Just got my P320 .45ACP back from having my Venom mounted and I have a quick question. What do I clean the optics with? There is gunpowder and crap all over the front of the "glass" after my first range session. Also, I've got it sighted in perfectly and am wondering how you guys lock those settings down? The clicks don't feel tactile enough to hold zero, but I don't know as this is my first time around. I'm considering marking the screws so I can see if they have turned. Any thoughts on that? Thanks to all. Nice little optic btw, not very much distortion in the lens.

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This message has been edited. Last edited by: apf383,

I clean mine with the stuff I use for my eyeglasses. An alcohol based liquid and a clean lint free cloth given to me with my glasses by the optometrist. anything soft with a glass cleaner will work fine. In a pinch at matches I've used a my shirt and some brakeclean.

I like Novus #1 plastic cleaner and a microfiber.

I had an M17 and a few friends have 320s. In our group, the Sigs were horrible at fouling up the Red Dots. Within 100 rounds the Red Dots were coated with residue.
My G35 and G19 MOS have never fouled up the Red Dot.
Not sure if it's the location of the Red Dot on the Sig, the ejection pattern, or both that contribute to the residue fouling.
I use a microfiber cloth and lens wipe to clean my Delta Point Pros.

Thanks for bringing up this issue. It was not something I had thought about, but it always seemed to me that other things that can obscure an optical sight on a handgun would be a matter of concern.

Considering how many firm and vocal fans there are of red dot type sights for handguns these days and how many are probably used primarily for activities like competitions involving high round counts in a single session, it’s illuminating that your question hasn’t been raised more often; in fact, I’ve never seen it before. The usual response when someone finally complains about a significant problem that is common with a popular item is, “Oh, yeah; everyone knows about that, but [insert appropriate rationalization here].” We’re not supposed to let it bother us, and certainly not mention it. The term “dirty [npi] little secret” definitely comes to mind.

I don’t yet have a red dot, I’m actually awaiting delivery from Sig of a Romeo-mounted 226 slide and look forward to learning to use it.

At the other site, there’s been a bit more discussion regarding residue building up on the glass. Some of the discussion has focused on the new X5 Legion and a few have speculated that its loaded-chamber notch is contributing to the problem. I noticed a few members claim they’ve had no problems with their classic P-series. All that is FWIW.

Again, I look forward to trying it. I paid $340 for a new milled stainless slide with a mounted Romeo 1, and raised contrast sights. I know that this tech will continue to evolve and my purchase will be obsolete in the relative near term.

Thanks guys. Ill just clean the glass as directed. What about keeping the zero from wandering, or is that not a concern?

Just like rifle red dots, I use the same stuff that Sony recommends for my Tv screen. Just your standard cleaner. I have always been careful not to use products like Windex because I know that they are hard on premium rifle scopes with a lot of magnesium fluoride.

I’d wait till HRCJON shows up and do whatever he says.

quote:

Originally posted by apf383:
Thanks guys. Ill just clean the glass as directed. What about keeping the zero from wandering, or is that not a concern?

Are there no set screws on that version? I get the bortex names all mixed up.

I've been following several threads regarding pistol red dots.

There have been many that recommend Cat Crap for lenses. Big following over at the P&S fellas.

No personal use.

I don't know if the Vortex has a polymer or glass lens.

As far as the Shield Sights polymer lens red dots go, the most economical way they approve of is hot water with some liquid soap. They also approve of Methyl Ethyl Keytone and WD-40 electronic contact cleaner.

Good luck in finding real MEK on this side of the pond and the WD-40 didn't impress me.

Use the cleaner with quality cotton swabs. Rotate the swab as you gently move it across the lens so the dirt is moved up and away from the lens.

Shield Sights Cleaning

Glass lens sights don't need to be as gingerly cared for as the polymer lenses, but if they have a coating, the milder the cleaning solution, the better.

I've used cat crap, but 91% alcohol works just fine with a qtip to get the crud off and then a microfiber cloth to get rid of the streaks.

I would definitely mark the settings on your adj dials with a coloured crayon or something similar. However if the dot wanders I don't think it will be because the adj screws wander. Check for zero ever so often to be sure.

quote:

Originally posted by jjkroll32:

There have been many that recommend Cat Crap for lenses. Big following over at the P&S fellas.

This. It doesn't just clean but leaves a film that beads water and resists fogging.

I'd also re-evaluate my ammo... I fired over 600 rounds through my p320 with a Romeo sight and never had any residue at all on it....

quote:

Originally posted by Blume9mm:
I fired over 600 rounds through my p320 with a Romeo sight and never had any residue at all on it....

Yes, different ammunition produces different amounts of firing residues. What kind were you firing?

quote:

Originally posted by 10-7 leo:
Good luck in finding real MEK on this side of the pond and the WD-40 didn't impress me.

Kleen Strip makes it, sold at Amazon, and probably at a well-stocked local hardware store. Seems a bit harsh, though, unless heavily diluted. I would use denatured alcohol (or acetone) before MEK for general cleaning, but I'm not sure how this would work on polymer red dot sights. For cleaning my plastic lens glasses, I use a mixture of 25% rubbing alcohol, 25% white vinegar, and 50% distilled water, along with an all cotton terry cloth wash cloth.

I bought a package of Zeiss lens wipes at Costco. They work very well and no issues over a couple of years of serious use.

Getting firing residue on the optic glass is a major reason I like having the rear sight infront of the optic instead of to the rear. Unfortunately no one seems to make this configuration. Hence, I made my own about 5 years ago. On a S&W MP9L.

Cleaning the optic - qtip and alcohol.

Get a holster that protects the optic. Safariland makes a ALS holster that has a hood that rides over the optic and releases on the draw. It is great at protecting the optic from rain and dust.

As far as locking down or marking the settings for the zero. Pointless. Each time you remove the sight for a battery change. You'll need to rezero. Further, each change of ammo (ie heavier or lighter projectile) you'll need to change ammo. Great if you want to....but, you're gonna end up with a crap ton of marks that are never in the same place.

Best of luck.

Andrew

Thanks to all, I'm gtg, not going to bother with worrying about the zero moving.