How To Maintain Your Rifle Scope In 30 Minutes

Are you a proud gun owner with a shiny new rifle scope? Congratulations! Your trusty new scope will accompany you on many adventures and help you hit your targets with precision. But as with any piece of equipment, you need to know how to maintain your rifle scope because it is key to keeping it in top condition. Maintaining your scope doesn’t have to be a tedious task. In fact, it can be quite satisfying to give your scope some tender care, and it can even improve your shooting performance! 

Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a beginner, maintaining your rifle scope is essential for ensuring its longevity and accuracy. Neglecting your scope can lead to reduced clarity, decreased accuracy, and even damage to the internal components. But don’t worry; maintaining your scope isn’t rocket science. With a little bit of effort and some basic know-how, you can keep your scope in top condition and enjoy a better shooting experience.

In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips and tricks for maintaining your rifle scope. From cleaning the lenses to checking the mounting and avoiding impact, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your scope in tip-top shape. So, whether you’re a competitive shooter, a hunter, or just a gun owner who enjoys spending time at the range, read on to learn how to maintain your rifle scope and get the most out of your shooting experience! 

Grab your lens cleaner, and let’s dive into the world of rifle scope maintenance. We promise it won’t be as boring as cleaning your room as a kid.

Should I Still Clean My Scope Even If It’s Not So Expensive?

Unfortunately, some people might neglect the maintenance of their rifle scope simply because it’s a cheaper model. They might think that since they didn’t spend a lot of money on it, so they don’t need to take care of it as well as they would a more expensive scope.

However, this is a mistake. Even if your scope is a budget model, it still needs to be properly maintained. Neglecting your scope can lead to decreased accuracy and a shorter lifespan. Plus, if you ever decide to upgrade to a better scope in the future, you’ll want to have taken good care of your current scope so that you can get a good resale value for it.

Furthermore, neglecting to maintain a cheap scope can result in even more frustration and disappointment in your shooting experience. A low-quality scope already has limitations, and without proper maintenance, it can exacerbate its limitations and make shooting even more challenging.

Moreover, a cheap scope can still perform well with proper care and maintenance. The clarity of the lenses, for instance, can still be improved by regular cleaning, which in turn, can help with target acquisition and precision. The mounting of the scope also plays a critical role in the accuracy, and ensuring that it is secure and in good condition can make a big difference.

Also read: How to mount rifle scope?

In fact, taking care of a cheaper scope can be even more important than taking care of an expensive one. A budget scope may have lower-quality materials and construction, which means it may be more susceptible to damage and wear and tear. Proper maintenance can help extend the life of your budget scope and ensure that it performs at its best.

So, whether your scope is cheap or expensive, it’s important to take care of it properly. Don’t neglect it just because it’s not a high-end model. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your scope in good condition and enjoy better accuracy and performance.

How To Maintain And Clean Your Rifle Scope

Inspect Scope For Scratches, Cracks, or Other Damage

Before cleaning your rifle scope, it’s essential to inspect it for any damage that may have occurred during use. Check the lenses, the body, and the mounting hardware for any signs of wear and tear. If you notice any scratches, cracks, or other damage, what you need is a scope repair. If you need to do a scope repair, it’s best to send the scope to a professional for fixing or replacement.

Remove Dust Particle or Debris From The Exterior of the Scope Using a Soft Brush or Clean Cloth

Before cleaning the lens surface, you should remove any dirt, debris, or dust particle from the exterior of the scope. Use a soft brush or clean cloth to gently wipe away any dust or grime. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can scratch the surface of the scope.

Use a Lens Cleaning Solution and a Microfiber Cloth

Cleaning the lens surface is perhaps the most crucial step in maintaining your rifle scope. This involves ensuring the objective lens or ocular lens is kept clean. Use a high-quality lens cleaning solvent and a microfiber cleaning cloth to gently wipe away any dirt, fingerprints, or other smudges on the lenses. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the cleaning solution, as some solutions can damage the lenses.

Use a Lens Pen For Stubborn Dirt or Grime

If there are any stubborn spots or smudges on the lenses that won’t come off with a microfiber cloth, consider using a lens cleaning pen. These pens are designed to clean lenses without damaging them and can be very effective in removing stubborn dirt and grime.

Avoid Touching the Len Surface With Your Finger

When handling the lenses, it’s important to avoid touching the lens coating with your fingers. The oils from your skin can leave smudges and make the objective lens or ocular lens more difficult to clean. Instead, use a microfiber cleaning cloth or lens pen to gently wipe away any dirt or smudges. If you must touch the lenses, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly beforehand and use a lint-free glove or cloth to handle the lenses.

Always Use a Lens Cap To Prevent Scratches When Not In Use

When you’re not using your rifle scope, always keep it protected with a lens cap. The lens cap will prevent dust, debris, and other particles from settling on or damaging the lens coating, which can affect the clarity of the scope. A lens cap will also protect the lenses from accidental damage.

Avoid Exposing the Scope to Moisture or Extreme Temperatures

Moisture and extreme temperatures can damage the internal components of your rifle scope. Avoid exposing the scope to rain, snow, or other wet conditions, as moisture can cause the lenses to fog up or the internal components to rust. Similarly, extreme heat or cold can cause the scope’s seals to expand or contract, which can affect its accuracy.

Check the Scope Mount and Ring Screws

Over time, the scope mount and ring screws that hold your scope in place can become loose, which can affect the accuracy of the scope. It’s important to check these components regularly and tighten them if necessary. If you notice any damage to the mounting hardware, replace it immediately.

Store the Scope in a Cool, Dry Place

When you’re not using your rifle scope, store it in a cool, dry place, such as a gun safe or a closet. Avoid storing the scope in areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures. Consider using a protective case or cover to prevent dust, debris, and other particles from settling on the scope.

Consult the Manufacturer’s Instructions or Seek Professional Advice

If you’re not sure how to clean or maintain your rifle scope, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek advice from a professional. The manufacturer’s instructions will provide guidance on how to properly clean and care for your specific scope model. A professional can also help you with any questions you may have and can provide expert advice on maintaining your scope.

How To Take Care Of Tunnel Vision In Your Rifle Scope Lens

Tunnel vision in a rifle scope lens can occur when the eye relief is incorrect or when the scope is not properly adjusted. Here are some steps you can take to prevent or address tunnel vision in your scope:

Check the eye relief

Ensure that your eye is positioned at the proper distance from the scope. Most scopes have a recommended eye relief distance, which is typically printed on the scope body or included in the manufacturer’s instructions. If your eye is too close or too far from the scope, it can cause tunnel vision.

Adjust the focus

If the focus of the scope is not adjusted correctly, it can cause tunnel vision. Most scopes have an adjustable focus, which allows you to fine-tune the clarity of the image. Use the focus adjustment to adjust the sharpness of the image until the tunnel vision is eliminated.

Related articles 

• How to sight a rifle scope
• What is eyepiece for rifle scope, and How to adjust the Eyepiece
• What is Exit Pupil In a rifle scope and how it affects your shooting

Clean the lens

Dirt, dust, and debris on the lens can also cause tunnel vision. Make sure to clean the lens regularly with a high-quality lens cleaning solvent and a microfiber cloth.

Whether you want to go hunting or target shooting, always ensure you have a cleaning kit in your hunting or target shooting bag.