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Cleaning Scope Lenses

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Old SF MJT View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
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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 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stud Duck Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/28/2006 at 12:11

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 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/28/2006 at 16:28
Originally posted by Stud Duck Stud Duck wrote:

I was brief, but I'm sure some of the other forum members will weigh in on this one too.

 

Nope.....You covered it well.

Great post SD!!

 

Welcome to the OT!!!!! 

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Dale Clifford View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/28/2006 at 20:14
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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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stud Duck Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/01/2006 at 07:50

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



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cheaptrick View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/01/2006 at 18:29

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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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Old SF MJT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/01/2006 at 19:17

This is great information!  Thorough & comprehensive!  I've learned a great deal.

 

Many thanks.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steelbenz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/03/2006 at 00:21

 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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