Thread: Scope Waterproofing after quick dunk in river

I’ve a Ranger Premiere 4-14 x 44 Scope and it received a brief dipping while crossing a river recently. The scope filled with some moisture and is now unusable. The scope was specified as nitrogen filled but no mention of a waterproof rating. What are my reasonable expectations regarding a warranty replacement?

Originally Posted by KevinA

I’ve a Ranger Premiere 4-14 x 44 Scope and it received a brief dipping while crossing a river recently. The scope filled with some moisture and is now unusable. The scope was specified as nitrogen filled but no mention of a waterproof rating. What are my reasonable expectations regarding a warranty replacement?

If it only received a brief time in the water and not at great depth would say it wasn't sealed in the first place, check the manufacturers warranty covering the scope and if covered approach the retailer.

You sure it wasn’t discovered after hunting in ‘heavy rain’?


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The retail outlet I viewed stated 10 year warranty, go back to your retailer.

There has to be some expectation of water tightness if it's sealed to contain the nitrogen...
Depends on the retailer / staff really if you're telling them it was submerged in water, can't imagine it take much depth (or flow?) to overpower a shitty seal

The ancient redfield on my goat rifle got an arms deep dunking a year ago, I expected to see it wet inside but it didn't leak. I thought the seals being so old it was bound to leak.

Haha definitely a muddy river - caught off balance and placed rifle hand in water

I'd say a seal is a bit poked. If it was a cheap scope out of warranty and it was mine I'd unscrew the objective bell, slather the thread in some silicon rubber grease and assemble it in a bag with argon or probably nitrogen from the bottles at work.
If it fogged up after that it would become a low grade 22 scope

Retailer initially said that nitrogen was a large molecule gas and wouldn’t displace water? A dip in the river wouldn’t be covered. Sent to warranty team for evaluation- could take upto 20 days! But I want to go hunting as it’s already ruined one trip. AI says nitrogen filled implies water tightness and it’s a slam dunk rock solid warranty replacement

Nitrogen is in there to displace air which can have some moisture in the form of humidity. A pure gas like nitrogen doesn't have that.
The seals stop the water getting in and the gas getting out

If it’s nitrogen filled, it’s got to be sealed or it’s not.


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I guess the issue maybe that a dip in which water pushes past the seals does not seem to have a standard rating. The scope was $600 with a ten year manufacturing warranty. This is year 3. I think I was sold a cheap Chinese scope when for a handful of dollars more I should have brought the Leupold freedom VX which states waterproof. Or I should have brought on aliexpress for $200 at least their refunds are instant

600 bucks isn't a fortune but isn't pocket money either.
I wouldn't be happy if I paid that and it fogged up a couple of years in.
Give the warranty a blat

Originally Posted by KevinA

I guess the issue maybe that a dip in which water pushes past the seals does not seem to have a standard rating. The scope was $600 with a ten year manufacturing warranty. This is year 3. I think I was sold a cheap Chinese scope when for a handful of dollars more I should have brought the Leupold freedom VX which states waterproof. Or I should have brought on aliexpress for $200 at least their refunds are instant

It's a Ranger...... that says it all really. Next time you buy a scope, check in on here and get advice first. Plenty of people on this forum with a wide knowledge re scopes : value, durability, suitability for purpose ect.

If the scope is damaged from your fall into the river warranty for the leak maybe questionable but if undamaged would seriously expect a warranty claim. Was the scope purchased from a retail store which is also the NZ agency for the Ranger brand.