Scope ring marks value ?

[Link]

I see a lot of scopes on here for sale that have ring marks.
How much do you think this effects the value of a used scope.
I know looks are only skin deep.
It makes me cringe when I look at one of my scopes that I put marks on. Kind of like a new car. Is this just me ?

thanks Link

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Its just you. If you buy a used scope expect ring marks.

 

[M-61]

And your rings may cover the old ring marks.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

The way i see it- they dont hurt nothin. If you get a scope for $800 thats $1000 new is the ring marks ok? If it was $990 maybe not but for $150 can you get past it? Thats the way you gotta look at it. If the lenses are scratched from a shirt rubbing dirt off is it worth $350 less than new if you can send it in and get new lenses under warranty? Its like a used car you just gotta figure out if its worth the money to ignore a few things here and there

 

[truman]

i read this all the time on some of the tacticool sites. if you want pristine, bite the bullet and buy new. as long as the lenses are ok and tracks good, and i save 25 percent or more.

 

[nmkid]

Well, I have an Elite 4200 I took off a rifle the other day and it has zero ring marks. One thing though, the rifle was probably only fired 30-40 times, (.270). Don't know if that has anything to do with it or not. It was on the gun probably 10 years.

 

[nmkid]

i read this all the time on some of the tacticool sites. if you want pristine, bite the bullet and buy new. as long as the lenses are ok and tracks good, and i save 25 percent or more.

Reminds me. I bought my first deer rifle in1965. I purchased a used 4x Weaver from a guy. It had ring marks on it and I asked what they were. The guy told me that was where the rings went!! So...That's where I put my rings when I mounted the scope!!. Really, this happened, first rifle and scope I purchased. Used it for about 6 years and it never skipped a beat.

 

[Link]

I have bought 2 scopes from members lately and they have no marks.
I have switched all the scopes that I care about to Signature rings, [ if they don't have marks.]
A scope with marks looks used where a scope without looks much like new or cared for.
Again that's just my thoughts. That and a dollar will get you a coffee. Usta be a dime. lol.

Link

 

[CSM19Z5M]

I hate to see a high end scope with marks on it but it happens. If the scope tracks / repeats and glass is clear it should be fine. I've noticed though that when I started lapping all my rings regardless of manufacturer there are far less marks on the scopes when they are removed. I always lap them and use a small center punch to mark each ring set so that, if removed, they go back on the same way each time. And you should always use an inch-lb torque wrench like a FAT wrench to tighten all screws. I prefer Burris XTR rings on my varmint rifles and AR-15's but that is just personal preference. You cannot judge the fit of a set of rings by the manufacturers reputation either. I've checked and corrected rings for many friends as well and you get rings that are not perfectly concentric or will not mount on the same plane from just about every company, big name or not. One of the biggest problems is rings with excessive tool marks in the bore, more commonly found on cheap foreign made stuff. They can mark a scope badly but lapping will help. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

[WayneShaw]

Yep, it is amazing how many have never heard of lapping rings. And gun shops too. I have seen rings that were so rough inside it would scare you. Ruger to be exact, had to bed them just to make the grip a scope. At a gun shop, they would have just tightened them down and ruined the scope.

 

[justpassinthru]

I have bought 2 scopes from members lately and they have no marks.
I have switched all the scopes that I care about to Signature rings, [ if they don't have marks.]
A scope with marks looks used where a scope without looks much like new or cared for.
Again that's just my thoughts. That and a dollar will get you a coffee. Usta be a dime. lol.

Link

Another vote for Burris Signature rings. Not only do they prevent scope damage, you also have the ability to change the thickness of the inserts. They are on most everything I own.

 

[rkittine]

I wish Burris would start making 30mm Signature Rings for Davidson Dove Tail Bases. I bought them for my rail set ups on my Tactical Rifle and my Remington 40X.

Bob

 

[Cigarcop]

Good quality rings should not need lapping or leave marks...... But a little tip to get rid of light marks, not ones ectched into the finish!..... Take a Magic Eraser and some oil or even Hoppe's and gently rub them away!

 

[BigBlueandGoldie]

I think some cases are from one piece bases that aren't truly flat. No matter how quality your rings are, this will create stress points.

Also, I torque my rings using a Utica torque driver with a Starret pocket level on the elevation knob; it's amazing to watch the bubble as you go through the torque sequence. I think if people could see how the scope reacts during torquing of the rings they would change up their procedures.

 

[alintx]

A layer of scotch tape is the poor mans signature rings. Never marred one up, or had one slip. Try it next time !

 

[fx77]

There are those who believe that ring marks indicate mounting without lapping and conclude the tube is "bent."...and for some it is a negotiating ploy..FWIW...

 

[LarryDScott]

If you are not using Burris Signature rings, coat the
inside of your rings heavily w Rubber cement,
I use Elmers. Its going to squeeze to the outside and
look bad, but LET IT DRY that way. When dry it will peel off easily.
Your rings will have a firm grip, and when you remove the
scope there will be no marks. LDS

 

[Concha]

Warne rings have never marred a scope for me.