I've neve had oil lock anything up. I use a CLP but just wipe it on. Ever since I had water from rain the day before freeze up the firing pin on a Sako years ago. I leave my firearms over a heater at the end of a day and am a little protective of it when it rains. I've hunted in 20 below celcius with my SP10 with CLP and never had a missfire or jam other than once when a metal piece of the follower jumped over its stop. I use just enough to prevent rust and thats all. If its just cold I don't think a very small coating of oil willl cause any problems. As far as scopes go, none of my Leopolds or Nikons have given my any problems. Yes at 30 below they are stiff and slow. You might want to call the manufacuterer to find a solution and test it in your freezer. Doesn't just burn ya when you miss an opportunity? I missed a shot at an Elk in Wyoming near Larimie a few years ago with the Sako episode. I freeking well forgot to take my FA 454 that day, yup the bolt felt awful cold in my pants too!