Vector Optics - moisture inside scope?

[Batman]

OK, so I went inexpensive and bought a Vector Optics 4-14 scope at a gun show awhile back, and promptly put it in the safe. Pulled it out recently, mounted it on a rifle, took it to the range, and after a few shots noticed moisture on the INSIDE of the scope on the lenses. WTF??!! Of course, I can't find the receipt, and there wasn't any paperwork other than the generic sighting and mounting instructions. Anyone know how I can get this fixed, or am I SOL?

[LibertyOptics]

You have an etched reticle, and something inside the scope is sticking to it.

The real culprit is likely oil or lube, shaken loose upon recoil. It is not likely to go away on its own. It could be considered a defect and if Vector's warranty applies you should be OK.

Scott

[Batman]

Great. The scope had no warranty card, and I since I bought it at a gun show, it would be difficult to bring it back for warranty. Anyone know who's the importer is so I can try to get it taken care of that way?

[FMJBT]

Looks like U&C Alliance is a US importer for Vector:

http://www.shotshow.org/app/homepage.cfm?moduleid=2698&linkid=30950&appname=100300&Exid=644144

[Whitesmoke]

You have an etched reticle, and something inside the scope is sticking to it.

The real culprit is likely oil or lube, shaken loose upon recoil. It is not likely to go away on its own. It could be considered a defect and if Vector's warranty applies you should be OK.

Scott

more likely it's condensation...

[LibertyOptics]

more likely it's condensation...

Certainly could be, but if the scope is sealed and nitrogen purged and been in a safe, what would be the source of moisture?

If so, the scope will always have issues or this potential. The sure way to tell is to see if the spots are still there a day or two later. Condensation evaporates; oil does not.

Either way, I'd want a new scope.

[FMJBT]

I'm thinking it's probably oil too. Condensation normally shows up inside optics as a fogging or mist of smaller droplets on the lens. Try placing the scope somewhere nice and warm for an hour or two and see if the drops are still there. If so, it's definitely not water condensation.

[Batman]

Well, I actually got hold of someone at the plant in China. They'll fix or replace it if I send it back to them and pay return shipping. Hopefully everything works out on this.

Incidently, I never heard back from the multiple messages I left at the number for their San Francisco office. Sounded like someone's cell phone message.

[Teletiger7]

How much is shipping to China???