Answer seems obvious, just checking

[Doug Bogg]

When mounting a scope one might be working with either a new-in-box unit presumed to be "centered", or a unit repurposed from a different platform and centered before reinstallation (years ago I had success with the method of cutting two "V" shaped slots in a cardboard box), or a unit repurposed from a different platform simply reinstalled with it's old settings unchanged. Next, one could be using either adjustable or non-adjustable mounts/rings.

Solid, non-adjustable mounts/rings are the only way for my purposes based upon conservative needs and the infinitely preferred reduced complexity - however, there probably is no sacrifice if applying highly rated custom-machined fixed Talley mounts.

So the question is, with solid mounts/rings, and assuming bore-sighting pre-firing, there's no value whatsoever in centering a scope, right? If not bore-sighting, then yes, I can see that centering could save a few rounds, however whether starting out centered or not ultimately makes no difference because with solid mounts getting zeroed one will be arriving at the identically same place. Right? Seems obvious, or is there some alchemy I'm not appreciating?

Out of curiosity, after careful assembly of high quality components how close to zero have you been on the first round? Also, what's the upper limit of how much you're willing to adjust a scope at 100 YDS? At what point do you say, it's too far out and time for disassembly to inspect for problems or replacement? Thanks for reading - any quick feedback appreciated

 

[Jeff Porter]

I can see some value in exercising the new to you scope tracking internals through full range of adjustments while watching a grid target. In addition to verifying it tracks the way you want it to track you will be able to see and count clicks that move the reticle.

That may keep you from mounting a bad scope and wasting ammo trying to zero it.

 

[AlNyhus]

With a perfectly centered scope and dead center in the bore sighter, barrel vibration when firing is what displaces the shot on target.

At 100 yds., 2" is generally what I see from the barrel shakin' around. -Al

 

[Doug Bogg]

1 inch high and dead nuts vertically first shot one time in my life, after rings and scope installed, should have played the lottery that day, I've been 3 or 4 inches a bunch of times, but that one time was crazy. I don't laser or anything just plop the scope on, get it level and torqued then go fire

Yeah, you should have played the lottery that day

 

[Doug Bogg]

I can see some value in exercising the new to you scope tracking internals through full range of adjustments while watching a grid target. In addition to verifying it tracks the way you want it to track you will be able to see and count clicks that move the reticle.

That may keep you from mounting a bad scope and wasting ammo trying to zero it.

Ah - this is a great reply, thanks ... yep, that's a great suggestion