Pick up a rifle by the scope, OK or Not OK?

[@williamboulanger3639]

Just because you can do it doesn't mean you should. Just because you can pick up your baby up by an arm or leg doesn't mean you should ! Just because I can stop a bullet at least once doesn't mean I want to. Stress over time will always have negative results - bend a wire a couple of times and no issues- bend it multiple times and it's gonna brake. Great video as always Mark. Blessings to you and Sam from the USA.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Will, Cheers Man

[@3421958]

I always pick up my rifle by the scope after scrubbing the lenses clean with a fine grit sandpaper. Never had a problem.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Lol, Cheers

[@martinscrapp7166]

...and if you can, you can use your scope to crack open a beer!

[@gerritdv1]

Yes me too

[@roymorrison1075]

I am thinking anyone asking that question, should not be left alone with a rifle. good responce Mark

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Roy

[@TheRedneckPreppy]

I must confess I wasn't aware this was a subject of debate -- interesting video!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Man

[@Jman-uv1lr]

I never seen this question being posed debated by anyone and I’ve watched a lot of shooting videos, read a lot of shooting material, interesting video is right 🙄

[@bobmcmillen4502]

So there is a group on the internet that drop their rifles with the scope to see if the zero changes. Having watched their tests I do pick my rifle up by the scope in the middle. I move it from the shooting table to the ground. I wouldn’t carry it hunting like that. I feel like if it won’t handle that I don’t have my set up properly tightened and lock-tited. But I do it with light hunting rifles and I do it within the middle the way you a as talked about it being the safest. I will continue to test it. But good food for thought. I’m not opposed to not doing it either.😂

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Bob

[@languagesource355]

Thank you for discussing this! I learned something new. I always figured that if the scope can't handle a little handling, how's it going to handle recoil, but your explanations convinced me otherwise. Not that I've carried or yanked by the scope. Usually just taking out of the case/bag by it.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Man

[@Rodney-d7o]

Some questions i think don't warrant an answer. Good vid as always Mark. Enjoy the simple way you explain topics.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Rod

[@legion162]

I wish people wouldn't be so elitist, and so condescending about people asking the question, without asking the question, and getting the answer, you won't get the knowledge. This is a great question, with great information, explaining if you need to, then how to. I'm much better informed, and have a good understanding, rather than some random person saying don't do it, it's bad, without any kind of reasoning as to why it's bad

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@DronesUnder2A]

You can definitely get the knowledge the hard way. This may seem common sense to most, but this is not a lesson I'd want to learn the hard way 😅

[@RS-lw1hz]

Better ask a "stupid" question than do a stupid thing...

[@ProjectArms4719]

@@RS-lw1hzespecially if you’re not fully aware about the mechanics of the construction of the thing

[@warrenpolidori5541]

Good video. I've done it, and afterwards said " shouldn't have ". Don't think I would do this at a gun shop however.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Warren

[@davidhandyman7571]

Once again, you give great insight and advise. Much appreciated.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Dave

[@gerrittenberkdeboer7763]

Always a pleasure to listen

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Man

[@gordpedersen8691]

I listen to Afakasi Raider and yourself from Australia 🇦🇺. Love your channel .👍🙏🏻

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Man

[@craigsnook3605]

Ive been brought up around firearms my entire life. Dad always said theyre a sight. Not a bloody handle. Im pretty sure if id ever lifted a rifle by the scope he would have kicked my arse lol. Considering the amount of recoil etc mounts withstand i cant see you upsetting things by grabbing a gun by the scope. But its just bad form and not a done thing!!!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Craig

[@davidallen4091]

Bringing up some fun stuff.. lol thanks Mark for the insite. Don't use your scope as a carry handle.. I guess I never thought of doing it. If I make any adjustments side to side I use a 3oz dead blow works everytime lol but on a serious note I can appreciate why you would bring this up. I've witness this a few times and I just get all confused .. always look forward to the video's.. cheers brother!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Dave, thanks man

[@Anthony-w2b]

G day Mark. All good common-sense stuff exactly what we have come to expect from you. Thanks again.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Tony, Cheers

[@mikecollins8241]

