Disposal of optics

[Modoc]

An odd question that I have. What is the recommended method for disposing of old/non functioning optics? I have a couple of scopes, a pair of binoculars and a laser range finder that have given up the ghost. The binoculars have given good use for over 40 years, but will no longer adjust for focus. The rest were inexpensive optics that I bought as a teenager that either lost magnification adjustment or refused to hold zero. I’ just wondering if they should be binned, or is there a better option?

Should I try and reach out to the manufacturer?
Thanks,

 

[spife7980]

I guess that depends on what it is and if it’s old enough to be “classic”.
If the scopes are old and junky, take them apart yourself and see if you can figure them out. May just need to get rid of dry grease, maybe a new spring or something.

If they are old and otherwise good quality then consider sending them off to get refurbed professionally. The old long Lyman’s unertl etc are still sought after.

 

[roostercogburn98]

Play sniper with them and see if you can shoot through the lens at a million yards

 

[B y r o n]

Laser rangefinder is the only piece that could go to electronic/computer recycler. You could list the other for "parts" and earn a buck or two.

 

[Aftermath]

If you are not too interested in doing the work yourself, I recommend not taking them apart to find out.
If you are not really wanting to keep them, most stuff is really not worth anything at all. Pawn shops might not even take them for free. Minus a few items as Spife said. If you just don't want the clutter, give that stuff to some junk collector. I bet you will find takers on this forum.

 

[carbonbased]

is the Tangent still available ?

 

[Modoc]

If you are not too interested in doing the work yourself, I recommend not taking them apart to find out.
If you are not really wanting to keep them, most stuff is really not worth anything at all. Pawn shops might not even take them for free. Minus a few items as Spife said. If you just don't want the clutter, give that stuff to some junk collector. I bet you will find takers on this forum.

Than you @Aftermath. The binoculars are Nikon 12x42 roof-prism bought in Japan in the late ‘70’s. As for the scopes, a Simmons Whitetail Hunter 2.5-8 38mm that won’t change power. The Bushnell Banner is going in tonight’s bin. I still don’t understand why the P.O. Put it on a custom Sako.

 

[Modoc]

is the Tangent still available ?

I wish! All optics are on hold until the vehicle situation is fixed.

Most of my optics are VX-lll or Vintage Weaver K series and I was just starting to transition into higher end optics.

 

[carbonbased]

I wish! All optics are on hold until the vehicle situation is fixed.

Most of my optics are VX-lll or Vintage Weaver K series and I was just starting to transition into higher end optics.

Well how about that voodoo m clip on you promised me?



Lol sorry man. Hope the vehicle gets fixed in a somewhat cheapish manner. That sucks.

 

[Modoc]

Well how about that voodoo m clip on you promised me?



Lol sorry man. Hope the vehicle gets fixed in a somewhat cheapish manner. That sucks.

I thought that the Voodoo Mag was a way to get Memsahib (SWMBO/hunting partner) to let me build one!

Heck, I haven’t gotten my Small bore BPCR rifle finished yet! They don’t give Malcolm Scopes away. Now that setup would be fun to go through an Appleseed course. I might even try NRL Rimfire at the next local match.

For now the dead LRF is going into our electronics recycling and I may fiddle with the Simmons. If I trash is, no big loss. I just loved the power range for the majority of where I can hunt, but it definitely isn’t a VX-lll 2.5-10

 

[Modoc]

The other kicker is that even “Budget Glass” is so much better in quality and coatings now than the vintage glass. It was a shocker comparing my father’s Leupold BX-3’s to the vintage Nikon. I can’t complain though considering that those binoculars have lived on the dash board and been over the mountain more than a few times (not to mentioned dropped and fallen on ).

Looking at replacing them with BX-4, Viper, or ? Unfortunately the pocketbook doesn’t allow Alpha Glass, but I’m trying to go for the best I can. Patiently waiting for a good sale.

 

[roostercogburn98]

Most of my optics are VX-lll or Vintage Weaver K series and I was just starting to transition into higher end optics.

Lots of people still collect the older vintage K series scopes. Especially if they are old El Paso marked ones

 

[Modoc]

Lots of people still collect the older vintage K series scopes. Especially if they are old El Paso marked ones

Those will not go away. There are some classic rifles that just deserve classic glass. Now a visit to Ironsite, that’s another thing.

My biggest gripe is the aesthetics of most current production optics, putting a big visual turd on a custom Mauser/Sako with well figured wood . Not the most exiting wood, but a Vortex would not have the same character on this 35 Whelen Mauser.

 

[roostercogburn98]

Those will not go away. There are some classic rifles that just deserve classic glass. Now a visit to Ironsite, that’s another thing.

My biggest gripe is the aesthetics of most current production optics, putting a big visual turd on a custom Mauser/Sako with well figured wood . Not the most exiting wood, but a Vortex would not have the same character on this 35 Whelen Mauser.

View attachment 8773137

Facts right there

 

[kthomas]

Donate them to Ukraine and get the tax deduction for your charitable contribution