You keep cleaning your rifle periodically.
But Although it is of good quality, logically coherent, and fit snugly, the rifle scope lids are open, which exposes the lenses to the outside elements and possibly produces dirt, dust, and moisture.
That can produce dirt and dust, which can damage the lens.
However, only a small amount of detergent is necessary. A toothbrush may push it into the cracks and crevices that a camera cannot reach.
How Often Should You Clean the Inside of a Rifle Scope?
Numerous variables influence how frequently your scope needs to be cleaned. These factors include your weapon, its age, and its intended use.
There are so many types of gun sights on the market, which means that cleaning frequencies will vary depending on your weapon and what features it has.
Rifle scopes that cost less usually have a smaller lens.
The lens itself is often made of plastic, which, as often as not, breaks down over time. The lens will need to be replaced when it’s dirty, and you can’t clean it.
The other factor that can impact the frequency with which you clean your rifle sight is how much you actually shoot.
The more you shoot your weapon, the more dirt that’s going to accumulate on the lens.
The kind of rifle you have, how old it is, and how much you use it will all contribute to the frequency of cleaning it.
Weapons that have been around for a long period or are in poor condition need to be cleaned less frequently.
Weapons that are kept in storage most of the time can go longer without cleaning, but if you start to use your rifle regularly, you need to clean it more often.
What this simply implies is to clean your weapon after using it.
What Cleaning Products Should You Use?
Microfiber Lens Cloth
Cleaning the scope with single strokes will avoid spreading dirt across the lens.
Always avoid rubbing the lens directly with your hand, since this may cause the cloth to scratch the lens.
A soft cloth may scratch lenses that should not be scratched.
Also, it is essential not to dip the cloth into cleaning solution as it might be contaminated with soil.
Lenses can be cleaned with alcohol wipes, but be sure not to leave them on any surface for too long, since alcohol is a solvent that may harm the lenses.
Wiping with a cloth should move the fabric back and forth rather than side to side, as many fabrics can scratch lenses.
Some lenses may react to certain materials, which is why you have to avoid using cloths made from nylon or other synthetic materials.
Instead, choose cotton or linen towels.
We have our own set of cleaning cloths available as an optional extra for rifles and binoculars.
Cleaning Solutions
Cleansing with water is the preferred method.
As the scope has been handmade, there will be small pores all over the lens. After cleaning, wipe the scope down with a paper towel to wipe out any residue and make sure it dries completely.
Isopropyl alcohol or a steel wool scrub will tend to eat away the glass if you scrub too hard.
This is due to the special coatings on the lens that are invisible to the eye, but could have a negative impact on the overall quality of your scope.
To clean the lenses of the scope, use a microfiber cloth.
The scope’s body may also contain debris, such as fingerprints and lens cake.
You may use a cotton ball to wipe away these stains. The lens of the scope should be cleaned using a cotton swab with lens cleaner, which you can get at any sporting goods store.
The lens cleaner should dissolve any dirt that has accumulated on the panel.
On the other hand, you can use products like Sunoconaphthol to remove any stubborn stains on the lenses.
Lens Brush
A soft lens brush is an absorbent material like cotton or nylon.
Most lens cleaning brush kits come with a brush and an alcohol pad. The alcohol pad cleans the lens, and the brush removes the dirt and other particles.
This attachment and your cleaning kit are the most essential tools for keeping your riflescope clean and clear. The alcohol pad can be very handy, as it can remove grease, residue, and fingerprints from the inside of the scope.
After using the alcohol pad, the brush should be rubbed against the lens to remove any residual moisture and dust. Avoid using it to scrub the lens with rough or abrasive cleaning cloths because it can scratch or scratch the lens.
Avoid using lens cleaners because they can fill with dirt and can decrease the effectiveness of the brush.
It’s best to use it on a soft surface like a blanket or pillowcase.
You can also use a microfiber cleaning mat. You should keep the brush looped at all times so you don’t lose any fibers.
It’s a good idea to use a still atmosphere to clean the riflescope, such as in a dark and silent room. The brush can also be used to clean the objective lens, eyepiece, and eyepiece cover.
The inside of the riflescope should be cleaned at least once a week.
Compressed Air
Compressed dry air may be used to remove excess oil and other contaminants from your scope’s lens.
Moreover, you can also use it as a drying tool. Compressed dry air is also useful when cleaning your scope.
Using a handheld blower to blow out the scope is pretty easy; you turn on the blower, position the scope so that the lens is pointed towards you, and blow into the nozzle until the dust and debris are expelled.
