How to Clean the Inside of Your Rifle Scope
Cleaning the inside of your rifle scope is not an easy task, but it's a necessary one. The optics on rifle scopes are delicate and need to be cared for properly in order to maintain optimum performance. Cleaning the inside of your rifle scope doesn't have to be difficult though! With these simple tips, you can keep your scopes clean without having to take them apart.
Riflescopes are a popular firearm accessory and can be mounted on rifles to provide an increased level of accuracy. However, after shooting your rifle it is important to clean the inside of your scope as well as any other parts that may have been exposed to dirt or debris. This will help you keep your scope in good condition and ensure it lasts for a long time.
What is a Rifle Scope?
A rifle scope is a popular accessory for rifles and provides an increased level of accuracy when shooting. The lens can be adjusted to help you focus on the target more easily, whether it's close or far away. Riflescopes are available in different variations including fixed power (meaning that the magnification stays at one level) as well as variable power (the magnification increases with distance).
How Often Should You Clean Your Scope?
It's important to clean your rifle scope before using it again after firing rounds from your gun. Because all dirt and debris will have accumulated inside. It is also necessary to keep up with general maintenance each time you shoot. So that the glass won't get scratched and allow light into the inner workings of your firearm.
But how do you know when it's time for a thorough cleaning? There are some signs that indicate you should clean your scope. These include:
Foggy or cloudy optics.
Grainy or fuzzy images.
Increase in the need to adjust focus.
Spotting artifacts on the lenses
According to huntingillustrated you need to clean the scope properly. Or else there is a huge chance of damaging your rifle scope.
How to Clean the Inside of Your Rifle Scope?
To clean the inside of your rifle scope you can follow the below guidelines. Make sure you follow it correctly or else it can cause damage to your scope at any time.
First, remove any dust and debris with a blower brush as well as lens paper before washing all surfaces with a lint free cloth and special rifle scope cleaner (such as Gun Scrubber).
Be sure to rinse thoroughly before wiping again using another fresh lint free cloth.
Remove the lens caps to allow better airflow.
Make sure you have plenty of light when cleaning so you can see any debris.
Now buff dry by hand or use compressed air from an air compressor if possible.
Use only a quality silicone oil on rubber parts like ocular lens caps, eyecups or objective lens covers which are not made of latex. Silicone is less likely to collect dust in your scope than petroleum-based oils such as WD-40 or Boeshield T-15 Protectant Spray.
Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap onto the cotton swab for stubborn stains or grease build-up on your rifle scope's lenses
Special Notes:
It's important to note that this process is best done outdoors with plenty of ventilation. Because the chemicals in some cleaners can cause harm if inhaled. If you're cleaning more than one piece at once (rifle scopes), it helps to label them so they don't get mixed up before storing them back away for next time!
Things to Look before cleaning your Rifle Scope
Make sure the rifle scope is always clean of dust, dirt and other contaminants before attempting to use it.
Wipe off any debris using a soft cloth or lens cleaning tissue paper.
Inspect your Rifle Scope for chips or cracks in lenses, broken mount screws, loose rings or eyepiece assembly, damaged threads on ocular (eyepiece) tube that might hinder removal of front assembly.
If you find anything wrong with your Rifle Scope do not try to fix it yourself unless you have previous experience fixing scopes. Seek out professional help immediately! Otherwise there’s a good chance one small mistake could cost you thousands if not tens of thousands in repair costs.
Things You need to avoid while cleaning Inside of Your Rifle Scope
Avoid using anything that could scratch the protective coating such as plastic scrubbers.
Don't spray with an aerosol cleaner and don't use a solvent on it either. Scratch protection coatings are delicate, and you'll destroy them if you do this!
Conclusion
The inside of a rifle scope is not an easy place to clean. Dirt and dust can build up on the lenses, which will affect your shooting accuracy or visibility in low light conditions. That’s why you should always keep it as spotless as possible by following these simple steps for cleaning a rifle scope. Be sure to use plenty of light when wiping down the lens so that you don’t miss any spots while sweeping away small particles.
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