When are ring marks on a scope a problem?

[douglasfir]

When shopping for quality used scopes like SWFA stuff, how big of a concern are ring marks? I don't care about the cosmetics. I do wonder how to tell when they indicate damage that isn't just cosmetic. Are you probably still good to go even if the marks leave a small indentation in the tube?

 

[wapitibob]

I get ring marks that are cosmetic because of the contact between dissimilar parts. The tube may have been bead blasted, different anodizing between the ring and tube, etc, and I have no issue with that. You can usually clean that up. I personally wouldn't buy a scope where the rings bent the tube.

 

[LaHunter]

If the tube has actual indentations, I would not buy that scope. If ring marks are only ‘scuff’ marks in the anodizing / coating that would not concern me much

 

[juju]

Varies and depends on where the damage is in relation to internal components. Also, if you want to mount with rings there, then you're losing holding power because the rings won't have as much surface area to grip.