Power Ring on Trophy Hunter Package scope too stiff

I picked up my first rifle yesterday, which is a Model 11 Trophy Hunter XP. After bringing it home and taking a gander at everything, I realized that the power ring on the Nikon scope is extremely hard to turn. I'm completely new to guns, having only shot a handful my whole life, but I know that the scopes power ring on the gun I hunted with last year was no where near this stiff. The way it is right now, I have to completely lower the gun from my shoulder to get enough leverage for me to turn it. I've done some researching and found that it's not uncommon for Leupold scopes to have this problem. Some people told them to just keep working the ring and it will loosen up, but a lot said to return it back for service.

Anybody else experience this problem?
To just upgrade the scope is not a option, I simply can't afford it right now. I really want to get this ready for hunting season and if I have to send it to Nikon for service, I'm afraid it won't be back in time.
What do you guys suggest?

Use it for the season and send it back after the season ends, if your still not comfortable with it the way it is.