Stainless Barrels and Glare

[powdergun]

I've had a small problem when out hunting with my rifle. The barrel is stainless and I have noticed a glare that makes it imosible to see out of the scope when the sun is low. This occurs typically at first and last light when aiming towards the suns direction. Has anyone else had this problem and if so how did you fix it.

wrap the barrel, black tape on the barrel ...?

 

[Mad_Mikee]

I just bead blast my stainless rifles and rub them down with fine steel wool and Rem Oil. Gives it a nice matte finish that easy to keep looking nice and it doesnt reflect sun.

 

[stubblejumper]

I have several rifles with bead blasted finish, and I don't find any issues at all with glare.

 

[Mighty Peace]

I have several of the factory bead-blast finish- no problems. I also have one rifle with a polished barrel-no issues with glare.

 

[bcsteve]

I thought we already discussed that you couldn't shoot into space? Don't try to shoot at the sun! All my hunting rifles are bead blasted stainless, no issues with glare.

 

[Kgstewie]

I have buddy who had his powder coated. Definitely no glare now.

 

[Calum]

There is always flat black BBQ paint.

 

[chappy]

i like bead blasted. holds the oil better than polished. looks classier too.

 

[lister]

Buy a blued gun......

 

[powdergun]

I just cannot figure out why I'm having an issue seeing through the scope when the sun is low on the horizon. Just wondering if any one else had issues like this.

Is it reflection from my glasses onto the rear lense of the scope ? Tried to shade with the brim of my cap but still I get glare. Also' this only happens at very low light conditions. My scope has a 40 mm from lens. I was hoping for a more Physics oriented explanation.



BTW: Can one get a barrel bead blasted at a location other than a gunsmith ? If so where and about how much $$$$ ?

 

[bearkilr]

It's the scope, not the gun. Called scope flare. Lower quality optics with less/poorer coatings exhibit it most.

Try covering the top of the objective bell with your cupped hand or get a sunshade.

 

[Dogleg]

It's the scope, not the gun. Called scope flare. Lower quality optics with less/poorer coatings exhibit it most.

Try covering the top of the objective bell with your cupped hand or get a sunshade.

Yep.

 

[rral22]

Flare is my vote too. One of the things you buy with expensive optics of any kind is resistance to flare.

 

[two-dogs]

I use Leupold scopes, never even heard the word "flare" before!

 

[powdergun]

Thanks. The scope is an older Bausch and Lomb. In good light it is crystal clear but I guess the coatings they used back then were not what they are today. I guess I'll have to make due for now and look for some new optics over the winter.

 

[bearkilr]

Thanks. The scope is an older Bausch and Lomb. In good light it is crystal clear but I guess the coatings they used back then were not what they are today. I guess I'll have to make due for now and look for some new optics over the winter.

No optics are immune to flare, just that the pricier ones generally have better coatings that reduce it. If the scope has served you well, try a sunshade first or for the odd time you need to shoot toward the sun, just cover the top of the objective bell with your hand.

 

[Moparlover]

birchwwood casey makes a temporary spray that is used to blacken sites for pistol shooting. wipes right off. called site black.