Winter and optics

[chemo]

I was thinking about it the other day, what if I decided I wanted to sight one of my guns during wintertime, would that be a problem? My main concern is with thermal expension (in the cold being a negative coefficient of thermal expension resulting in shrinking parts) and I know many hunters hunt during winter time... which I never did

So if I sight in during cold times, will it still be on zero when summer arrives?

 

[Pyd]

If you are worried about shrinking parts in the cold just wear thermal underwear!

I have never noticed a difference with a scope, mine stays true summer, winter and fall. I test all my scopes, rifles and bows by putting them in a chest freezer for a day or two, then shoot them.
I could never assume my scope stays true regardless, I always check, then check again. Anytime is a good time to set up a scope.

 

[popcan]

The top of the line scopes are tested in conditions far worse than you will ever likely find yourself..... but you have to pay for those.

Not sure how the less expensive units are tested

 

[darrell1]

If you are worried about shrinking parts in the cold just wear thermal underwear!

Now that there is funny I dont care who you are

 

[sbtennex]

Shouldn't be a problem unless you're developing loads. Temp difference can make a great 0 deg C load a disaster at 25 deg C. Good test of your scope(s) though.