Value of scope break-in?
- Thread starter joeblow38
- Start date
If a scope requires break in......... it's broken already.
Seriously, if it needs "break in" to settle in the mounts then it's not mounted correctly. If it needs breakin so the elevation and windage track correctly or the reticle needs to settle then it's a cheap piece of crap.
I don't think you have to pay $2k to get a decent scope but at the same time don't buy the cheap stuff. My biggest regrets have been trying to "save money" on scopes.
Seriously, if it needs "break in" to settle in the mounts then it's not mounted correctly. If it needs breakin so the elevation and windage track correctly or the reticle needs to settle then it's a cheap piece of crap.
I don't think you have to pay $2k to get a decent scope but at the same time don't buy the cheap stuff. My biggest regrets have been trying to "save money" on scopes.
- Location
- Niagara Region, Ontario. For now
Wow! Just wow!
How, or what would the procedure be for "scope break in"?
Barrel break in is a different story. Let's hope and pray this was just an error on the OP's part.
How, or what would the procedure be for "scope break in"?
Barrel break in is a different story. Let's hope and pray this was just an error on the OP's part.
I'm just going from memory so bear with me:
-the first step is mount it in a way that you can look through it and it doesn't fall off,
-The second step is look through it, and look at stuff
- third step is adjust the power and look at stuff a little closer
- fourth step you turn the knobs left at least two half turns, but gently and by the tip. Just the tip
-fifth step shoot the gun
- final step is the bask in the glory of it all.
- rise and repeat
-the first step is mount it in a way that you can look through it and it doesn't fall off,
-The second step is look through it, and look at stuff
- third step is adjust the power and look at stuff a little closer
- fourth step you turn the knobs left at least two half turns, but gently and by the tip. Just the tip
-fifth step shoot the gun
- final step is the bask in the glory of it all.
- rise and repeat
Any comments on adjustment knob missed \ skipped clicks? I've read that breaking in the scope by running the knobs through min \ max adjustment repeatedly can remedy this. Same goes for magnification, to ensure the POA remains consistent throughout the mag range.
If that's the case it's already broken. If its skipping clicks it should be sent in for warranty
- Location
- Niagara Region, Ontario. For now
Yep.
And with a lot of cheap scopes with crappy plastic adjustments you could ruin it right out of the box.
Zero it, and leave it. Especially with cheaper scopes. They are made for this, not constant adjustments like higher end target scopes.
-_- ... When you install mounts make sure they don't need to be bedded. Also make sure you get a solid mount with a recoil lug if necessary. Than if your using a qd lever mount system make sure the scope is pushed FORWARDS on the rail so recoil cant knock it further forward. Finally make sure the scope is level and then zero the gun. That's a scope mounting procedure, not a break-in.
The only thing I do with a new scope is use a boresighter to watch the elevation and wind shift as i crank the knobs all the way in each direction.
Some scopes move all the way to the last click. Others will click another 20 clicks after the elevation or wind stops moving. The latter situation is important to know.
Some scopes move all the way to the last click. Others will click another 20 clicks after the elevation or wind stops moving. The latter situation is important to know.
I would say that the procedures you are talking about are more suited to testing a scope for reliability rather than a break in. Folks who are doing reviews on scopes or testing them out for reliability will do "box" tests etc. to confirm that they will keep their zero and to insure that they track properly. A scope will ever keep zero or it won't. If you need to rely on some hocus pocus to make sure your scope works properly you need to buy a new scope.
Precision optics/instruments are built to high or exacting tolerances and there should be no "break in". Either they work or they don't, they track or they don't, they fog or they don't. Unlike a great pair of comfortable boots, scopes don't get better with use, but you might. 
