Scope Painting, With or without rings on

[smogmage]

So my question is this: Should I have my scope painted with out without rings on? It shouldn't really matter but for reference the scope is an SWFA 5-20 X50mm and rings are Larue Ultra low qd, Rifle is a GAP crusader .308, painter would be GCNW http://guncoat.com/

Pros of painting it with rings on;
Reticle already leveled and zero'd

Nearly 100% surface area contact between scope and rings

Cons;
Questionable Surface area contact between scope and rings due to paint thickness

Scope would be unpainted under rings if I decided to sell or mount on different system

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Take rings off.

 

[NOLAEMT]

I would have it painted as is.

I'm not sure that paint makes a good mounting surface for scope rings.

 

[reuben mishler]

paint with rings off

 

[The_Next_Generation]

If you think you're going to sell *just the scope* in the near future, I would go with the "rings off" option so that it maintains obvious aesthetic appeal. However, I find that I don't like to buy pre-painted scopes used (don't really know why) and its possible that others share this opinion.

If you paint with the rings on, then you can just sell the scope with the rings and all and still have the setup look good. This would also allow you to maintain reticle level, and a good surface to have the rings in contact with (like you guys said, paint thickness may screw stuff up).

I'd leave the rings on.

- TNG

 

[ColtPythonElite]

The paint won't be thick enough to prevent the scope from seating in the rings....I often line my rings with electrical tape to preserve the scopes finish and usually have no fitment issues. Electrical tape certainly is thicker than a coat of paint.

 

[Jaxondog]

Ring's off. You would'nt want your car painted without taking the trim off now would you?