Scope glued to the rings, what to do?

[mark-hunter]

Usually I dont glue the scope to the rings, but I have one older scope which I obtained with a rifle I purchased.
This scope has no use at the moment, and is resting in a locker with its attached and glued rings.

Question:
How do I remove the rings from the scope without damaging it?

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Acetone should loosen the glue but not harm the scope if the tube is blued. Keep acetone away from lenses as it may damage coatings.

 

[R eight]

I use to use araldite on the rings. Certainly stopped any slipping of the scope in the rings. Never had any issues removing the scopes that had been glued. Use to scrape the old glue off the scope tube with my thumb nails. Never damaged the finish on the scope.

 

[Tucketed]

Try a heat gun. Most epoxies give up at higher temperatures

 

[mark-hunter]

Try a heat gun. Most epoxies give up at higher temperatures

I was thinking about that. This, I suppose, will not damage the scope?

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I was thinking about that. This, I suppose, will not damage the scope?

I wouldn't bet on it. A lot of undue expansion/contraction might not be good for gas seals, especially on an older scope. If you could heat the rings without heating the scope, that might be safe enough.

 

[steve white]

vinegar?

 

[mark-hunter]

vinegar?

Once the rings are removed any chemical can do, acetone, vinegar, nails... The trick would be to remove rings first (to break epoxy connection), then the rest is easy. First part troubles my mind.

 

[375er]

Assuming there is gap where the screws are, could you remove them and let what ever solvent you are using slowly work its way under the rings?

 

[deewayne2003]

Lighter fluid should do the trick, depending on what type of glue it is

 

[Velo Dog]

Some common glues release when subjected to hard freezing temperature.
Many industrial grade adhesives do not.

But as Ontario Hunter already mentioned that with applying heat, there also is a risk from chilling way below freezing, of causing a nitrogen / gas seal leak.

In my experiences, the risk of seal leaks due to freezing are so slight that, I would not hesitate to risk it.
I have used optics (binoculars and rifle scopes alike), in Arctic winter conditions, without any leaks whatsoever.