If you have, please share how it was that you noticed something was wrong. Symptoms? How did you confirm that the scope had indeed lost zero? Was the scope salvageable or toast? Thanks very much.
Anyone Had A Scope Lose Zero?
- Thread starter Turkeytider
- Start date
Are you having an issue with an optic? An optic can lose its zero from taking it off a rifle, removing it from the mounts, shifting slots in a picatinny rail, improperly setting the zero stop, or even dropping it, I've done each and every one of those. The first symptom is that usually it's not hitting exactly point of aim, point of impact but that doesn't mean the scope is broken either.
If there's something wrong with the optic such as erratic shots on target that could also be attributed to others things so a process of elimination needs to occur going through things like action screw torque, bedding, ammunition quality, etc..until you get to the sighting system. If everything else checks out and nothing appeared to be wrong with the base screws, scope mount screws, then start looking at the optic.
Visually check the optic for dents, dings, or crooked parts, especially if the optic has been dropped. Rotate the elevation, windage, and parallax knobs to feel for any irregularities such as clicking as you turn the magnification ring, difficulties turning knobs, the image stays blurry, etc. If those items check out, lock the gun into something solid and run a tall tracking test of at least 10 mils and if the reticle stops moving while you're still getting clicks a worn out erector spring is usually the culprit. Worn out erector springs can't provide enough pressure to maintain contact with the knobs so you'll have issues maintaining zero, poor accuracy etc.
Depending on the manufacturer, the scope is repairable, the only issue being if the scope is discontinued or the manufacturer is out of business in which case options can be limited.
If there's something wrong with the optic such as erratic shots on target that could also be attributed to others things so a process of elimination needs to occur going through things like action screw torque, bedding, ammunition quality, etc..until you get to the sighting system. If everything else checks out and nothing appeared to be wrong with the base screws, scope mount screws, then start looking at the optic.
Visually check the optic for dents, dings, or crooked parts, especially if the optic has been dropped. Rotate the elevation, windage, and parallax knobs to feel for any irregularities such as clicking as you turn the magnification ring, difficulties turning knobs, the image stays blurry, etc. If those items check out, lock the gun into something solid and run a tall tracking test of at least 10 mils and if the reticle stops moving while you're still getting clicks a worn out erector spring is usually the culprit. Worn out erector springs can't provide enough pressure to maintain contact with the knobs so you'll have issues maintaining zero, poor accuracy etc.
Depending on the manufacturer, the scope is repairable, the only issue being if the scope is discontinued or the manufacturer is out of business in which case options can be limited.
Thank you sir. Scope has not been dropped, banged, etc. I kind of baby it because I do know that they can be sensitive to such. Everything seems tight as far as the mounts and rings are concerned. Action screws are tight. Everything appears the same as when I was hitting targets at 500 yards with regularity. I did run a box test and it appears to be fine as far as tracking is concerned. Maybe I just shot crappy today! I`m in hopes that a trip to the 100 yard zero range tomorrow will show that to have been the case! I sure hope so!
Issue resolved! There really wasn`t one with scope, just my crappy shooting. Verified zeroes and sub-MOA groups at 100 and went to 500 yard range. Hits were consistent with my " usual " frequency at 500 . Thanks again!
I'm glad you got it figured out and it wasn't anything equipment related. I just went through something similar recently going to zero an old Aimpoint on one of my carbines. The groups were unimpressive at 50 yards and the optic didn't seem to be adjusting properly, so I took it off and finished the day with the back up sights. I checked the rifle over and everything was fine and it shot well with the irons but I took it back out this past weekend to give it another chance and everything was good to go, the adjustments were spot on, accuracy was good, sometimes we have a crappy range day.
I guess so. Thinking back, there was a bit of a shifting breeze that I really didn`t think anything of. Maybe that was a mistake, I don`t know . 500 yards is long enough for a .223 to be effected, I think.
Yeah, depending on the breeze it certainly can. A 9 mph full value wind can push a 77 gr OTM going between 2650 and 2750 about 24" at 500 yards.
If you can hold half a mil of wind and make hits again on a breezy day its not your zero 
To confirm, swap a new scope on and see if the issue resolves itself.
Or throw it on a humbler or a comparator device but thats much less likely to be something you have or would be inclined to make so swapping them is the more frequent test.
To confirm, swap a new scope on and see if the issue resolves itself.
Or throw it on a humbler or a comparator device but thats much less likely to be something you have or would be inclined to make so swapping them is the more frequent test.
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