I'd say 7# is about the heaviest rifle I'd pick up by the scope (even then carefully) situations might dictate something else, but as a rule, there is a stock for a reason ;)

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Mike

[@Lucas12v]

I never use my scopes as handles but I don't worry about the odd bump either. Good scopes with good rings and mounts are pretty resilient.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@Poutcomes]

Excellent video it’s common sense and we spend the most amount of money on that one particular item that’s just being lazy if somebody doesn’t wanna pick it up properly

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers man

[@johnstewart2011]

Good advice. One competitor whose videos I sometimes watch does that regularly and has even said there’s nothing to worry about, but he may feel that the half second or so saved is worth the risk. Another competitor I know, though, said he saw a scope’s maintube bend when its owner picked up his rifle like that. It doesn’t matter until it matters, and maybe it doesn’t matter much if it’s a $79.95 Amazon special, but I certainly wouldn’t want something to happen to any of my scopes. When I’m tempted to do it because I’m old and a little feeble, I just tell myself to not be lazy and that I can use that bit of extra exercise.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks John, Cheers

[@Stickbow1980]

If a scope bends under the weight of a 7-8lb rifle then I would never trust it to hold zero on anything with any type of recoil. A lil .410 shotgun produces way more than 7lbs of recoil and any centerfire rifle .223 and up would be out of the question also....

[@tarmaque]

Like most things, the answer is "It depends." But that's never the whole story. In this case and many others the right answer is "You might get away with it, but then again you might not. So why chance it?"

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Man

[@jameshayden5053]

👍👍 The Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth you'll be hearing soon will be from the people I get to watch this video down here in Alabama!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Lol, Cheers James

[@thebigt5463]

I cannot imagine a situation where I'd have to lift by the scope, if you can reach the scope you can reach for the rest of the rifle

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Man

[@hbracerx]

Nice discussion on the subject. I've always been told not to do it and have done my best to not do so. That being said, on occasion, I have lifted my rifles by the scope but was always extra cautious with doing so. Even if you are of the mindset that it doesn't matter, with all of the work we put into making things right...why risk it? I shoot at animals more often than targets and wounding an animal due to my negligence is not something I want on my conscience.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Man, Cheers

[@garywoodlief1976]

A scope is too important to use it for a handle. I try not to let mine touch anything.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Gary

[@pijnto]

Interesting, although I can't why there would be a need to pick up by the scope.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Man

[@N238E]

Bad practice for sure, but if it really made a difference you got a bigger problem.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@mervmahon6675]

I’ve been guilty of picking up from the centre point to move it left or right but I don’t think it’s a habit to get into

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Merv

[@jonathanbrocklehurst6724]

Minimize variables. Well said

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Jon

[@jonathanbrocklehurst6724]

@markandsamafterwork you even used the shortened variant of my name the correct way. Hats off to you both. Please keep up the great work and I hope you tube can contribute to the cause some.

[@vodi749]

If a handle is needed buy an intervention m200 it has a handle included. 😎

[@markandsamafterwork]

Lol, Cheers

[@sniperjoe]

Lol with that handle you carry the gun upside down... so if God forbid you drop it... a 40lb gun lands on the scope.... id say youe safer picking it up by thr scope then carrying it upside down

[@vodi749]

@@sniperjoe Lol, you are right. 😎 Just thought when one really needs a rifle with a handle. 😉

[@andreytodorov843]

Someone once said “Common sense is only common when you are figuring it out” 😂 lol 👍

[@markandsamafterwork]

Yep, Cheers Andrey

[@markmenix2473]

My coyote rifle is 14pounds I do pick it up by the scope center. I don’t carry by it. But yes I’m guilty of doing it.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Mark

[@NiteWorXTV]

And im willing to bet nothing happened to your scope either mate. I see dozens of people do it at prs comps without dramas.

