Shifting reticle?

[plinky]

I own a Simmons pro hunter 3x9x40 scope. I can`t get rid of the feeling that it is not holding the zero. Windage is probably O.K., as all the shots make an almost perfect vertical line, but the elevation is wandering. :confused: Can it be that just the elevation dial has gone bad? I fired about 800 rounds through the mini before it was rebarreled.

[Sniper]

I can't say that I've ever seen the elevation adjustment go bad. Has it been hit, dropped or???????

I'd sandbag the rifle to the point of locking it in place and seeing what happens. Got another scope to try? You wouldn't have to zero it. Just get it on the paper and see how it hits then.

:sniper:

[Coyote]

I am sure all shooters know this - but today I tried shooting - at 5 different targets - 5 shots each - holding the weapon firm/lightly firm/tight/and very tight/ and one target combining all the above. It totally amazed me on where the shots went (50 yards) as far as elevation goes. Left and right were okay - but the elevation changed in one direction - anywhere from 1/2 inch to 2". This was from target to target - all were good groups - but the elevation did change - proving to me that which ever way you hold your rifle - it must be the same - shot after shot.

[plinky]

Originally posted by Sniper@Oct 21 2005, 06:43 PM
I can't say that I've ever seen the elevation adjustment go bad. Has it been hit, dropped or???????

I'd sandbag the rifle to the point of locking it in place and seeing what happens. Got another scope to try? You wouldn't have to zero it. Just get it on the paper and see how it hits then.

:sniper:
It might have been dropped, as I`ve shipped the rifle with the scope. Been shooting from a bipod so far, will try a sandbag. The only other scope I have is an EER scout scope, won`t work here.

[plinky]

Originally posted by Coyote@Oct 21 2005, 07:18 PM
I am sure all shooters know this - but today I tried shooting - at 5 different targets - 5 shots each - holding the weapon firm/lightly firm/tight/and very tight/ and one target combining all the above. It totally amazed me on where the shots went (50 yards) as far as elevation goes. Left and right were okay - but the elevation changed in one direction - anywhere from 1/2 inch to 2". This was from target to target - all were good groups - but the elevation did change - proving to me that which ever way you hold your rifle - it must be the same - shot after shot.
I am familiar with that and I always try to apply uniform pressure, and with the H&K SL8 + Meopta 6x40 scope which I unfortunately sold years ago I could shoot MOA groups all day long....I wasn`t shooting it from a bipod but from a sandsack though. Gonna follow Sniper`s advice and try that.

[Sniper]

Originally posted by Coyote@Oct 21 2005, 10:18 PM
I am sure all shooters know this - but today I tried shooting - at 5 different targets - 5 shots each - holding the weapon firm/lightly firm/tight/and very tight/ and one target combining all the above. It totally amazed me on where the shots went (50 yards) as far as elevation goes. Left and right were okay - but the elevation changed in one direction - anywhere from 1/2 inch to 2". This was from target to target - all were good groups - but the elevation did change - proving to me that which ever way you hold your rifle - it must be the same - shot after shot.
That's a good point that some people don't take into consideration.


:sniper:

[2rangers]

You may also want to check your gas block screws, as they may have loosened. I have found that this will also cause vertical stringing. If they are loose, torque per Caj's tip . And some loctite is a good idea, also.

:sniper:

[plinky]

Originally posted by 2rangers@Oct 23 2005, 04:32 AM
You may also want to check your gas block screws, as they may have loosened. I have found that this will also cause vertical stringing. If they are loose, torque per Caj's tip . And some loctite is a good idea, also.

:sniper:
2rangers, I`ve checked the gasblock screws and they were a little loose. Tightened them, but had no chance to shoot the mini yet. Thanks for the advice, I hope this will help.

[loco]

Vertical stringing in the Mini is most always attributed to loose gas block screws and/or shooting too fast. If the barrel does not completely cool between shots, you will get vertical stringing.

[rutro]

Could also be to hard of a rest, try a sand bag.