Rifle Scopes Did I mess up?!

[JohnDeereGuy1996]

Sooo after a long day of harvest and balancing life with a 2 year old I finally opened up my new nx8 1-8. Went to install the ptl like I do with every nightforce I get and after I pull out the screw to start threading the ptl In I realize I messed up. I pull it out and immediately realize that something was weird because the screw is covered in grease and has a rod on it. Sure enough wrong screw..


This is the one I unscrewed and you can see the ptl off to the side. After realizing what I did I threaded it back in and snugged it. My question is should I be concerned? Idk jack about internals of scopes and just want to make sure I didn’t do something that could effect the performance in the future. I’ve emailed nightforce as well but don’t expect an answer soon as I’ve heard they’re severely backed up.
your help is much appreciated!

 

[Shane431]

Try using it and see what it does. I’m betting it’s fine.

 

[JohnDeereGuy1996]

Try using it and see what it does. I’m betting it’s fine.

Can’t help but think I messed something up? Like letting all the gas out? Getting ahold of nightforce is proving to be not much fun.

 

[nn8734]

Just mount it and go shooting. Put it through it’s paces...No sense in getting all worked up about a “maybe” problem. Like said above, it’s prob fine. If not, it can go back.

 

[supercorndogs]

I would not think that screw would be critical in holding the gas in the scope. Nightforce would know for sure though.

 

[oniak]

I honestly don't think removing that screw and putting back in will harm anything on the scope.

 

[JohnDeereGuy1996]

Waiting on my mount to arrive but unfortunately being in the middle of harvest it may be awhile before I can try it

 

[midSCarolina]

I would just stick it in refrigerator for a few hours then take it out and see if condensation forms inside of the scope. If so, send it back to NF to have the re-purge and re-seal. If not, you should be set

 

[Lange Carabine]

Pretty sure that's just the cam screw that moves the erector back and forth to change magnification when you turn the power ring, the grease is for lubrication of the mating surfaces. Not sure if removing it will release the purge gas or not. Did you notice any sort of seal( o-ring) under the screw head?

 

[Guthwine]

Was there a seal or an o-ring on the screw? Best to contact Nightforce directly, youre probably not the first one to do it either.

 

[Hesperidins]

Like letting all the gas out?

Doubt it.

Getting ahold of nightforce is proving to be not much fun.

I emailed them for help at 10 PM on 9/1 and received a response at 5 PM on 9/3.

 

[JohnDeereGuy1996]

There wasn’t an o-ring but a very thin flat washer. When I realized what I had done I looked for an o-ring specifically

 

[Lange Carabine]

There wasn’t an o-ring but a very thin flat washer. When I realized what I had done I looked for an o-ring specifically

Your likely ok then. I'm thinking the flat washer is more of a shim rather than a seal.

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

You ruined it, total FUBAR.

I'll give you $100 for that piece of shit.

 

[Pvt.Donut]

IIRC, the gas used to purge scopes is heavier than normal air. So to let the air out you'd have to pour it out of that hole like the scope was full of water. So if you didn't undo the screw and wave the thing around trying to dump out the air for 30 minutes, you're probably fine. Hopefully NF gets back to you for peace of mind.

 

[poke_53]

WPS

 

[JohnDeereGuy1996]

WPS

26th can’t get here fast enough!