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Posted: 1/10/2014 10:52:41 AM EDT
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Hello,
I have a lot of experience w/ coatings and have been working with Cerakote for a few years now. I haven't done many scopes because having C-series Cerakote shipped to AK can cost over 100 bucks in shipping per box. I'm getting ready to drop a bunch of money on shipping C-series up here and was hoping to get some tips and experiences related to scope prep. I've read several different thoughts on this. Are you acetone dunking or just wiping it down. Completely tape off and blast? Scuff w/ pad? Don't abrade at all? That type of thing. Also, I talked to a buddy who has worked with NIC and he said it's not unheard of for people to use H series on any and all scopes and just keep temps below 150. If you look at the scope manufacturer specs, most of them list operating temps above that. I've done a few NC-stars and with H-series and cooked them on low (140) just for kicks. It just scares the crap out of me when doing the spendy scopes so I'm ordering C-series. I'm on the waiting list for the Cerakote classes but was hoping to start playing with my cheap scopes in the meantime. Thanks for any input. |
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I use ambient cure on optics.
Not to say I have never used oven cure on optics at low temp for longer cures.... 
You might not have ever experienced anything like it in Alaska, but down here in MS, it will get 150 in your car on a summer day. If an optic wasn't designed to stand up to that, it probably wouldn't live long on a rifle anyway. I usually wipe them down. I don't soak, there can be some seals in some optics that will be destroyed by acetone. Tape the hell out of it and lightly blast. |
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Thanks for the reply HardEight. I grew up in Georgia and have gotten into my share of dark vehicles in the summer. I remember hearing about it killing kids and pets when left in the vehicle. Obviously you would need to be exact and consistent in your temps. I use two temp probes, a PID controller and have an in oven fan for consistent top to bottom temps.
I wrote to Leupold asking about temps and got a very fast reply seen below ______________________ The temperature specification on our VX scopes is MIL-STD, Method 501.4. Per this Mil spec, the max storage temperature is +70 C (+158 F) for two hours, the max operating temperature is +50 C (+122 F) for two hours. Our scopes pass easily every time they are tested. Best Regards, Ryan |
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150 for two to three hours might be safe. I have never done any scopes but plenty of polymer and or plastic items at 150 for two hours with zero effects.
either way, let us know what you come up with, I'm anxious to try cerakoting a scope. Getting my AR pistol build parts blasted and probably going to start coating them today. |
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