Bought a Lyman Super Targetspot rife scope about a year ago. Up 'til now, I haven't touched the lenses but since this is a vintage scope, the thought occured to me that possibly the lenses haven't been properly cleaned in years. Does anyone have any experience with this and would care to pass on some advice? What would be an appropriate cleaner to use? Thanks for any and all advice. :p

I'd suggest going to a camera store, or if you don't have one close by, go to Wallyworld's or K-Mart's camera department. They should have stuff for taking care of camera lenses. Pick up a pack or two of the lens tissue, and either a lens brush (usually looks like a fat pen with REALLY SOFT BRISLES), or a can of compressed air with a nozzle. Also, get a small bottle of camera lens cleaner solution (usually denatured alcohol).

Start by either GENTLY brushing or blowing away any dust or tiny loose particles, even if you don't see anything, that might be hiding in any cracks, crevises, etc. DON'T PUT THE LENS CLEANER SOLUTION DIRECTLY ON THE GLASS LENS SURFACES, so none of the cleaning solution can possibly get inside the scope. Take a sheet of the lens tissue, fold it over so it's roughly the size of the objective or occular bell opening, and put a drop or two of the cleaner on the tissue. GENTLY rub the surface of the glass in a circular motion to remove any finger prints, cloudy areas, etc. Throw the tissue away. Take another dry piece of the lens tissue and GENTLY polish the lens surface in a circular motion with the dry piece of tissue. Throw this dry piece of lens tissue away. Repeat the wet and dry tissue treatment, if necessary.

I've used this technique on a number of old camera lenses and scopes without any problem.

Thanks much, Gunslinger2005, for your advice. I think I have learned enough to take care of my rifle scope and will not scrub it with a Brillo pad! :p