Removing Optics to Clean your Guns?

[iareConfusE]

This is something that has been bothering me for a while and I haven't been able to find an answer.

When you guys clean your guns, do you remove your optics so that you can clean your gun easier, or do you just leave them on in fear of messing up the current zero setting?

The last time I cleaned my gun after a trip to the range, I left my optic on, because I was afraid if I removed the single screw (Its a red dot sight), then screwing it on later might not be perfectly aligned to the way it was zero'ed before.

This time when I cleaned my gun I removed the optic so I could lay the receiver on the top and work at the insides a little better. Should I not have done this?

[rero360]

If you're refering to the 10/22 that is in your sig line, then the first mistake you made is cleaning it period. I cleaned my 10/22 when I first got it to get the machining crap out of it and haven't cleaned it since, after geez.....at least 10,000 rounds, still going strong.

I would say that unless you have a top tier optic and a mount that has been proven to be remounted and maintain zero then I would never take the scope off. Hell, I don't plan on taking my USO off my savage until I get a DTA SRS to put it on instead.

[CHS]

I don't see any point to removing the optics during cleaning.

[Beelzy]

Unless it has a quick release mount system (they have good ones now), I would
not remove optics from the gun for cleaning.

[Jonathan Doe]

The optics do not have to be removed for cleaning the guns.

[iareConfusE]

If you're refering to the 10/22 that is in your sig line, then the first mistake you made is cleaning it period. I cleaned my 10/22 when I first got it to get the machining crap out of it and haven't cleaned it since, after geez.....at least 10,000 rounds, still going strong.

I would say that unless you have a top tier optic and a mount that has been proven to be remounted and maintain zero then I would never take the scope off. Hell, I don't plan on taking my USO off my savage until I get a DTA SRS to put it on instead.

10,000 rounds? My 10/22 was looking pretty foul after only 100 shots the first time I took it out. I was using Federal Bulk ammo, and the bolt face and the inside of the receiver was caked with black gunk.

Anyways, I guess I'll never remove my optic again once I re-zero it at the range.

[Turo]

it takes me more time than most to zero scopes, so I just leave them on for cleaning. Jut look at the pros and cons of doing it: pro, you have a clean mount. (i don't know about you, but my mounts stay relatively clean.) cons: you must re-zero every time you clean, there's more parts to put back together and take off, you run more risk of stripping screws... there's just not enough benefit/risk ratio to take them off every time.

[CHS]

10,000 rounds? My 10/22 was looking pretty foul after only 100 shots the first time I took it out. I was using Federal Bulk ammo, and the bolt face and the inside of the receiver was caked with black gunk.

Anyways, I guess I'll never remove my optic again once I re-zero it at the range.

I've got a 10/22 with at least 10,000 rounds through it, but most likely a lot more and closer to 20,000. Anyways, When I built it up 12 or so years ago, I put a cheap Simmons scope on it. I've never removed the scope since I installed and zero'ed it, and it has never lost zero, no matter how many times I've pulled the gun apart for cleaning or maintenance.

[Solidsnake87]

lol. Keep optics ON while cleaning. If you are a distance shooter, its a good way to lose your zero.

[Nessal]

I leave them on. Make sure you got some lens cap or else you might get solvent on the lens.

[ldivinag]

what is this CLEAN thing you mention?????

[damndave]

I always leave them on while cleaning. Make sure to have them covered with lens covers to avoid any mishaps

[swerv512]

^^^

leave it on and cover it- last thing you want is any type of cleaning solvent on your lens...

[Seesm]

No way leave em on and zeroed.

[Black Majik]

Leave em' on. For M14/M1as, I look at it this way. The optic helps keep weight on the bottom when the rifle is upside-down.


(did I just admit to cleaning guns?)