Old Kahles score! but lens dirty inside.

C

C.308

CGN Regular
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Hamilton
Hi CGN

Today a coworker brought in a pile of old scopes. He said they were trade ins from a friends shop that he no longer wanted and was trying to sell them but didn't know anything about them.

Long story short I gave him $50 each for 2 old scopes. A Bushnell sportview 3-9x32. Gloss fonish and decent enough glass. No issues with this one.

I also got a Kahles. 3-9×40. Markings:

K.kahles wein
Helia 39L2
NR 47133

It has a nice fine Duplex reticle and appears to be first focal plane. The reticle grows as I increase magnification. No idea of the age but it looks old.

So the housing is a little blemished but nothing concerning function. The Glass seems to have maybe a little bit of haze. I guess I can live with it but it would be awesome to put this on my CZ rifle. Not sure i want to mount it as is though.#

The lenses were fairly dirty but I've cleaned them carefully. My concern is there appears to be some speckles/ residue on the inside of the objective lens.

I don't know anything about Kahles but my research today has left me a little confused. Some say they may offer a lifetime warranty, others say not so much.

Would it be worthwhile to send it back to Austria for a clean and purge or should I live with it? And if so, would it be safe to assume the seal is already broken if I'm seeing residue or foreign matter inside the lens. I know its no good to open a scope up but if the damage is already done I might as well clean it if having it done professionally is out of the question.

Any thoughts? It cost me $50 afterall and won't be exposed to the elements except at a covered range.

Thanks
 
Probably best to send Kahles an email with the serial number and details (also pics) of the scope and a description of the issues. They may or may not have parts and may or may not be able to provide any service. Unless you know (really know!) what you are doing I would not disassemble the scope. I wouldn’t worry about any nitrogen gas as “if” it was ever nitrogen filled (and many European scopes were not) the nitrogen is long gone. BUT improper disassembly can bugger up the mechanics and cleaning internal lens elements is a very specialized process as generally any coating on an internal optic may be very ‘soft’ and can be irreparably damaged by even the lightest touch with the cleanest chamois. Leave it to a professional (with proper credentials) … Kahles are excellent scopes.
 
Kahles are very good at refurbishing their older scopes. The Helia was an excellent scope and definitely worth the effort. Would look nice on a 50's-60's wood and blue rifle like a Husky, or BSA. It should be 26mm so you will need to find some rings.
 
Take a close look at the lenses
Most of the time what appears to be dirt etc., it the coating flaking off the lenses.
Once that starts you are basically into a new lens couplet.
Removing and recoating the lens is a not easily done and probably worth the cost of the scope to get it done here.
 
wheaty said:
Take a close look at the lenses
Most of the time what appears to be dirt etc., it the coating flaking off the lenses.
Once that starts you are basically into a new lens couplet.
Removing and recoating the lens is a not easily done and probably worth the cost of the scope to get it done here.
Click to expand...

he paid only 50 for the scope ...
 
Backcountryal said:
Kahles are very good at refurbishing their older scopes. The Helia was an excellent scope and definitely worth the effort. Would look nice on a 50's-60's wood and blue rifle like a Husky, or BSA. It should be 26mm so you will need to find some rings.
Click to expand...

burris rings with plastic inserts are working too … even not 26mm.
 
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