Does a new in box scope come with a battery already installed?

[chiro972b]

Ordered a Hawke Airmax 30 4-16 and I have suspicions that it was a return. The illuminated reticle had a battery installed already. A dead battery at that. I thought manufacturers never install the battery since it can rupture with age on the shelf and leak acid.

So, would Hawke do this or did Optics Planet sell me a return item as new?

 

[ptthere]

I would be suspicious, at least inquisitive about it as you are.

 

[jwrabbit123]

I have had some in scope and some in a package when I did inquire one time they told me they test any illumination before they ship out an optic weather it was true or not IDK LOU ,

 

[Terryb00]

All the new scopes with IR I've bought have had the battery wrapped separately.

 

[2D1C]

I am with Terry. Anyone that has a illum hawke may add more to the story

 

[Hepotter]

Can anyone remember how times they left their illuminated dot or reticle scopes in the "on" position? If it's a dead battery...likely no harm and no foul. Likely someone at the factory left the illum. knob in the "on" position. Not a big deal if the scope is otherwise in new condition. Probably pilot error!



Kindly 'Ol Uncle 



"...battery??? Why...back in my day we had to illuminate our scope reticles with a flashlight!! Couldn't hit a damn thing till someone figured out we had to shine the light into the eyepiece, not the front lens..."

 

[JoeWayneRhea]

I have gotten an above average amount of Scopes in new condition. About half have had battery already installed. I wouldn't read anything into it . PS battery already dead ...Been there also . 

 

[chiro972b]

Just an update. Scope went back. Optics Planet is good on returns. I have decided that the scope was not necessarily defective, but the illuminated reticle on the Airmax scopes is not adequate for my needs. In the daytime it is barely visible no matter how high you turn it up, even if you are in the shade and your target is shaded. Not what I need for field target. I have a Sidewinder on the way. I have other Sidewinders and I know the reticle will light up. Even though it is $100 more, it's worth it to me.