt issue doesn’t matter though because upon hearing my Canadian shipping address, they told me that they cannot handle a warranty claim unless I have a US address. I guess the “lifetime warranty” plastered all over the box is just decoration on the products that are sold in Canada or anywhere else outside of the US.
It seems I now have a paper weight worth over a month of my discretionary income. Don’t be an idiot like me and buy from this company.
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u/LumberjackCDN Gold'n Loan Outfitters & Pawn Jul 28 '26
Vortex is the warranty Goat. Ive seen all brands make a lemon but no one is as hassle free for everyone as Vortex.
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u/Hotdog_Broth Jul 28 '26
Aside from a Burris RT-6, this is the only scope I’ve ever owned that wasn’t a Vortex or Leupold. Lesson learned.
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u/SasyThSasquatch Jul 28 '26
leupold enters the chat
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u/LumberjackCDN Gold'n Loan Outfitters & Pawn Jul 28 '26
Believe it or not, i also sell them and have also seen booboos from them. Korth does a good job, but i do like the speed of replace over repair that Vortex generally does.
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u/Marilius Jul 28 '26
Vortex has the best warranty that you're absolutely going to need.
Leupold has the same warranty that you probably will never need.
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u/Relevant_Diver_3228 Jul 28 '26
I have owned many Vortex optics over many years and none of them have ever had to go in for warranty. They are a good brand and their optics are high quality
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u/SpectreBallistics Spectre Ballistics International (Verified) Jul 28 '26
Every single one of my red dots has been in for warranty more than once. I'm at the point now where I just sell it when I get them back from warranty and get something else. I'm down to 2 vortex dots left. One of them has some issues but I haven't bothered dealing with it yet. It randomly shuts off.
For context, I've never had any other brand of dot fail and they've had equal or more abuse during competitions.
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u/Relevant_Diver_3228 Jul 28 '26
Oh wow I have had a Vortex dot on my st 22 build for a while and it has worked fine and iv had my Viper shotgun dot on my hunting/clay/whatever else I can use it for A400 and it has had zero issues and it had been beaten up quite a bit.
Also I love your super light kit it is so nice
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u/Mysterious_Sleep7443 Jul 29 '26
Brutal, I find the ones that dont have issues are the Spitfire line up
Maybe thats just me
I love the etched reticle on those
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u/LumberjackCDN Gold'n Loan Outfitters & Pawn Jul 28 '26
I sell em both brother, warranty is definitely not the same but close. (Leupold likes to repair rather than replace)
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u/Marilius Jul 29 '26
Yeah because Leupold stuff is worth repairing.
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u/LumberjackCDN Gold'n Loan Outfitters & Pawn Jul 29 '26
Again, i retail em both lol so im happy that you like Leupold.
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u/SpectreBallistics Spectre Ballistics International (Verified) Jul 28 '26
This. When you buy a Vortex you're buying the warranty and a so-so optic.
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u/LumberjackCDN Gold'n Loan Outfitters & Pawn Jul 28 '26
Eh my leupold range finder shit its pants, first it half lit up then it quit completely. It happens to all the brands from time to time. Unfortunately Leupold doesnt warranty their electronics for ever
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u/swift_gilford Jul 28 '26
I'll say it before, and i'll continue to say it again.
The only warranties worth their salt in Canada is Vortex and Leupold and the edge still goes to Vortex as from what i've mainly heard stories is they end up just sending you a new one in lieu of even repairing.
The price disparity for optics between us and our neighbours to the south extends way past exchange rates. Protect your investments people.
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u/Mysterious_Sleep7443 Jul 29 '26
Ive never had an issue with Bushnell
I sent in an old millet scope, they sent me a new match pro, I couldnt belive it
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u/Vikare_ Jul 31 '26
I had a trs 25 die on me after very light usage. Was already out of warranty. Apparently there's no warranty center in Canada either.
I know Google says they have a lifetime warranty, but this is not what I found a couple years ago after it broke. It clearly said 1 yr warranty but I can't find that anymore. I ended up throwing it away at a recycling center.
Either way for cheap stuff I see no reason to not buy vortex.
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u/Mysterious_Sleep7443 Jul 31 '26
Goto bushnell website and fill out the questionnaire and warranty will get back to you
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u/DoYouGetSarcasm Jul 28 '26
Just like Burris.
International Customers For purchases made outside the United States, Burris Optics nonthermal optics products are covered against defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty claims must be processed through the retailer or distributor where the product was purchased.
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u/alexorange178 Jul 29 '26
Burris has decent warranty in Canada. Had to send in my XTR 3 and it wasn’t hard to deal with.
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u/nickm977 Jul 30 '26
Been there- done that. Bought a Hardline Pro for $500 and the turret was seized from the factory. Because I’m Canadian they basically told me to screw myself. Great company!
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u/SpectreBallistics Spectre Ballistics International (Verified) Jul 28 '26 edited Jul 28 '26
So, US companies generally can't deal with warranty issues outside of the US due to ITAR. They will typically have a warranty service provider in the foreign country. You should ask them who that is for Canada and reach out to them.
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u/Hotdog_Broth Jul 28 '26
When I purchased the scope I assumed this would be the case just like any other US company I’ve dealt with. It is not. They don’t have a provider.
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u/lettelsnek Jul 28 '26
would anyone happen to know if Nightforce warranty is any good for us?
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u/DoYouGetSarcasm Jul 28 '26
Their warranty page says the gravel agency is their Canada warranty service contact, so I'd assume their warranty applies here. Although they only cover defects; not damage, modification, mounting, etc.
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u/SandySpectre Jul 29 '26
Gravel sucks to deal with when you’re trying to give them money. They’re even worse if it’s a warranty issue. It’ll get done eventually but it’s clearly not a priority for them.
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u/Mysterious_Sleep7443 Jul 29 '26
They were all the hype in the 1990s for their laser grips for 1911s, I neber drank the kool aid, always a little too expensive for me, im sorry you are going thru this OP
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