A clean rifle sight is vital if you want to shoot well. In this article, I’ll discuss how to clean a scope lens properly.
You can use a scope lens cleaner, or a cloth or lens paper to clean your sight. When cleaning a scope lens, avoid harmful practices, clean it when necessary, and store your riflescope properly.
I’ll guide you through the essential steps of scope lens cleaning.
Let’s get started right away!
Contents
What You Need to Clean Your Rifle Scope?
Use the right tools listed below to clean your scopes.
- Compressed air
- A soft lens brush
- Optic cleaning solutions
- Regular optics wipes or anti-fogging wipes
- Microfiber lens cloth or cleanroom swab
First, I will discuss compressed air.
Compressed Air
Compressed air removes all the dust and tiny particles on your rifle scope lens, keeping it clean. This tool is also sometimes called “canned air.”
You can also add portable blowers to your cleaning kit. These can also be used to remove dust particles. You can get these at any camera store.
Lens Brush
Use a lens brush to sweep away dust and debris on the scope’s surface. These brushes are typically soft and anti-static so they will not damage your rifle scope lens.
Ensure the brushes are oil-free. You can also use a lens pen to carefully brush your scope.
Cleaning Solutions
You will also need cleaning solutions like eyeglass or liquid cleaners. Eyeglass cleaner and isopropyl alcohol are also good choices when you need to clean a gun sight.
However, water is still the safest liquid to clean a lens with.
I strongly recommend avoiding using spray formulas like Formula 409 or gun-cleaning solvents on coated lenses. They can damage the coating of your rifle scope lens.
Regular Optics Wipes or Anti-Fogging Wipes
Regular optics wipes are special wiping cloths that are moist and specially formulated for cleaning rifle scopes. These wipes do not leave any residue behind on your scopes.
Fog occurs when water vapor condenses on glass surfaces, like scopes.
Anti-fogging wipes, as the name implies, stop fog from developing on your optics.
Microfiber Lens Cloth or Cleanroom Swab
A microfiber cloth or cleanroom swab is also useful for removing obstructions from scopes but should be used carefully and rarely. Remember to remove larger pieces of debris first before using the cloth.
These cloths are soft but can still scratch lenses if used improperly.
This will prevent scratching the lenses. Cleanroom swabs can be used the same way, reaching tight spots when wiping in the same motion.
How to Clean Your Rifle Scope
I will now discuss how to keep your scopes clean.
- Step 1. Clear away the large particles.
- Step 2. Wipe down the body.
- Step 3. Wet the lenses.
- Step 4. Wipe the lenses in circular motions.
- Step 5: Allow it to air dry.
I will begin with the first step, which is to clear away larger particles.
Step 1. Clear Away Large Particles
To start the scope lens cleaning, gently brush away large particles of dirt and debris from the scope with a clean, dry brush.
If larger particles remain, use pressurized air to carefully remove them.
Handling the objective lens with proper care is crucial to avoid scratches or damage to the lens coating.
Step 2. Wipe Down the Body
Use a soft cloth or lens paper and gently wipe down the body of your optic. Wipe down any moving parts like exposed turrets.
You can also use water to remove any accumulated dirt, and gently wipe down any dust or debris on the optics.