Help!! Scope Fubar??

thebuckhunter

thebuckhunter

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I've got 2 weeks to go before deer, so here it goes. I was sighting in my new rifled barrel on my Mav88. The ammo was Partition Gold in 2 3/4". I'm using a Milet saddle mount for a Bushy Banner 1-4x32 and Millet rings. All components are tight and threadlocked (blue). After 3 shots, my windage adjustment is sporradic. It still clicks, but the reticle moves once in a while and sometimes not at all, even after a full turn. I checked to see if anything was loose, nope. So I removed the scope and noticed "impressions" of the ring base on the scope tube, both front and back. If you run your finger over them, they feel like dents. Have I really fubared a scope due to recoil or did I miss something?

-Jason
 
Yes, it is possible that the scope is internally damaged due to overtight rings, but the presence of the "dents" to which you are referring is not something to get too worked up over. Many, maybe even most, scopes mounted in traditional style rings show these marks, without exhibiting any mechanical problems. That's one of the reasons that Burris, and probably others, market scope rings with synthetic ring inserts that cushion the scope to prevent cosmetic damage. Scope rings that are lapped in also reduce this damage, although it's not the major reason for lapping-in. I've also had a couple of scopes, including one Leupold (!) on which the power adjustment ring became very difficult to turn if the rear ring was too close to it and tightened down very snugly.

You would really have to crank those rings down to actually damage the scope mechanically.

John
 
If you can feel the dents there is a good chance your rings need lapping. There is also a good chance that your scope is now pooched. You get what you pay for as far as optics go. Buy Cheap, Buy Twice.
 
I called the Bushnell warranty center. They are trying to tell me that recoil damage isn't covered by warranty? WTF? If you build a rifle scope, then it should be designed to take the reciol or is my thought process way off? I didn't tell them it was a shotgun, nor did I tell them that it was a Banner. I guess I won't be buying Busshy anymore. I'm gonna send it in anyway ($10), not much to lose. Who knows, they might even honor their warranty.

-Jason
 
maynard said:
There is also a good chance that your scope is now pooched. You get what you pay for as far as optics go. Buy Cheap, Buy Twice.
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How is this damage related to it being a cheaper priced scope. Same thing can happen to a Leupold or Zeiss if you have a bad set of rings and tighten to much.
 
I have seen rings tightened so much that the magnification adjustment could not be moved.When the ring screws were loosened,it would move,but not as easliy as before.Ring marks are very common.However actual dents are another matter.
 
thebuckhunter said:
I called the Bushnell warranty center. They are trying to tell me that recoil damage isn't covered by warranty? WTF? If you build a rifle scope, then it should be designed to take the reciol or is my thought process way off? I didn't tell them it was a shotgun, nor did I tell them that it was a Banner. I guess I won't be buying Busshy anymore. I'm gonna send it in anyway ($10), not much to lose. Who knows, they might even honor their warranty.

-Jason
Click to expand...

I would call the warranty center, but don't mention anything about recoil. My guess is something went out in the scope and the rings didn't have anything to do with it.
 
scott_r said:
How is this damage related to it being a cheaper priced scope. Same thing can happen to a Leupold or Zeiss if you have a bad set of rings and tighten to much.
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That is true, however I've seen lots of cheaper priced scopes that have a wandering zero. I have seen guys shoot 20-30 rounds to re-zero their rifle every year. Nothing has been done to the rifle or scope from one season to the next, but for some reason it shoot 6 inches off. Then there is the adjustments that are dialed in and nothing happens? I have also seen a cheap scopes have the guts ripped out just sighting in the first time.
The Leupold on my .300 mag has never needed to be touched in 12 years. Same point of inpact, every time, year after year.
 
maynard said:
That is true, however I've seen lots of cheaper priced scopes that have a wandering zero. I have seen guys shoot 20-30 rounds to re-zero their rifle every year. Nothing has been done to the rifle or scope from one season to the next, but for some reason it shoot 6 inches off. Then there is the adjustments that are dialed in and nothing happens? I have also seen a cheap scopes have the guts ripped out just sighting in the first time.
The Leupold on my .300 mag has never needed to be touched in 12 years. Same point of inpact, every time, year after year.
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Im not negating the fact that cheap scopes often have a wanding zero but was just stating that even the best quailty of scopes will fail if you abuse them by tighting rings too tight and bending tubes.

Cheers!!
 
How did you manage to get through to Bushnell, phone is always busy and they don't return calls. I will never buy anything from them ever again.


Brian
 
I called their canadian warranty center @ 1-800-361-5702 and their addy is:

Bushnell Sports Optics
25-a East Pearce Street
Unit 1
Richmond Hill, ON
L4B 2M9

This scope was on my Browning A5 for 8 years. It has held zero for that long. I removed the scope and never touched the rings. It went from one saddle mount to another. I was shooting Brenneke slugs in my Browning. When I switched it over to my Mav with a rifled barrel, I was shooting Partition Golds. After 2 shots, my windage was pooched. Its not overtightening of the rings nor is it improper installation. This scope was absolutely reliable until then. My only concern is that Bushnell won't stand behind their product. From the sound of the lady on the phone, they'll reneg on the warranty. Has anyone had warranty work done by Bushnell? How was your experience? Thanks,

-Jason
 
thebuckhunter said:
I called their canadian warranty center @ 1-800-361-5702 and their addy is:

Bushnell Sports Optics
25-a East Pearce Street
Unit 1
Richmond Hill, ON
L4B 2M9

This scope was on my Browning A5 for 8 years. It has held zero for that long. I removed the scope and never touched the rings. It went from one saddle mount to another. I was shooting Brenneke slugs in my Browning. When I switched it over to my Mav with a rifled barrel, I was shooting Partition Golds. After 2 shots, my windage was pooched. Its not overtightening of the rings nor is it improper installation. This scope was absolutely reliable until then. My only concern is that Bushnell won't stand behind their product. From the sound of the lady on the phone, they'll reneg on the warranty. Has anyone had warranty work done by Bushnell? How was your experience? Thanks,

-Jason
Click to expand...

You could probably go and buy a new one for the price of shipping and you would have it by the time you need to hunt.
Maybe take a look at Leupold rifleman or something if you want a company that will have excellent warranty.

Cheers!!
 
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