[LewisM]

Let's talk frank about the effect - or lack there of - of scratches to a mirrored optic.

If you read my and Stuart's original for sale ad on the R200SS Turd, you'll know the primary and secondary had been cleaned incorrectly - there are very small, almost unnoticeable scratches to both. Otherwise, the aluminisation is perfect (except the secondary which has mold etching spots - only a couple).

On refractorss, I can see how scratches will affect the light, espeially for immaging (spikes etc), but will you get ANY effect whatsoever on a mirrored telescope? Sure, you'll get a small amount of scatter (minute I'd imagine), but since the light is not being refracted through a lens, will it have any noticeable effect even imaging?

If it was heavily scratched, sure, i'd play ball, but small scratches you cannot even see unless you take out the mirrors?

I've decided to keep it and use it. If it doesn't work for me imaging, it becomes the family and school outreach scope.