{"id":4349,"date":"2023-07-24T17:00:40","date_gmt":"2023-07-24T17:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/?p=4349"},"modified":"2026-05-21T11:35:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T11:35:59","slug":"rifle-scopes-and-extremely-hot-weather","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/rifle-scopes-and-extremely-hot-weather\/","title":{"rendered":"Rifle Scopes and Extremely Hot Weather"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>See the signs and know the solutions when dealing with <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/best-rifle-for-beginners\/\">rifle scopes<\/a> and extremely hot weather.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A while back, we published an article called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/rifle-scopes-and-extremely-cold-weather\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8220;Rifle Scopes and Extremely Cold Weather.\u201d<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> With Death Valley experiencing near-record heat that has recently touched 130 degrees, it&#8217;s time to further the discussion on weather and <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/the-benefit-of-having-a-backup-rifle\/\">rifle<\/a> scopes to also include extreme heat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\"><div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/rifle-scopes-and-extremely-hot-weather\/#Are_Rifle_Scopes_Built_for_Extremely_Hot_Weather\" >Are Rifle Scopes Built for Extremely Hot Weather?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/rifle-scopes-and-extremely-hot-weather\/#Risks_Rifle_Scopes_and_Extremely_Hot_Weather\" >Risks Rifle Scopes and Extremely Hot Weather<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/rifle-scopes-and-extremely-hot-weather\/#Protecting_Your_Scope_from_Hot_Weather\" >Protecting Your Scope from Hot Weather<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Rifle_Scopes_Built_for_Extremely_Hot_Weather\"><\/span><b>Are Rifle Scopes Built for Extremely Hot Weather?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The quick answer is &#8220;yes.&#8221; But all metal expands and contracts in extreme temperatures. I think it&#8217;s safe to say, however, that our human bodies would suffer debilitating effects from extreme heat before our rifle <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"scope\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"243\">scope<\/a>. While the physical integrity of a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/finding-the-perfect-6-5-creedmoor-rifle-scope\/\" title=\"Finding the Perfect 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle Scope\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"486\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rifle scope<\/a> will likely survive hot temperatures, it is important to mention that the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/my-point-of-impact-story\/\">point of impact<\/a> can certainly change.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It may seem like your point of impact rises on sun-scorched days. In many cases, the zero on the rifle has not shifted, but the increased mirage causes the desired target to appear slightly higher than it actually is. Even when no environmental mirage occurs, heat rising from a rifle barrel can cause very small amounts of mirage to appear in the field of view.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While it is possible that an older scope could experience a slightly shifting zero, scopes of the modern age are built according to very high standards and expectations, and the odds of a shifting zero are low.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4351\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5.jpg\" alt=\"See the signs and know the solutions when dealing with rifle scopes and extremely hot weather.\u00a0\" width=\"520\" height=\"436\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/07\/5.jpg 940w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/07\/5-300x251.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/07\/5-768x644.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/07\/5-358x300.jpg 358w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/07\/5-150x126.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" \/><\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Scopes are mostly protected from heat, but a rifle\u2019s barrel may experience worsening performance from overheating. Accuracy could be negatively affected by a barrel that has overheated, and consistent <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/reduce-muzzle-flip-when-shooting-off-a-tripod\/\" title=\"Reduce Muzzle Flip When Shooting off a Tripod\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1551\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shooting through an overheated barrel can significantly reduce<\/a> its shelf life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Risks_Rifle_Scopes_and_Extremely_Hot_Weather\"><\/span><b>Risks Rifle Scopes and Extremely Hot Weather<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While scopes &#8211; as well as most <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"optics\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"428\">optics<\/a> &#8211; are physically able to withstand hot weather, the real risk to preserving quality is the rapid introduction of opposite extremes. If a scope is cold and then introduced to very high temperatures or vice versa, internal damage could occur after repeated cases. Internal seals could theoretically crack after enough instances and affect the internal gas purging, though we have never heard of a case when that has happened.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In some cases, a scope could also experience fogging when temperatures rise too quickly. Fogging is caused by moisture held inside the tube.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/videosview\/toric-34mm-4-25x50\/\" title=\"Introducing the TORIC 34MM 4-25X50 Extreme Long Range Rifle Scope\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1667\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scope is cold and is then introduced<\/a> to warmer temperatures, the internal gas expands and creates condensation. While this could certainly occur, most modern, higher-quality scopes are purged of air inside the tube and replaced with a compound like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/why-we-use-argon-gas-versus-nitrogen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">argon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in the case of those made of the top quality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Argon is inert and does not easily bond with other elements, which prevents condensation from forming. If someone experiences fogging with a gas-purged scope, a larger problem, such as a damaged scope, may be apparent. For the most part, fogging from extreme heat will only be experienced by shooters using lower-quality <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/how-far-can-i-see-with-these-binoculars\/\">optics<\/a>.