B and L Reticle Swap

I think it's all but impossible these days sharp shooter. Virtually nobody will change or repair a reticle on an older scope. Even the big glass makers hardly do it anymore. Trace Scope Repair in AB might be able to help with a cleaning though?
 
I wish someone would take this us in earnest.

So many nice scopes out there with stupid reticles designed to impress an ignorant consumer. If I could design my own, I would.

Less is more people. Busy reticles should be limited to cheap scopes.
 
Last edited:
Maple57, why not work on your thoughts? I am sure with a little research, study and dedication you could make it work out.
 
Maple57 said:
I wish someone would take this us in earnest.

So many nice scopes out there with stupid reticles designed to impress an ignorant consumer. If I could design my own, I would.

Less is more people. Bust reticles should be limited to cheap scopes.
Click to expand...

Well, all you gotta do is learn to photo etch thin sheet metal to make what you want.
Or source some suitable glass disks and learn to etch the reticle in to those, or print it on.

There are a couple folks on line that sell fine tungsten wire (much stronger than using spider web, the traditional option) for replacing the cross hairs in older scopes.

Getting the pieces in and out is pretty easy. Keeping from ending up staring at a giant cat hair in the eyepiece, maybe more challenging. Purging out the scope in Nitrogen, and keeping it sealed, even more so.

Honestly, every dude out there thinks their idea is the best one, and some of them even get made, so it's apparently possible. You just need to put in some leg work and hook up with the right folks, I figure.

Me, I am pretty happy with any basic set of crossed hairs or a basic duplex style.

I do have a couple old broken scopes that I considered swapping some parts around in, but so far, that's as far as those have got. They sure are not worth paying someone else to #### with them!
 
slingworks said:
I think it's all but impossible these days sharp shooter. Virtually nobody will change or repair a reticle on an older scope. Even the big glass makers hardly do it anymore. Trace Scope Repair in AB might be able to help with a cleaning though?
Click to expand...

Several years ago I asked Phil at Trace about changing reticles in old Weaver scopes. He said it could be done but thought his price for the work would be more than the value of the scopes would justify. We didn't establish what that price would be because he wouldn't be sure until he got into a scope what it might take.
 
Trevj, you can buy reticles etched on glass to your specs, along with premade wire reticles. (Not sure how many makers are in Canada though). I've done some work on optics, binoculars, scopes and spotting scopes myself. Pretty much all you need for small scale work is a real clean room w/clean floor (No carpet) and a Hepa air filter and dehumidifier. You'll buy a Laminair bench to work on. (used about 2k). They keep a steady flow of clean dust free air flowing over your work area. Bright lights, and compressed air cans to wisk away lint, etc from the lens. A partly disassembled used parts/optical comparator is helpful to find specs/lint etc if your vision isn't so good, but just an extra.
Nitrogen purging can be done in a glove box small scale or even as simple as flooding the interior with a stream of it until satisfied while on your bench.
Most older scopes were never Nitrogen purged or filled anyway, so just good dry air is enough...Bushnell claimed purging/filling on some early models, but after working on a couple of them there's no way that could be..... .05" of sealing tar used on those wouldn't keep anything in over any time.

Maybe the start of your new side job? :)
 
Last edited:
sharp shooter I'd be interested in seeing ball-park pricing when you get it. I didn't pursue it with Trace because I figured I'll find out when I send him a scope for other work, but so far I have enough working and haven't gotten around to it.
 
TheTooner said:
Several years ago I asked Phil at Trace about changing reticles in old Weaver scopes. He said it could be done but thought his price for the work would be more than the value of the scopes would justify. We didn't establish what that price would be because he wouldn't be sure until he got into a scope what it might take.
Click to expand...

TheTooner said:
sharp shooter I'd be interested in seeing ball-park pricing when you get it. I didn't pursue it with Trace because I figured I'll find out when I send him a scope for other work, but so far I have enough working and haven't gotten around to it.
Click to expand...

He made a post and crosshair reticle for me a few years ago, but can't remember what the charge was for that work. It was part of a complete repair and refurbish of a low power variable that ended up costing around $200.

Still have it,
Ted
 
Thanks. I would probably have him cannibalize one of my scopes if that would work. I have more than I need and if I don't get rid of them one way or another I end up buying them a rifle, and after a bit of that I have to buy another gun cabinet ... :rolleyes:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom