Land Owner
09-17-2020, 06:17 AM
Unexpected result. What should I do now? Replace or continue with repair?
Background
My 3x9 scope, pictured below (1 to 3), has an eyepiece that has "failed" (pic 4 and subject to argument - the rubber ripped off) after nearly forty (40) years of exemplary service. I want to purchase a replacement eyepiece. I removed the original eyepiece for measurements, and achieved an unexpected result (pics 5 to 7 - failed rubber noted). The last picture (unnumbered) is a stock photo from the Net and an example of what I expected to replace.
The long and extended exterior threaded portion of the eyepiece (pic 5) is "gummy" as are the interior threads on the scope. That "gumminess" has probably kept the internal lenses from condensation fogging. I expect continued exemplary performance from this scope, though I am wondering if after removal of its lens along with the eyepiece, has that deteriorated its performance?
OPTION A
Should I continue in an attempt to remove and replace just the "end cap" eyepiece? Anyone have this "issue" with theirs? I hate working around the lens in concern for scratching, dust, lint, hair, warping, knocking out of alignment, etc.
OPTION B
Should I leave it as is? Perhaps "cover it" with one of the "flip type" scope covers and keep going? This option doesn't fix the eyepiece problem, just covers it up. I will have to reassure myself at the range that zero is still intact and watch for fogging (a ruined hunting day if it occurs), though with its construction, this scope has been in operation for almost 40 years with no fogging. I do not know if this section of the lens system was ever "pressurized" with an inert gas, such as nitrogen, to preclude condensation.
OPTION C
Should I replace the scope? If replacement is selected (a sad day), it will be with one of several inherited Leupold 3x9 scopes from my reloading, hunting, and shooting Mentor and readjustment on the rifle as required to achieve accuracy again.
https://i.postimg.cc/pLgxkNm7/3x9-Scope-Chief-1.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/RZ34cCZK/3x9-Scope-Chief-2.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/ncSnj9pn/3x9-Scope-Chief-3.jpg
Background
My 3x9 scope, pictured below (1 to 3), has an eyepiece that has "failed" (pic 4 and subject to argument - the rubber ripped off) after nearly forty (40) years of exemplary service. I want to purchase a replacement eyepiece. I removed the original eyepiece for measurements, and achieved an unexpected result (pics 5 to 7 - failed rubber noted). The last picture (unnumbered) is a stock photo from the Net and an example of what I expected to replace.
The long and extended exterior threaded portion of the eyepiece (pic 5) is "gummy" as are the interior threads on the scope. That "gumminess" has probably kept the internal lenses from condensation fogging. I expect continued exemplary performance from this scope, though I am wondering if after removal of its lens along with the eyepiece, has that deteriorated its performance?
OPTION A
Should I continue in an attempt to remove and replace just the "end cap" eyepiece? Anyone have this "issue" with theirs? I hate working around the lens in concern for scratching, dust, lint, hair, warping, knocking out of alignment, etc.
OPTION B
Should I leave it as is? Perhaps "cover it" with one of the "flip type" scope covers and keep going? This option doesn't fix the eyepiece problem, just covers it up. I will have to reassure myself at the range that zero is still intact and watch for fogging (a ruined hunting day if it occurs), though with its construction, this scope has been in operation for almost 40 years with no fogging. I do not know if this section of the lens system was ever "pressurized" with an inert gas, such as nitrogen, to preclude condensation.
OPTION C
Should I replace the scope? If replacement is selected (a sad day), it will be with one of several inherited Leupold 3x9 scopes from my reloading, hunting, and shooting Mentor and readjustment on the rifle as required to achieve accuracy again.
https://i.postimg.cc/pLgxkNm7/3x9-Scope-Chief-1.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/RZ34cCZK/3x9-Scope-Chief-2.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/ncSnj9pn/3x9-Scope-Chief-3.jpg