How to Disassemble a Rifle Scope?

Gunners frequently need to detach your refile score for cleaning, repairing, customization, and inspection. And one must do it carefully.

Many gun users choose to see a professional gunsmith, and some people like you need clear instructions only.

So, if you are confident that you can do it yourself,  this article will guide you on how to disassemble a rifle scope. Also, we will give away bonus information on resetting your scope’s function!

What Are the Parts of a Rifle Scope?

First, you need to know about the different rifle scope parts to understand the instruction correctly.

In a hurry? Check out this video to disassemble your rifle scope. If you need further information, the following discussion can help you.

Tools needed for the Rifle Scope Disassembly

The tools you'll need to disassemble your rifle scope can vary depending on the specific scope and the level of disassembly required.

However, here are some of the common tools you may need:

Screwdriver: You may need a screwdriver with different types and sizes of heads to remove screws and locking rings.

Wrench: Depending on the scope and manufacturer's instructions, you may need a torque wrench to ensure that you're not over-tightening or under-tightening any screws.

Lens cleaning kit: A lens cleaning kit can help you clean the lenses and other internal components of your scope without causing any damage.

Tweezers: Tweezers can help handle small components or reticles.

Work mat: A soft work mat can help protect your scope and components from scratches or damage during disassembly.

How to Disassemble a Rifle Scope: 4 Steps

Disassembling a rifle scope can be a complex process that requires careful handling and attention to detail.

The steps below have clear and concise instructions. So, follow these general steps to disassemble your rifle scope:

1. Get the Manual for Your Rifle Scope [Must Do]

As mentioned above, this is a general guide. Also, you need to know that rifle scope models vary. That’s why their construction will be different too.

Considering that, you have to refer to the user manual of your rifle scope. This way, you will learn what exactly you need to do to remove the scope. Also, you can reduce the possibility of damaging your scope.

So, take out the manual and check the following steps to disassemble.

2. Remove the Scope from the Rifle

First, you must ensure that your rifle is unloaded. Also, double check there are no cartridges in the chamber or magazine.

Next, with a wrench or screwdriver, you can loosen the screws or bolts holding the scope rings or mounts in place. However, you don’t remove them completely yet.

After that, adjust the scope to be level and properly aligned with the rifle. Use a scope levelling tool if necessary.

Once the scope is properly aligned, completely remove the screws or bolts holding the scope rings or mounts in place. You may need to use a bit of force. Therefore, be careful, so you don't damage the rifle or the scope.

After removing rings or mounts, gently lift the scope off the rifle.

3. Remove the Eyepiece

As shown in the picture, you will find the eyepiece secured by a locking ring, usually located near the end of the eyepiece closest to the shooter. Now, using a spanner wrench, gently loosen the locking ring.

Once you loosen the locking ring, you should be able to unscrew the eyepiece from the rest of the scope body. You must hold the scope steady with your other hand to prevent it from twisting or turning as you unscrew the eyepiece.

Next, when you unscrew the eyepiece, you need to pull it off the scope body slowly. Note that it’s a sensitive process. Hence, try not to damage any internal components of the scope.

And at the end of the process, remove the reticles.

4. Remove the Objective Lens

Now, you can remove the objective lens by carefully pulling it out of the scope body. Make sure to handle it with care. Also, avoid touching the lens surface to prevent scratches or damage.

In this step, you can clean the lens as well as inspect it for damage. To perform the cleaning, use a soft, lint-free cloth or lens cleaning solution to clean the lens surface.

If the lens is damaged or shows signs of wear, you may replace it if you want at this stage.

You complete the proper disassembly by this stage. Nevertheless, you might have done this to clean or replace some parts of your rifle scope. Based on the purpose, execute your plan accordingly.

Need to know about the reassembly of your rifle scope? Check the next section.

How to Reassemble the Scope?

First of all, remember to take your time and be patient when reassembling your rifle scope.

Generally, people rush through this process. But you should also keep in mind that rushing through the process or not following the manufacturer's instructions can cause damage to the scope or affect its performance.

Here are the general steps for Rifle Scope

Clean the scope components

Before reassembling the scope, ensure that all the components are clean and free from dirt, debris, or residue.

Reinstall the reticle

If you have removed the reticle during the disassembly process, reinstall it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Reinstall the objective lens

Carefully insert the objective lens back into the scope body. Carefully check if it’s properly aligned. Next, tighten the retaining ring or screws to hold the lens in place.

Reinstall the eyepiece

Now, align the eyepiece as well and insert the eyepiece back into the scope body. Tighten the retaining ring or screws to hold the eyepiece in place.

Reinstall any other components

If you remove any other components, such as the adjustment turrets, you need to reinstall them according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Check the scope for proper function

Once you reassemble the scope, check it to identify if it is functioning properly. In this stage, you might have to adjust the turrets and focus on the reticle—do it as needed.

Mount the scope back onto the rifle

If your rifle scope functions correctly, mount it back onto the rifle according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Bonus: How to Reset Your Rifle Scope Function?

Resetting a riflescope's function means restoring the scope to its factory default settings.

Anyway, this can be necessary if you have made a lot of adjustments to the scope and want to start fresh or if you have accidentally changed a setting and need to get back to the default.

Note that the process for resetting a riflescope's function can vary depending on your rifle scope’s model.

However, the steps below will give you a general idea of the process.

Look for the factory reset button or feature

Some rifle scopes have a factory reset button or feature that allows you to restore the scope's default settings quickly. So, check the owner's manual or the manufacturer's website to see if your scope has this feature.

Identify the settings that need to be reset

If your riflescope does not have a factory reset feature, you will need to manually reset each setting to its default value.

Regardless, some common settings that may need to be reset include the following:

• Windage and elevation adjustments
• Parallax settings
• Reticle illumination
• & Magnification

Use the adjustment knobs or buttons to reset each setting

To reset a specific setting, you will need to use the adjustment knobs or buttons on the scope. 

In general, you will need to rotate or press the knob or button until the setting is back to its default value.

Verify that the scope is back to its default settings

Once you have reset all of the necessary settings, double-check that the scope is back to its factory default settings.

And you can do this by looking through the scope and verifying that the reticle is aligned with the center of the field of view.

Final Remarks On Rifle Score Disassembly

Disassembling and reassembling a rifle scope is a delicate process that requires careful attention to detail.

Besides, the specific steps for removing a scope can vary depending on the type of rifle and scope. So, it's always best to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Additionally, if you're not comfortable with removing the scope or don't have the necessary tools, it's wise to consult with a professional gunsmith.