[@randyhavard6084]

I find myself carrying my rimfire rifles around by the scope all the time. I wouldn't do it with my deer hunting rifle and the heaviest rimfire I have is a 17 HMR and they seem to be perfectly fine

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Randy

[@derrickrr5516]

I carefully grab mine by the middle of the scope about once every deer season…for a few seconds maybe. Too much crap in my hands, trying to sneak out of my deer stand or various other reasons but it’s only for a moment and then I sling it on my shoulder or hold it properly. Edit: Forgot to mention it’s a lightweight gun and a heavyweight scope. 😂 P.S. I still get such a kick out of Al Lou Mini Um. 3:19 Very similar to Uh Lou Meh Num.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Lol, Cheers

[@rossholmes178]

Thanks Mark...I get that some may be new to the game and require some guidance with these things, but...why does anyone believe they NEED to pick up a rifle by the scope? There are plenty of other grab points on the average firearm that are not going to effect it at all...

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Ross

[@jonathanbrocklehurst6724]

The role reversal angle is something I never considered. 500g under recoil probably wouldn't translate to the weight of the rifle handled roughly. I am a scaffolder and if you let a 4m tube fall to the ground on its axis it will noticeably bend the tube and the reminder that firearms are a machine will help some people who are watching this.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Jon, Cheers Man

[@wyliecoyotearizona5219]

Slightly different take but on a similar issue. I see a lot of PRS shooters on KZbin video hold the rifle down on the barricades using the off hand over the bell of the scope. I have always felt this to be a bad practice. Now I have shot a lot of benchest and have a number of extremely accurate rifles and have tried this to see the impact shift. Try it for yourself, you will never do it again I can assure you. The vertical bullet shift even with the flex from a thick alloy tube of a Nightforce scope is alarming.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Agreed, thanks Wylie, Cheers

[@1murder99]

I don't do that. But I am just a beginner, I have only been shooting for 70 years.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Lol, Cheers

[@1murder99]

@@markandsamafterwork I started hunting black tailed with a Springfield 87A then in 1967 I graduated to an M14. in 1968 I moved to an M16A1 in Vietnam. I moved to Dallas in 1969 and bought a Remington 788 with a Leupold 12 power scope. The Remington was chambered in 22-250 and jackrabbits could no longer get out of range. In the 1980s I started competing High Power Rifle and wore out 20 rifle barrels. I have a Master classification. I had a bad heart attack in 2012 so I don't shoot very well but I still enjoy it and still shoot at least 100 rounds a week.

[@John-uo1qf]

Only pick it up by the scope if the rifle is over 20 pounds

[@markandsamafterwork]

Lol

[@klausbuchholz2787]

Weld a grip on the barrel ,greets from Germany /Berlin

[@markandsamafterwork]

Lol, Cheers

[@jasonstinson1767]

Why risk it is the real question needing answered? If you care about the reliability of your gear, let alone consistency and accuracy, why risk introducing unnecessary variables? As a hunter I owe a humane dispatch the animal. It's about more than being a good sportsman. We should strive to do the best in all things worth doing. So, negating circumstances the exception, picking up a rifle by the sighting system would seem to be a reflection of poor character. As responsible firearm owners we must do better. - Just my opinion

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Jason

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

I know of one distributor of Swarovski scopes that had one returned by a customer for its lack of robustness. Turns out old-mate had been using the rifle as a walking stick which also included digging the scope into hillsides to facilitate climbing. I cringe whenever I see the M16 carry applied. It’s pure ignorance and doesn’t achieve anything.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Man

[@dennispeltier6142]

😊😊😊😊😊

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Dennis

[@themooreclan1220]

just put two scopes on your rifle, one for picking up, the other to looking through

[@markandsamafterwork]

Lol, Cheers

[@michaelgarrow3239]

Um,,, my 30-30 bush hunting rig yes. On my 17# - 6mm imp. No!!!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Man

[@thomasdaum1927]

After I sight it in I never touch anything on the scope , but that’s just me . If you jar something just 1 thousandth of an inch what’s that going to do to the point of impact at 2 to 300 yards ?……. Thanks Mark …….

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Tom

[@ericwilliams2317]

I see people doing this all the time at my home range (Bisley UK) and I always wonder why? Just put your hand 'under it'. A scope is a precision instrument - not a carrying handle!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Eric

[@redrock425]

Never even occurred to me to pick up a rifle by the scope.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Man

[@johndiblasi4803]

👍as usual.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@paullavallee1631]

If I wanted a carry handle I would buy an AR15, wait what am I saying!, I live in Canada! LOL

[@markandsamafterwork]

Lol, Cheers Paul

[@Sman7290]

Get a FAMAS.

