I have a Leupold 36x scope atop a bench rest rifle I bought out of an estate. The adjustable objective is very difficult to turn; it takes a real 'Big Otis' grip! When shooting different distances I can't simply twist it for adjustment. I have to put the rifle vertical between my knees and torque on it to get it to move.

There are no dents or marks that indicate it's damaged,I suspect it's old hardened lubricant in the fine threads (?). Short of shipping it back to Leupold for service, what should I do? Perhaps heat it up gently with the wife's hair dryer and then move it back and forth?

Suggestions/advise please!

I once got the ocular focus of an old Swarovski to turn by cooling the scope in front of an air conditioner, heating a damp rag in the microwave and wrapping it around the ocular housing. While that approach might work in your case, you may not shoot beside those kitchen comforts

send it back to leupold - their service is quick and the warranty impecable

quote:

Originally posted by butchloc:
send it back to leupold - their service is quick and the warranty impecable

+1. Don't mess with it and compromise the Leupold warranty, Just send it in for service. You might receive a brand new scope in return or it will be fixed to operate at current standards.