Rifle Scopes Rough handling and shifting zero

[aagifford]

So, I've traced my shifting zero to how I pick up my rifle. If cradled and carried, then the zero is good. If picked up by the scope, then the zero shifts, up to 2MOA. If I bang on the objective end of the scope with my hand a few times, the zero shifts too. It usually settles back down after the first shot. Anybody had this happen before? Scope is a Nikon 4-16 tactical, about 10 years old. It tracks perfectly. Has Leupold PRW rings and a farrel base, rifle is a remington 700 trued and all, capable of shooting 3/8moa.

I'm sure the first question would be are all the screws tight? They are all torqued correctly, I used Mountz torque drivers and loctite on everything, the rail is bedded, etc.

I'm thinking the scope needs to be serviced at the least.

 

[cmh2007]

could it possibly be shooter error? if it "settles" after the first shot, i wouldn't suspect anything other than the shooter or maybe a cold bore shift. If your scope were letting go, i would suspect a wondering POI close to every shot. and if your stock were loose i would expect the same thing

 

[Rthur]

If it moved on the first shot why would it be going back to zero? I have to agree with the cold shooter theory.

 

[White Mamba]

Check your action screws as well