Believe it or not, there’s such a thing as cleaning your scope too much. Instead of scrubbing the lens each time you see dirt on it, you need to clean your optics using the right materials. Doing so can help you heighten your experience and ensure that the scope lasts as long as possible. Rather than suffer through poor vision, you can rest assured that your scope is easy to see through and ready to help you nail your target. See below for an in-depth guide on the smartest way to clean your optics.
1. Search Used Optics
Clearer optics always start with buying the best brands. These brands place a premium on the quality of your scope when others are just focused on making money using as cheap materials as possible. Don’t allow yourself to settle for anything but the best.Have you always wanted to get your hands on quality optic products but could never justify the money? Have you ever had to settle for the lower-tier brands specifically for budgeting reasons? One of the best ways to resolve this is by shopping for used optics. This option allows you to find your ideal items without having to pay the maximum price. Plus, they hold their value better, not depreciating as much as it would if you were to purchase it new.
You should always keep an eye out for brands such as Aimpoint, EOTech, Badger Ordnance, Athlon, and so on. Using high-quality brands can also increase the amount of usage you can get for what you purchase. For example, Aimpoint products are known for their durability and long-term functionality, thanks to their Swedish manufacturing background. Take the time to scroll through our used scopes to find one that you like. It will help with the clarity of your shot moving forward.
2. Invest in the right supplies
Quality cotton swabs (A.K.A. Q-tips) and distilled or filtered water are all it takes. Dab one end of the swab into the water, then dry most of the water off on a paper towel. You don’t need very much water, just enough to eliminate lint and to help absorb the dirt. Then, gently use a circular motion to remove dirt, oil, and debris from the lens. Do some cleaning, switch to the other end, then throw it away. The good thing about q-tips is that they are cheap. I usually use three or four q-tips on a scope.
Take a look into the scope to gauge the cleanliness. If it’s still a bit murky, you can go through this process again (it takes no longer than 1-2 minutes each time).
3. Always Keep a Cap On
Your scope is bound to get dirty when in use; that’s a given. However, you can limit the amount of buildup by simply prioritizing placing the cap back on whenever the scope isn’t in use.
Too many people leave the scope uncovered while cleaning their gun, allowing the powders and cleaning solutions to eat away at the protective coating on their scope lens. Once that coating is gone, your clarity will always be sabotaged.
Even if you’re walking to the next spot on your hunting trip or walking to the next course on the shooting range, be sure you’ve put the protective cap in place. You can extend your scope’s lifespan by several years in the process.
4. Keep the Cleaning Routine to a Minimum
Too many gun enthusiasts make the mistake of cleaning their scope too often. The lens coating on your optics is the most fragile piece. No matter what brand or model you invest in, that coating can fade away with frequent rubbing.
For that reason, you’ll want to keep your cleaning sessions to a minimum. Instead, prioritize keeping the cap on the lens and always keeping your optics in their case whenever they’re not in use.
Wait until the scope becomes too dirty for you to blow off before you take the time to clean it. That way, you can preserve the coating as long as possible.
5. Proper Storage
Perhaps the most critical piece to the puzzle is knowing how to store your scope lens properly.
Remember, no matter where you choose to store your gun, there is dirt and dust waiting to gather on it. If you leave the optics on the gun, without a lens cap, that dust and dirt will gladly land on your lens and sabotage the quality.
Always put the cap on and place the scope back in its case. It might be advantageous to double-check that your scope is in its case before you store it away.
Find the Best Optics for Your Rifle Today
Now that you know how to best clean and care for your optics, it’s time to supply yourself with the best brands that are on the market today. Be sure to read this article for more information on the different types of rifle scopes and why they are so beneficial to your needs.
For more inquiries, please be sure to reach out via our contact us page, and we will be happy to assist you further.