Changing scope color options scope skin, cerakote, hydro dip Or?

[Westside88]

I'm planning to use a Leupold Vari-X III  3.5-10 that I have on another rifle on a new rifle I plan to set up. The scope is the first one I ever bought and is the shinier finish. If it were Matte I wouldn't even be asking this question, but I'd like to tone it down and maybe match it to my stock. (A-TACS AU) I contacted Leupold to see if they offer any refinishing options or had advice that would keep me from voiding the warranty. This is a pretty old scope, but it's in great shape and I'd like to keep the lifetime warranty intact. From what I heard back, the warranty would be affected by any modification.

Can anyone share experience with scope skin type vinyl coverings? Since these are temporary it wouldn't damage anything. 

 How about hydrodip? does it come off easily if warranty work was needed?  I understand the scope would be submerged, but assuming that wasn't a problem. Would it mess with how the scope clamps in the mounts?

Cerakote, does a scope need to be disassembled? Worth the risk of losing the warranty ? 

I appreciate any experience shared. I've already gone a little farther on this than I planned. When I started out the plan was a used A-bolt and mount this scope as is. I know have a Hell's canyon speed on order, but still wish to use this scope because I think it's quality to weight ratio is solid and I just plain like it.

[Westside88]

Also if anyone has recommendations for any of the above, please let me know

[follow maggie]

Most, if not all, cerakote coatings require sand blasting to prepare the surface & give the coating something to grab onto. I don’t know if this would damage the scope, or not. Some require baking, which I don’t think would be good for it, but I’m not an expert.  If you go this route, I’d opt for an air cured version.

[Westside88]

Thanks, that’s one of the things I was concerned with. I’m leaning toward the skin so as not to put too much $ into it as well. Probably better to put that money towards a newer matte.

[BigGoonTuna]

You could probably fetch around the same price as a new matte model on eBay right now if it’s in good shape. Since leupold stopped selling gloss scopes a couple years ago the prices have gone bonkers on the used market, guys wanting to match up their polished blue rifles with a gloss scope.

[Westside88]

You could probably fetch around the same price as a new matte model on eBay right now if it’s in good shape. Since leupold stopped selling gloss scopes a couple years ago the prices have gone bonkers on the used market, guys wanting to match up their polished blue rifles with a gloss scope.

Interesting, I wasn’t aware of this. I haven’t bought a scope since ‘95 lol