Hardware Discussion => Optics => Topic started by: Curmudgeon on August 08, 2016, 08:35:39 pm
Title: How often do you change those scope batteries?
Post by: Curmudgeon on August 08, 2016, 08:35:39 pm
My neighbor is DPS. Got a really nice Colt AR in his vehicle.
He said that they NEVER turn off the power on the scope. Yet they are reported to last seven years in that position, but they change them yearly.
Got me thinking about the scope on one of my AR's. Been in there a long time. Haven't checked the battery in quite a few years, but I do keep it turned off, because it doesn't need to be on when it's sitting in the gun safe.
Battery was still good, but I threw a new one in there.
A few bucks was worth the peace of mind.
Title: Re: How often do you change those scope batteries?
Post by: coelacanth on August 08, 2016, 08:36:37 pm
:thumbup
Title: Re: How often do you change those scope batteries?
Post by: ItWasntMe on August 09, 2016, 04:55:37 am
Makes perfect sense.
Title: Re: How often do you change those scope batteries?
Post by: armoredman on August 10, 2016, 10:38:18 am
I don't have any powered scopes, but I do run a couple of red dots. The TRS25 needs a new battery about every 4-6 months, run at constant "2" setting for nighttime/indoor use. The TRS-32 is much worse in that regard, needs a new battery in a month of constant "2". Wish I'd had the cash for the T1 - I understand it can run for up to 5 years on a single battery.
Title: Re: How often do you change those scope batteries?
Post by: JoeLab on August 30, 2016, 08:23:52 pm
Sounds like he's got an Aimpoint on it... I recently purchased one, will probably change out every 2 or 3 years.. They're pretty trusted to last as long as they claim and I think having extras on hand is just as important as changing them out.
Title: Re: How often do you change those scope batteries?
Post by: kydexwerks on September 04, 2016, 08:49:22 pm
My T1 has been on power 7 for a little over 3 years. I have replacement batteries if i need them. I have iron sights if the optic doesnt work.
Title: Re: How often do you change those scope batteries?
Post by: jlensky5656 on January 09, 2018, 07:26:17 pm
There are a lot of variables that go into this question but the short answer is depending on the sight every 2-3 years. I always have replacement batteries laying around just in case a battery does get left in a little too long but it has not happened yet. I know people who change their aimpoints out once a year even though they are rated for 6-7 years just to do it. Peace of mind I guess and that makes sense because they will never have to worry about their sights not turning on.
Title: Re: How often do you change those scope batteries?
Post by: JT on January 25, 2018, 07:26:27 pm
I very seldom run power on the scopes. I have scopes that are 10 years old and the batteries are still good. Maybe I should change them. The TRS25's are not left on (on purpose anyway). Holosun HS503G will go 50k on dot only or 20k on circle dot but it turns itself off and has has instant on so battery life is indefinate. Same with the Sig Romeo 5XDR only it uses a AAA. I am afraid of leaving alkalines in anything too long so I bought lithium ions which will go longer and have a 20 year shelf life. I use rechargeables in the flashlights. Probably a good idea to change batteries on a regular basis. The smoke detectors get changed yearly. Any thing with alkalines should be changed at least yearly.
Title: Re: How often do you change those scope batteries?
Post by: STS on January 31, 2018, 08:06:17 pm
Once a year on all scopes but every three to six months on my mains. Batteries are cheap, I like the peace of mind.
Title: Re: How often do you change those scope batteries?
Post by: 1969gto on April 06, 2018, 11:49:12 am
I have C More , Eotech and Aim Point red dot scopes. Battery life is not the problem because I have tape switches on all of them. The problem I have is corrosion. Batteries tend to break down faster in extreme heat. Some of my equipment need new CR 123 batteries to work, when they stop working I can transfer them to my red dots. The only thing I have that eats batteries like a baby filling it diaper is my sure fire flash lights.
Title: Re: How often do you change those scope batteries?
Post by: 1969gto on April 09, 2018, 11:40:28 am
Ok so you get one of these. https://www.midwayusa.com/Product/153482/tacstar-pressure-switch-end-cap-for-mini-maglite-streamlight-jr-flashlight. Then a soldering iron some small stereo plugs, heat shrink tubing, drill bit and some other stuff and you are ready to modify your battery cap for a tape switch
Title: Re: How often do you change those scope batteries?
Post by: medved on April 29, 2022, 09:50:04 am
I keep my reticle illumination on one of the off positions when not in use. I haven't had to change the batteries in scopes that I've had for over 10 years. The only one I've had to change was on a scope I had forgotten to shut the illunination off.
Title: Re: How often do you change those scope batteries?
Post by: car-ram-rod on April 30, 2022, 09:08:35 am
i use my guns for duty so the batteries are changed every year on the Jan 1st
Title: Re: How often do you change those scope batteries?
Post by: 870policemag on April 30, 2022, 09:16:35 am
depends on the optic. I changed the battery on my Aimpoint Comp M4S twice in the 10 years that I owned it. RMRs get swapped every year and zero is verified. I recommend Duracell and Panasonic batteries for serious use.
Title: Re: How often do you change those scope batteries?
Post by: SupportThe2nd on May 01, 2022, 07:49:46 am
MY new Holosun will actually work if there is enough ambient light due to the solar feature, makes it less worrisome if the battery died all of a sudden.
Title: Re: How often do you change those scope batteries?
Post by: Clifffalling on May 01, 2022, 09:25:41 am
I check my optics batteries about twice a year. I'm more concerned about leakage than anything else. I carry spare batteries in blister or otherwise neutral packages. None of my ready firearms require batteries. Since it was mentioned above, i change safe batteries yearly and have a last changed date with the label maker on the door.