Ring marks on a scope

[Paul_R]

A question for the optics gurus.

Are ring marks on a scope a cosmetic issue or can they be an indicator of actual problems with a scope?

[r3dn3ck]

I've only really ever seen it to the point of cosmetic scuffing. They can be an indicator of damage from a real pea-brain mounting the thing but you'd have to really look down the length of it for deformation and maybe take a micrometer to it. If the finish is scratched, no big deal. If the metal underneath is scarred then you have a good indication of damage.

(Not a guru, but a hobby astromomer)

[BSlacker]

Ring marks can be just damage too the surface coating and no apparent scope damage or make a mark in the base material all the way to bending the tube and changing the positional relationship of the optics. Good quality rings/mounts usually will take care of it. This is the reason people spend good money on a gunsmith and or tools after purchasing a high quality scope and mounting/rings. No marks doesn't mean the scope is not trash. Without some testing you can't tell. For most people if the scope fits the rings and sights in to their satisfaction they leave it and it could be damaged or not they will never know. If you want to know if your scope is bent or damaged then center the reticle and mount it and see where it shoots at 50 to 75 yards. An undamaged scope and good mounts will be within a couple of clicks to sight in at that distance, then you are good to go you can assume your stuff is straight and undamaged. If you have to take up half the movement or more that is possible in either direction just to sight in then you are screwed.

[thomashoward]

Generally cosmetic. better use Burris Signature rings with inserts,then no marks get left on the scope

[bruce_ventura]

Marks on the finish are generaly not a concern, while scratches through the finish are. As long as the scratches are only through the finish, the scope still may be OK. However, such scratches indicate the scope was poorly mounted and may have been subjected to excessive stress and/or shock, both of which accelerate wear and eventual failure. If the "scratches" are actually dents in the tube, then they could easily affect the wind/elevation adjustments.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk