Removing scope ring adhesive

[planetmobius]

I recently acquired an old but nearly perfect 1.5-6 Polish Panta scope. It was equipped with claw rings. Since I never layed eyes on the bases, I decided to remove the rings and prepare it for mounting on a Mannlicher Schoenauer. The rings came off easy enough but underneath was what appears to be some dried epoxy or similar adhesive. It is very hard and has a somewhat white/clear appearance. It is not solder. CLP has no effect on this stuff and I want it removed for obvious reasons. Anyone have any suggestions on what I can use to remove this adhesive while sparing the finish on my scope?

 

[creeper1956]

Nothing on the rings... just the scope? If there's "adhesive" on the rings at all, you can experiment with different products until you find a good one. If the scope is painted rather than anodized, you're a bit limited in what you can use.

Try "Goo Off" first, then perhaps lighter fluid. If you soak a cloth strip with a product and wrap it around the adhesive section, then zip-loc it so the product doesn't evaporate too quickly and let it stand for 10 minutes or so... the soaking will often soften the adhesive much better than just wiping it.

Sorry I don't have much else... hope you can save the original scope finish.

C

 

[planetmobius]

I'm sure there is some on the rings but I am not really concerned about them. Goof Off might work. I think ill try it on something less expensive first. The trouble is that the rings are blued and the scope appears to be anodized or something else. I'm not sure if both surfaces will react the same.Thanks.

 

[planetmobius]

Goof Off, Hoppes #9 and lighter fluid all had no effect. There is a raised line of the adhesive where it got squished in the seam of the scope rings. I shaved some off there with a knife blade and it feels like epoxy. It's as hard as a rock. Hmmmm.

 

[beatledog7]

I would imagine the stuff is plain old shellac.