<\/span><\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><p><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bQoK9XRyPxk\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p><p>Jon LaCorte <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=bQoK9XRyPxk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">discusses<\/a> the advantages of argon gas.<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is also important to remember that a scope&#8217;s internal electronics could be damaged by extreme heat. If the temperatures outside become too hot, there is the potential for an electrical short or malfunction. Higher-end scopes with larger lenses and more features will absorb more heat compared to their smaller counterparts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Finally, drastic shifts in weather can affect the batteries used in night vision or electronic <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/videosview\/illuminated-reticle-battery-installation-2\/\" title=\"Illuminated Reticle battery installation on your TRACT TORIC 34MM 4-25X50\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"485\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scopes with illuminated reticles<\/a>. Depending on the battery type and manufacturer, extreme cold temperatures can decrease battery life and performance. Conversely, extremely hot temperatures can cause a battery to overheat and potentially damage the scope. While this is highly unlikely, it is theoretically a possibility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The extreme heat needed for each of these risks to become reality would be much more likely to come from a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/5-reasons-why-you-missed-the-shot\/\" title=\"5 Reasons Why You Missed the Shot\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"877\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rifle<\/a> left inside a secondary environment, like inside of a trunk, than in an outdoor location. In fact, the most common risk shooters experience is touching their scope after it becomes too hot.<\/span><\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Protecting_Your_Scope_from_Hot_Weather\"><\/span><b>Protecting Your Scope from Hot Weather<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In order to protect your scope from hot weather, it is important to take a few precautionary measures. As mentioned, it is best to only buy scopes that have been purged with inert gasses, such as argon. Additionally, storing your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/rifle-scopes-and-extremely-cold-weather\/\" title=\"Rifle Scopes and Extremely Cold Weather\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1580\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rifle in an insulated case can help prevent extreme<\/a> heat from damaging the optics. When <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/shooting-22lr-rifle-in-a-whole-new-way\/\" title=\"Shooting a 22LR Rifle in a Whole New Way\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"583\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shooting<\/a> in direct sunlight, use a scope cover or drape a rag over your tube to keep the sun from being directly absorbed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you suspect that your scope is becoming too hot, it&#8217;s a good idea to give it a break and cool it off for at least 15 minutes before using it again. How hot is too hot? If you are unable to maintain constant contact without feeling a burn, it might be time to cover it up or move to the shade.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Across the globe, this summer has been one of the hottest on record. While it\u2019s unlikely most shooters will ever experience temperatures that could damage their optics, their personal performance and <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/shooting-a-rifle-accurately-in-high-wind\/\">shooting<\/a> experience are more likely to melt from rising mercury. With a small amount of preparation and a big thermos of cold water, the heat should never prevent you from enjoying another day in the field.<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\/toric-34mm-elr-rifle-scopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4228\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Tract-Optics-Digital_728x90_144.png\" alt=\"Rifle Scopes and Extremely Hot Weather\" width=\"502\" height=\"62\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/05\/Tract-Optics-Digital_728x90_144.png 728w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/05\/Tract-Optics-Digital_728x90_144-300x37.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/05\/Tract-Optics-Digital_728x90_144-600x74.png 600w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/05\/Tract-Optics-Digital_728x90_144-150x19.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 502px) 100vw, 502px\" \/><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rifle Scopes and Extremely Hot Weather<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12058,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2255],"tags":[2462,3032,3046,3047,3049,3054,3247],"class_list":["post-4349","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-extra-topics","tag-binocular","tag-rifle-scope","tag-rifle-scope-objective-lens","tag-rifle-scope-objective-size","tag-rifle-scope-reticles","tag-rifle-scope-turrets","tag-spotting-scope"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4349","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4349"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4349\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11339,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4349\/revisions\/11339"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12058"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4349"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4349"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4349"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}