Have you ever had a scope freeze up in cold weather?

dylan_b · 12-19-2009, 11:02 PM

i know its a rare occurance but its something that realy hasnt been talked about on any forum that ive been on. so have you had a scopes adjustments freeze or seize up in cold weather or bad conditions. i have had several freeze up. zoom rings, parralax dials, windage/elevation dials and i even had a red dots on off switch freeze up. i dont lube my scopes or even get them wet, except if its snowing or raining of course. but none of the times have i had a scope freeze has it been raining or snowing. ive had 3 bushnells, 1 leupold, 2 mtc vipers and one very old kahles freeze

bugsNbows · 12-20-2009, 05:55 AM

Well, you could always go back to the K.I.S.S. theory ...and go with a fixed power scope with no parallax adjustment. Less things to malfunction (freeze up). I often use a Leupy FX III 6X42 that's a winner in my book.

beprepn8 · 12-21-2009, 03:25 AM

How cold are we talking?

dylan_b · 12-21-2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beprepn8

How cold are we talking?

im talking -45 celcius (-49 f) that ive had most my problems but ive had cheaper bushnell binos and spotters freeze up in -15 c (5 f)

warbirdlover · 12-21-2009, 10:23 PM

I've had the cheapest junk scopes on my rifles when I was young and poor and no freeze ups. And these were mostly variables.

I've had a Nikon 3-9 X 40 on for the last 15 years and no problems.

I'm hoping this new one will continue my luck... (Mueller 4-16 X 50 AO with lighted dot).....

rshunter32 · 12-23-2009, 07:17 AM

Where in Canada? I'm from Manitoba and never had a scope freeze. Mind you If its colder than -35c I have a tough time getting outside.

timbercruiser · 12-23-2009, 07:33 AM

If it gets that cold down here, I'm calling Al Gore.........

dylan_b · 12-23-2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rshunter32

Where in Canada? I'm from Manitoba and never had a scope freeze. Mind you If its colder than -35c I have a tough time getting outside.

im from manitoba to. -35 seems about right for deer hunting temps but it gets alot colder during the late season elk hunts. oddly enough most of my problems ive gotten were out either rabbit, varmint or deer hunting not elk. but i do spend the entire day outside. most guys i know take a break and warm up in the truck every hour and a half.

dylan_b · 12-30-2009, 11:38 AM

i tink i have a answer to why my gear has been freezing up. my gun cabinet is just a few feet away from a window that throws ALOT of humidity. when i went to mount a new scope this wednesday my rifles were covered in condensation