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Cleaning Scope Lenses |
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Old SF MJT
Optics GrassHopper Joined: November/16/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 10 |
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Posted: February/28/2006 at 11:48 |
While this may seem to some to be a dumb question, I'd like some knowledgeble advice: What is the recommended procedure for cleaning the lenses on a rifle scope? I have rather an assortment ranging from IOR's and higher-end Bushnells to the low-$ Chinese stuff. Are there any special precautions to observe with lower cost scopes (Hey, I spent my money on them, I might as well try to make 'em last!!!)
Thanks in advance for the info. |
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Stud Duck
Optics Journeyman Joined: May/20/2005 Location: WV Status: Offline Points: 508 |
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For loose matter, I use compressed air. The kind that you use for computer key boards. Some suggest brushes & I guess that's OK for field use, but after time particulates will build-up on your brush and possibly scratch your lenses.
After the loose stuff is gone, you can use some type of lens cleaning cloths and or solution for the smudges & fingerprints. There are numerous ones on the market, I use a Zeiss lens care kit, not that it's the best, it's just what I've got. When using lens cloths, wipe your optics with a circular motion starting in the center of the lens and work your way outwards. This prevents you from picking up a missed piece of loose dirt or sand from step #1 and grinding it into the center of your lens during the cleaning process. By the way, I don't care what the manufacturer states, only use a lens cloth once and then toss it. Stuff will accumulate on your cloth or lens pen and scratch the time out of your lenses.
I was brief, but I'm sure some of the other forum members will weigh in on this one too.
Welcome aboard!
Edited by Stud Duck |
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cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
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Nope.....You covered it well. Great post SD!!
Welcome to the OT!!!!! |
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Dale Clifford
Optics Jedi Knight Joined: July/04/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 5087 |
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Sometimes QR mounts are good for just this purpose- remove the scope before cleaning the gun, which makes the scope easier to clean at that time.
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Stud Duck
Optics Journeyman Joined: May/20/2005 Location: WV Status: Offline Points: 508 |
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One final thought, before you go out and spend a fortune in lens cloths or micro-fibre cloths try using cotton balls with a little cleaning solution on them, you'll have to experiement with the cottonballs to see which brand leaves little to no lint behind. Use them in the circular motion like I described above with no down-pressure, just lightly swirl them across the lenses of your optics. Use the cottonball once and toss it, you may want to use a couple for each lense of the optics you're cleaning. NEVER clean with a wood product, such as papertowls or kleenex, they like to put fine little scratches all over your lenses.
Happy cleaning Edited by Stud Duck |
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cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
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I read where John Williams III of US Optics recommends using pure acetone for lens cleaning. Might have been on USO's website, I'm not sure.
I never tried it. I use the individual Zeiss moist lens cleaning cloths. Good stuff.....
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If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
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Old SF MJT
Optics GrassHopper Joined: November/16/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 10 |
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This is great information! Thorough & comprehensive! I've learned a great deal.
Many thanks. |
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Steelbenz
Optics Jedi Knight ROLL TIDE ROLL Joined: January/03/2006 Location: Heart of Dixie Status: Offline Points: 5153 |
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Also, never clean any glass dry, always use a liquid, alcohol, acetone, or water. Dry cotton Tee shirts will scratch lenses. |
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