Long range rifle takes a beating

[Greyfox]

My rifles have generally held their zero's very well through airline travel and on quads given proper cases and scabbards; as well as the normal rigors of hunting. IMO, chronic zero changes experienced with handling other then "severe" impacts would indicate an issue with the rifle, mounts, scope, or load.

 

[User4302021]

My rifles have generally held their zero's very well through airline travel and on quads given proper cases and scabbards; as well as the normal rigors of hunting. IMO, chronic zero changes experienced with handling other then "severe" impacts would indicate an issue with the rifle, mounts, scope, or load.

He's only seeing a 1 MOA change. That could be due to a whole list of things. These types of questions on a forum are like calling in to a mechanic shop and asking them why your car won't start.

 

[jdmecomber]

My rifles have generally held their zero's very well through airline travel and on quads given proper cases and scabbards; as well as the normal rigors of hunting. IMO, chronic zero changes experienced with handling other then "severe" impacts would indicate an issue with the rifle, mounts, scope, or load.

Something I will keep track of with this rifle, I don't think it could have went through a better test

 

[jdmecomber]

He's only seeing a 1 MOA change. That could be due to a whole list of things. These types of questions on a forum are like calling in to a mechanic shop and asking them why your car won't start.

Nothing wrong with throwing out a bunch of reasons why it could have changed, maybe I missed something.

 

[HARPERC]

......ATV racks are really hell on rifles because of both the vibration and impact......

I might have been more surprised if nothing moved.

 

[jdmecomber]

It was eight total days of very hard riding, so maybe I shouldn't be that surprised

So the pack was facedown, with all the cushion for clothing and the rifle was resting on top of clothing and bouncing around the entire trip. One morning, there was very little protection, the rifle was hitting the rack. Oopps

 

[Litehiker]

I think that with solid mounting and Loctite on all screw threads the problem lies with the turret adjustments getting bumped off zero. The reticle gimbal needs to be heavily sprung to stay on zero. Some scopes have double springs for this reason.
BTW, I use 24 inch-pounds of torque on my scope ring screws to be safe. 40 inch-pounds for the Pic. rail bolts.

And if all fasteners are tight and secure it may simply be that you need to go to a very robust scope. (And check zeros when possible.)

->Dare I suggest a Schmidt & "Bendover" PM II? The Marines chose it as their new sniper scope for its "Marine-Proof" durability, among other things. But yeah, it's definitely a home equity loan for that scope.
->Vortex Razors including the AMG have steel gear teeth in their turrets and are pretty tough.
->The Nightforce ATACR is a brute as well.
-> And if you have the $$ for a Leupold Mark 8 I suggest your spend them on the S&B PM II instead.

I backpack using a Kifaru Gun Bearer carrier and have had no zero problems with my SWFA 5 - 15 x 42 scope. But SWFA scopes are known for their ruggedness. You can even use them on powerful air rifles with no problems from the reverse recoil.

Eric B.

 

[shphtr]

After I had a Nightforce fog on me I returned to Leupold. I had used Leupold's for 20+ years of backpack sheep hunting in Alaska without a problem and had figured a NF would be just as rugged if not more so .... just turned out not for me. The Mark 4 Leupold's have been problem free for me now for several years since I returned to the fold ... but I now carry two identical scopes for overseas mountain hunts nevertheless just in case.

 

[jdmecomber]

I think that with solid mounting and Loctite on all screw threads the problem lies with the turret adjustments getting bumped off zero. The reticle gimbal needs to be heavily sprung to stay on zero. Some scopes have double springs for this reason.
BTW, I use 24 inch-pounds of torque on my scope ring screws to be safe. 40 inch-pounds for the Pic. rail bolts.

And if all fasteners are tight and secure it may simply be that you need to go to a very robust scope. (And check zeros when possible.)

->Dare I suggest a Schmidt & "Bendover" PM II? The Marines chose it as their new sniper scope for its "Marine-Proof" durability, among other things. But yeah, it's definitely a home equity loan for that scope.
->Vortex Razors including the AMG have steel gear teeth in their turrets and are pretty tough.
->The Nightforce ATACR is a brute as well.
-> And if you have the $$ for a Leupold Mark 8 I suggest your spend them on the S&B PM II instead.

I backpack using a Kifaru Gun Bearer carrier and have had no zero problems with my SWFA 5 - 15 x 42 scope. But SWFA scopes are known for their ruggedness. You can even use them on powerful air rifles with no problems from the reverse recoil.

Eric B.

This was a PM2

 

[WildRose]

This was a PM2

None of them are bomb proof or idiot proof and we tend to be a lot harder on equipment than both.

 

[jdmecomber]

I have been told I should be a gear tester I am pretty rough on stuff

 

[Doug Herold]

It happens. You'll often see a place to check your zero when you travel to a destination to hunt. I ALWAYS take the time to verify zero when I travel. The goons handling luggage, especially for overseas travel, are not kind. Beating a rifle/scope around can change your zero so its a good practice to check it before you hunt.
Bruce

Ditto to Gillettehunter. While transferring in Phoenix, I watched baggage handlers THROW my rifle case into the plane. Never hunt without checking your zero. I have had outfitters try to get me to skip this, but I always stand firm. We stay in camp until the rifle zero is confirmed.

 

[HARPERC]

.......While transferring in Phoenix, I watched baggage handlers THROW my rifle case into the plane......

The gorilla hasn't retired or slowed down a bit.

 

[Wiley J]

After seeing the Knuckle Draggers that pass as luggage handlers throw my gun case, ( thankfully a penguin), 10 yards out onto the tarmac, I have taken to carrying two identical scopes with QD rings already sighted in as carry on baggage on all international and domestic flights.
Also a torque gauge. Have not as yet needed the spare but it's there if I do. To much time, effort and dollars put into a hunt to have it stuffed up by busted optics.