As you continue blowing air through the scope, make sure you do it in a circular motion to avoid blasting dirt against the lens and damaging it.
In case you notice any spots or streaks on the lens, you may need to repeat the process several times to completely clean it.
How to Clean the Inside of a Rifle Scope?
There is a lot of information on the internet about how to clean a riflescope.
It is important to keep in mind that this cleaning process varies depending on the model of scope you have.
Simply grasp your scope like a baton and smack it a few times.
Always use the same amount of force, and the same angle for each shot.
If the “dirt” is still present after you’ve cleaned the optical tube, then you know the internal components of the scope need to be cleaned more thoroughly.
To prevent dirt from falling on glass components, just remove it from the scope and store it somewhere safe.
This eliminates the need to scrub the dirt, which can damage the coated lens.
Don’t Over Do It
When your lens is dirty, you should thoroughly scrub the outside with an extendable lens brush and fine steel wool, making sure not to scratch the glass.
When you’re done, rinse off the glass and wipe it with a lint-free micro fiber towel. You should only clean your glass if it’s completely dirty.
It doesn’t matter how well you clean your glass; eventually it’s going to get dirty again.
If your scope’s interior gets too dirty, it can cause blurry images, and it’s quite possible that the optics inside could get damaged.
eyepieces (included as part of the scope) are delicate and can cause scratches if they’re hit inappropriately.
Always take care when cleaning, and for the best results, use a soft microfiber cloth.
Clean The Battery Compartment
Remove the batteries from your scope before cleaning the chamber.
Scrub the chamber with an old toothbrush and warm water. Clean the chamber thoroughly to prevent future corrosion.
Wipe the chamber with a lint-free cloth to remove any leftover debris. Old nicotine patches or a knife sharpener are good tools for cleaning the parts around your scope’s objective lens.
If your batteries are old or wet, they may become corroded and no longer function properly.
While cleaning, it’s recommended that you wear gloves and work over the sink to avoid contact with your skin, eyes, and hair.
It’s possible to remove the battery acid if you first remove it from the container.
You should wear rubber gloves and eye protection while doing this. Then, remove the battery by twisting it.
Put the battery in a bowl filled with warm water. Use baking soda to remove the battery acid.
Rinse the battery with clean water, and let it dry completely. Once it is dry, reinstall the battery in your weapon.
When going on a hunt, have a cleaning kit handy.
If hunters bring a LensPen or microfiber cloth in their hunting bag, they can easily clean their scope during the day.
It would be a shame to lose your photo due to a dirty lens.
Rain or dirt might ruin your photos as they can make a lens appear foggy.
You can clean your lenses and camera easily with a LensPen. After using the LensPen, make sure to dry it completely to avoid smears.
A microfiber cloth can also be used to wipe away the leftover dirt.
Unscrew Your Turrets
Cleaning your turrets is as simple sweeping the crosshairs across them using firm, repetitive strokes.
Then, clean the objective lens using a lens cleaning solution.
Repeat the process by cleaning the remainder of the scope, including the barrel of the rifle, the eyepiece, and the scope rings.
The lens should be cleaned first, then any dust or dirt on the turrets.
As you clean your turrets, try to remove as much debris as possible. If you leave a big piece of dirt on your turret, you’ll likely have to deal with a scratch on your eye piece.
Because you don’t want to risk your lens being scratched. If the glass on your scope is scratched, the optics will be affected, and it’s hard to refocus the scope.
Use a Lens Pen
This dual-ended tool may come in handy during situations in harsh weather where normal cleaning methods may not work.
This device is large enough to clean larger lenses.
The bristles do not damage any of the lens parts, making them safe for cleaning lenses, whether brand new or old.
Hunters and photographers tend to use this device to remove dust and other particles from the lenses of their cameras.
The bristles can also be used to clean internal camera components, such as the camera’s shutter or timekeeper.
This device may also be used to clean surfaces, such as the lens’s viewfinder.
The bristles on the end of this tool are attached to a cleaning pad on the other end.
This tool can be used to clean any type of lens that you may have, including fisheye and macro lenses.
You can also use it to clean your camera’s viewfinder and lens’s LCD screen.
Use a Q-Tip
It might be difficult to clean a scope with tiny openings.
To make sure you don’t damage the scope, always start cleaning it at the eyepiece end of the scope. Do that and gently wipe the eyepiece.
Make sure you don’t apply too much pressure, or the eyepiece could get damaged.
