Rifle Scope Repair
RIFLE SCOPE MAINTENANCE
When buying a scope, most people will ask questions regarding light gathering capabilities, reticle type, and ease of use.
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However, often overlooked is the question: is the scope nitrogen filled? - We know that when moist warm air hits a cold surface, such as a lens, it forms small water droplets. This is okay when it is on the outside of the glass, but when it is on the inside it causes problems.
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Nitrogen is an inert gas, heavier than air and has greater density, making it less susceptible to temperature changes. It’s high purity also makes it drier than air, preventing moisture damage to the coated lens surface and decreasing the chance of corrosion. It also acts as a pressure barrier preventing any micro particles from adhering to the lenses and thereby pushing them to the inside of the coated tube during assembling.
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All scopes are susceptible to temperature change and consequently, pressure loss over time. Nitrogen is there helping to keep moisture at bay – keeping your scope clean and dry will help prolong it’s optical quality.
THREE TOP TIPS FOR RIFLE SCOPE MAINTENANCE
Never Spray Oil on Your Scope
This is common in-home practice to prevent the steel tube from rusting. However it is far better to wipe the scope down with a cloth that has had a light oil applied to it, such as the 3 in 1 multipurpose oil. Spraying will cause oil particles to work into the tube – something we often see when disassembling for service.
One of the best ways to prevent any moisture present from doing further damage is to store your device with a desiccant (silica gel), placed in a container close to the optics.
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Windage and Elevation Adjustment
The movement of these components can become stiff overtime, so I recommend giving them a turn occasionally. Count the number of turns you do to make it easy to return to the central position. You may then need to do a bore sight prior to your next use.
A number of scope manufacturers nowadays use only a single opposing spring to compensate for the adjustment, which can cause travel issues and often soften over time due to the constant pressure exerted on it. If your scope is not going to be used for an extensive period, it is worthwhile to lessen this pressure by backing off the windage and elevation adjusters.
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Cleaning Lenses
Never clean your lens with your handkerchief! Always gently blow to remove any grit or particles or preferably use a puffer brush (available from camera/computer stores). This will remove the small particles that can otherwise cause scratches on the lens coating and thus change the refractive order of the lens. Once clean, gently spray with a recommended brand of isopropyl alcohol (lens cleaner) then apply a lint free cloth or lens tissue paper to remove any excess marks or grease.
Optical Repairs Services
We have been offering a comprehensive range of optical repairs for over 30 years. We repair and overhaul a wide range of optical devices which include both vintage and more current types of riflescopes , binoculars and the like.
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We also specialize in repairs of large telescopic gun sights, laboratory microscopes and even precision refractor heads as used by your optometrist to measure the refractive disorder of your eyes.
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We predominantly specialise in the older European optical devices, however we will gladly look at most problems to see if they can be repaired or overhauled and all evaluations are at no cost.
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Our customers over the years have come from wide and far. UK, Canada, USA, South Africa, New Zealand and we have also carried out work for the Australian Maritime Service, Australian Federal Police, QLD Governor General and a number of Specialised Hospitals and Clinics associated with Eye disorders both in Australia and overseas.
