Scope glued to the rings, what to do?

[mark-hunter]

Usually I dont glue the scope to the rings, but I have one older scope which I obtained with a rifle I purchased.
This scope has no use at the moment, and is resting in a locker with its attached and glued rings.

Question:
How do I remove the rings from the scope without damaging it?

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Acetone should loosen the glue but not harm the scope if the tube is blued. Keep acetone away from lenses as it may damage coatings.

 

[R eight]

I use to use araldite on the rings. Certainly stopped any slipping of the scope in the rings. Never had any issues removing the scopes that had been glued. Use to scrape the old glue off the scope tube with my thumb nails. Never damaged the finish on the scope.

 

[Tucketed]

Try a heat gun. Most epoxies give up at higher temperatures

 

[mark-hunter]

Try a heat gun. Most epoxies give up at higher temperatures

I was thinking about that. This, I suppose, will not damage the scope?

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I was thinking about that. This, I suppose, will not damage the scope?

I wouldn't bet on it. A lot of undue expansion/contraction might not be good for gas seals, especially on an older scope. If you could heat the rings without heating the scope, that might be safe enough.

 

[steve white]

vinegar?

 

[mark-hunter]

vinegar?

Once the rings are removed any chemical can do, acetone, vinegar, nails... The trick would be to remove rings first (to break epoxy connection), then the rest is easy. First part troubles my mind.

 

[375er]

Assuming there is gap where the screws are, could you remove them and let what ever solvent you are using slowly work its way under the rings?

 

[deewayne2003]

Lighter fluid should do the trick, depending on what type of glue it is

 

[Velo Dog]

Some common glues release when subjected to hard freezing temperature.
Many industrial grade adhesives do not.

But as Ontario Hunter already mentioned that with applying heat, there also is a risk from chilling way below freezing, of causing a nitrogen / gas seal leak.

In my experiences, the risk of seal leaks due to freezing are so slight that, I would not hesitate to risk it.
I have used optics (binoculars and rifle scopes alike), in Arctic winter conditions, without any leaks whatsoever.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Lighter fluid should do the trick, depending on what type of glue it is

Acetone evaporates very quickly. Lighter fluid might work better? WD40 should clean off any gooey residue left on scope.

 

[WAB]

I’m just gonna hazard a guess that the scope will be a casualty.

 

[Hogpatrol]

What's the scope worth? What brand and model? Is it worth saving?

 

[R eight]

Once the rings are removed any chemical can do, acetone, vinegar, nails... The trick would be to remove rings first (to break epoxy connection), then the rest is easy. First part troubles my mind.

I reckon you’re over thinking this. Remove the screws holding the two halves of the rings together and then gently ply them apart using an old screwdriver. From memory most of mine came apart with just the slightest pressure.

I’ve never damaged a scope or rings doing that.

I always araldited my scope into the rings on my M14’s on all of my 700’s…..never an issue.

I still use araldite on the rings on my Rigbys. No need to use it on the Sako and Blaser rings.

I have never used any chemicals nor applied any heat to achieve this

 

[BigKev15]

Years ago short range bebchrest shooter used to glue their actions and barrels into their stocks. I watched my gunsmith put them in his freezer as the temperature and contraction of the separate metals (scope/ rings) was sufficient to allow them to be gently separated without damage to either component.

 

[mark-hunter]

What's the scope worth? What brand and model? Is it worth saving?

Swarovski Habicht 8x56, fixed power.
Older model, but would be shame to destroy.
Worth? I have no idea, I cannot find new model on offer anywhere. But glass is very good.

 

[WAB]

That’s a nice scope. Have you thought about taking it to a gunsmith?

 

[CoElkHunter]

Years ago short range bebchrest shooter used to glue their actions and barrels into their stocks. I watched my gunsmith put them in his freezer as the temperature and contraction of the separate metals (scope/ rings) was sufficient to allow them to be gently separated without damage to either component.

+1. Try this first. A freezer is usually around 10F. I've hunted in 0F temps and two years ago my buddy and his son hunted in -16F. Did no harm to their "high dollar" Bushnell scopes. LOL

 

[mark-hunter]

That’s a nice scope. Have you thought about taking it to a gunsmith?

I have a grumpy old gunsmith, my friend, who installed new scope on same rifle, and removed this one with rings attached.

He said: "Keep it as it is, maybe you will need it as a back up or spare for that rifle! Hear me what I say. Keep it on stand by just in case"

Now I am afraid, to go there and ask him to remove the rings! He will yell at me for not following advice, and kick me out of his workshop, on short temper!

So, I have to do this behind his back!
It is special relationship!



Next gunsmith is 200 miles away... Too much!

So, Yes, I thought about it!