You’ll need a Q-tip for all those tight locations.
Begin by wrapping your microfiber cloth around the Q-tip. It will help you clean your lens.
Make sure the lens is dry before you continue. Spray the lens with cleaning fluid and rub it gently with a paper towel.
Repeat the process if necessary.
Using a microfiber cloth, gently wipe off any dust or debris.
A little dab of cleaning solution won’t hurt. Next, using the Q-tip, clean off your lens.
This will help remove any excess alcohol or cleaning solution that could damage the coating on the lens.
Make sure to wipe all of the lens and not just the area around the eyepiece.
Then, dry your lens thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth.
Your lens will shine like new once you finish cleaning it.
Cover the Q-tip with your lens tissue and blow gently into the scope to clear out the dust. Make sure you blow in one direction, not back and forth.
Blow the dust into the tissue by using the Q-tip. You can use less tissue than you think, since you’re trying to blow loose dust out of your scope.
Keep the Cap On
When cleaning your firearm, make a habit of wiping off the scope with a dry cloth or using a lint-free cloth.
When wiping the rifle down, clean the scope thoroughly from end to end. Spraying any liquid into the scope may cause damage.
It is better to clean it dry. Lastly, use a dry cloth to remove any residue left on the rifle.
In order to keep your scope waterproof, avoid cleaning any moisture out of the eye piece.
Lens Cleaner Shouldn’t Be Applied Directly to the Lens
A microfiber cloth and a few drops of lens cleaning solution should do the trick.
Use eyeglasses or a lens cleaning spray with a smooth, circular motion so you don’t scratch or scuff your lens.
Using a soft cloth, wipe the lens in gentle circles to remove the dirt. Avoid brushing; this can damage the coating.
Rinse the cloth and wipe it across both sides of the lens so that no dirt or dust remains.
Use a microfiber cloth and spray the lens cleaning solution onto it for the best results.
Using too much moisture might damage your lens.
Use a Microfiber Cloth
You may use any microfiber cloth to clean your rifle scope.
They are available in different sizes.
You may also wish to purchase a lens cloth to wipe your scope with after use, as you can never be sure the replacement cloths you get from the retailer may be clean.
This may remove all of as much oil and dirt as two layers of lint-free cloth.
If you use an old cloth, or one with fabric that will snag, you could end up scratching the glass or damaging the optics.
Do not use a lens oil because it can leave a residue that will attract dirt and grease.
Your lenses will last longer if kept clean and free of dirt. Be sure not to use any cleaning agents that are intended for eyeglasses. This could damage your optics.
Dust Off Your Lens
After spending so much money on a high-quality rifle scope, the last thing you want to do is damage the lens.
Your sight’s lens is an essential part of how accurately your shot groups.
If the lens is dusty or dirty, it may not focus correctly, which can be detrimental to your gameplay.
You must first dust your lens with a soft, clean cloth or with a very fine brush.
If you make a mistake, you can buff the dust off the lens with a damp, lint-free cloth, but be careful not to rub the lens with the cloth, as this could cause scratches.
In time, the clarity of your lens will be compromised, making it harder for you to hit targets.
Some dust is harmless, but anything left on the scope can cause problems. Keep your optics clean, especially when you’re shooting under wet, humid conditions.
Also Read: How to Clean Your Scopes Lenses
Conclusion
To summarize, here are some of the things you should do: First, you should disassemble the scope.
Then, clean the scope by ejecting the cleaning fluid and wiping the barrel and the sight.
If you want to clean the internal parts of the rifle, you can disassemble the breech or the barrel, depending on the brand and model.
You should also rinse the cleaning components if they are made of brass.
Thereafter, you can start cleaning the scope using a mild detergent, then wipe it clean with a soft, dry cloth.
Additionally, we’ve outlined a cleaning procedure that you can use to clean your scope.
Finally, we’ve provided you with some tips and tricks that you can use to make the most of your cleaning methods.
However, you should avoid using any cloth that can be pulled through the scope. You also cannot use anything stronger than water or wind to clean the lens.
Wipe the lens with a relatively clean, dry cloth to remove any debris.
Then, dip the cloth in a mild detergent and wipe the lens gently to remove all the dust, dirt, and greasy stains.
Do not rub the lens aggressively, as this can wear down the glass and damage its edge.
Rinse the lens with clean water and then wipe it dry with a clean, dry cloth.
Do a final inspection to make sure that there are no leaks or traces of debris left on the rifle scope.