Did I mess up my scope?

**rds1220** · July 7th, 2017, 10:50 PM

Had a question. I bought a scope for my hunting rifle and I'm a little worried I might have damaged it. After using it last year I cleaned it and put it away. Took it out to look at it and I noticed the lens looked like it had dust on it. This is where it gets cringe worthy. I took a paper towel and sprayed it with a little Windex then used the Windex moist paper towel to wipe the lens. Now I'm very worried the paper towels might have scratched the lens or the Windex might have damaged the lens or lens coating.

**unclejumbo** · July 7th, 2017, 11:06 PM

It's possible because none of those things are recommended for quality optics. First, dust should be blown off or brushed away. Followed by a non-scratching cleaning cloth. Any cleaner should be for coated optics. I use a lens pen for my scopes and camera lenses. I also have microfiber cleaning cloths.

With all of that said, the damage should be minimal done one time. If you keep doing it, you'll remove the coatings from the lens with scratching of dust particles, rough paper and solvents like Windex.

**Berncly** · July 7th, 2017, 11:39 PM

+1 for UncleJumbo's advice.
What make and model is the scope?

**rds1220** · July 8th, 2017, 12:16 AM

Originally Posted by Berncly

+1 for UncleJumbo's advice.
What make and model is the scope?

It's this https://www.midwayusa.com/product/41...cope-3-9x-40mm

**Berncly** · July 8th, 2017, 12:46 AM

Originally Posted by rds1220

It's this https://www.midwayusa.com/product/41...cope-3-9x-40mm

Yeah, Leupold is a good brand, this one is not particularly expensive, but your going to want to take good care of it.
What Jumbo said stands, just be more careful in the future and your probably ok.

**bigandy1966** · July 8th, 2017, 06:43 AM

X for UJs advice.
I recommend a camera cleaning brush with the little squeeze blower on it, Dustoff etc
Get scope caps and take them off before you go hunting/ shooting

**unclejumbo** · July 8th, 2017, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by rds1220

It's this https://www.midwayusa.com/product/41...cope-3-9x-40mm

Awww dude, that's a $180 scope. You can clean those just by licking them or hitting them with a Brillo-pad if they're really dirty.

**MARINE DIVISION TWO** · July 8th, 2017, 10:01 AM

I always carry a couple of eye glass wipes with me when shooting or hunting,gun powder resider builds up fast and dust from walking the woods if you dont have scope covers on the scope !

**rds1220** · July 8th, 2017, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by MARINE DIVISION TWO

I always carry a couple of eye glass wipes with me when shooting or hunting,gun powder resider builds up fast and dust from walking the woods if you dont have scope covers on the scope !

I will I like those Vortex caps that flip up.