[@paullavallee1631]

@@Sman7290 banned

[@googies12a]

Where my lockup safe is located I have to reach down and forward to put the rife in, I dont lift by the scope but I do support the rifle from the scope to avoid dinging it on the side of the cabinet orawal, dooretc on theway in/out. Good mounts and slow delibert movements are 100%. Slinging it around is a no no!

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Man, Cheers

[@EnkeiTenjin]

A lot of people, especially on the internet overthink and overcomplicate issues that never needed such complex and thorough thought. Example, if I am out shooting on a table, my 22LR and my 30-06 are both fairly lightweight for their calibres, and even though I’m not rich, I still have endeavoured to only use very high quality bases and rings on my rifles, so without any consideration will grab around the front ring and pivot the gun up and then immediately grab the stock and walk it back to the house. However I would never pick up a 15lb+ target rifle by the scope. The only thought process to this is: I have built this to be as accurate as possible, why would I risk such silly inconsistencies based on how I transport or store the rifle??? But back to lighter rifles, all of my hunting rifles are treated well but I give no consideration to how I pick them up, as they may get knocked out in the field and must remain reliable. If picking up your hunting rifle by the scope is shifting your point of impact, then you should invest in better mounts and perhaps a better scope. Everyone needs to stop being ridiculous. Another good video Mark, your logic and common sense clearly come from real world experience, which is, of course the ONLY knowledge that should ever be taught.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Thanks Man

[@leonhorn8062]

Dont get in a bad habit with picking up your light guns by the scope. It only takes a break in concentration to do it with your heavy precision rifle. Its realy not much more effort to always pick it up from the stock

[@MKChase-uj9vx]

I like to carry mine by the muzzle break.... using my teeth. Never had any issues 👍

[@markandsamafterwork]

Lol, cheers

[@inthemountainswithmeachum3256]

👍

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@jasonrad9332]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@mikemelina7395]

Then simplest and most common sense answer ever; If you have to ask, the answer is no.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Yep, cheers Mike

[@josephcoffman2441]

Excellent work, as always. I really enjoy your channel. However, you didn't answer this question I'm sure many shooter have: "Can I pick up my 18 lb precision rifle by the scope and throw it in the bed on my pick-up uncased, drive it around town for a week, and still count on the zero for my match on Saturday?" Do you have any data on this?

[@markandsamafterwork]

Lol, Cheers Man

[@jinks6410]

I 100% do this to my cheap guns and scopes with no problems. Suppressed 22lr with oak stock, and SWFA. Holds zero. AR 300blk and cheap scope I hunt with. Zeroed it 3 years ago, still punching 1" pasties

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@davidsmith9189]

Looks like a handle, it is a handle.

[@markandsamafterwork]

🤦‍♂️

[@davidsmith9189]

@@markandsamafterwork haha, I had considered the things you brought up in the video, so I'm allowed to do it. Also don't hold by the scope if you are using the barrel as a pry bar, you get more leverage holding the stock.

[@54Rocketeer]

Can’t see why not, scopes will get knocked and bashed all the time. I don’t do it myself and don’t think it’s a good habit

[@markandsamafterwork]

Maybe watch? Cheers

[@tjfishing2714]

Having your Rifle pointed safety at all times would make picking up by the scope not smart, in my opinion, regardless of the damage caused.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@Hadenough16066B]

Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Agreed

[@paulcoote3094]

F88 yes. Everything else, no.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers Paul

[@kuronyan3006Ackley]

😀😃😄😁😆✌️👍‼️

[@markandsamafterwork]

Cheers

[@Dalesarty]

The fact that that question is asked proves common sense is lost. 4 tiny little screws, enough said, that’s all the knowledge needed 😂😂

[@markandsamafterwork]

Agreed, Cheers Dale

[@HerbertAhu]

I had no idea this was an issue. Yes, the world is ending soon.

[@markandsamafterwork]

Lol, cheers