Hunting trips gone bad...

[HuntClub]

Finally made it back to the Appalachian where I grew up - after nearly 25 years. Had my 7mmRM load shooting nearly one hole groups at 100 yards. Confidence REALLY high on rifle doing its job if I did mine, and found the buck I hoped to find. I did. Two shoots at 200 yards and both were a total miss (really glad I didn't just wound him). I thought, maybe, just buck fever. Oh, I had it. HE gave it to me! In fact, I totally passed it off to buck fever. It happens to the best of us when we least expect it... I will hold to that no matter what anyone might say!

So, back in Florida and headed to the range. First shot was no where to be seen... not where I was looking, I should say. The first shot landed NINE inches high and TWO inches left. WHAT?! fired two more shots. the group was good... where it landed. Where it landed was not good.

I bought a new Leupold VX Freedom 4-12X40 CDS first of the year. Exposed turrets. Never had a scope with exposed turrets before. But, apparantly, as I was carrying my rifle through the woods, the turrets were turned as they brushed against my body... WHY does anyone make a hunting scope with exposed turrets? I love Leupold and this is the first time I have ever missed a deer using their product. But this wasn't just any deer. He was truly a trophy buck. When he turned and ran straight away from me, at 200 yards, his horns were more than twice, at minimum, as wide as his body. My cousin, watching him through binoculars said his horns (main beam) were at least four fingers wide. I hurt over it. Missing this deer. What a great memory... but the pain will always be there.

Now, a question for the group - does anyone make a slip over (maybe rubberized) that could be placed over the turrets. Something that will hold their setting as is when covered. I am totally against having exposed turrets. Trying to find a way to keep the scope. Trying to keep my leupold. I love their brand. Since the early nineties I have trusted them. Trying to keep it. Trying to...

 

[JTEX]

I hunt with several scopes with exposed turrets.....you learn to check.....

 

[Gargoyle]

Did you have the free, calibrated to your ammo, CDS dial installed?

 

[rdb8847]

To each their own but I dont want exposed turrets on my hunting rifles, I really dont even like adjustable objectives or anything other than cross hairs with maybe a dot or a couple of dots for bullet drop compensation. When I focus in on the animal the last thing I want is a bunch of extra stuff to adjust or digest. I keep a simple cheat sheet taped to the top of my scope with known drops in inches out to 500 yards. I like to spot em - range them if you have time - focus and squeeze then shot. Period

 

[B Nettesheim]

33 electrical tape

 

[HuntClub]

Did you have the free, calibrated to your ammo, CDS dial installed?

Load I took on the trip is a different load and I have not ordered a dial for them. But I am only shooting 400 yards at most. Maybe a little farther. Zeroed at 200 and and flying at 3150fps (140 TTSX)...

 

[HuntClub]

33 electrical tape

Well, that or duct tape would do the trick, for sure.

 

[snert]

Weaver T10 is famous for winding up or down, Left or right depending on how you sling the rifle. Ask me how I know....

Sorry to hear of your misfortune.

 

[nwmnbowhunter]

Doesn't the cds dial have a zero lock on it? I know my vx5 does and windage is capped

 

[Coonman300]

It has always amazed me how stuff like that happens on a trophy buck…never on a damn doe. They carry a different level of luck sometimes. I’ve had freak stuff happen on a couple…hate it for you.

 

[Alguapo]

Take a pic on the cell phone of the turret settings. It a great quick reference.

 

[dellet]

Nothing like a nice quiet zzzzzzzzzipping sound as you pull your rifle out of the case

Scopecoat is a nice waterproof cover that is easy on/off that will cover lenses As well as turrets. Multiple thicknesses.

Protect Your Expensive Optics with ScopeCoat “Flak Jackets” « Daily Bulletin

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bulletin.accurateshooter.com

 

[Bill K]

If you have exposed dials, it is really a good thing to know and just make a quick visual check that the scope dial is in the correct position, prior to a shot.
It is a required learning process and lesson, in your case.

 

[Brians356]

Exposed turrets seem like tits on a boar hog for a general big game rifle. I.e. a really stupid idea. Let's start with that. And end with it. Not one but two guys in this very short thread have been bit on the butt by the "feature" of knobs sticking out begging to be bumped, and finding plenty of opportunities. Target range or prairie dog town, probably invaluable - I wouldn't know.
-

 

[Dusty Stevens]

The current trend is to click scopes for every shot. Leupold pushes this with the cds dials. Their new locking turret i bet was a compromise between the clickers and the victims.

 

[Scalloper]

I have two Leupold CDS scopes with the zero stop. They are the best option for a hunting scope once you verify the drops. On my 28 Nosler I have the custom turret. On my Rem Ultimate muzzle loader I just verified the numbers needed for out to 250 yds.

The VX series have the "Zero stop" the Mark series have the open turrets that can be bumped. In that case you should remove the turret and set it on zero for a visual reference. My son has a Mark 4 and he also had this issue that you had although he was checking his zero midseason which we do weekly while hunting deer.

The VX series with the CDS and zero stop turrets would eliminate the chance of the turret getting bumped and move the adjustment. The only way to move the VX series with the zero stop is to physically push the button.

 

[JEFFPPC]

Brian 356 has the correct answer above. Reread it.

 

[Ringostar]

Well, that or duct tape would do the trick, for sure.

Duct tape would be a pain to remove later.

 

[DiffEQ]

Good lesson here, though all my hunting rifles have turret caps.
I equate exposed turrets with heavy scopes, an anathema on a hunting rifle.
Besides, where I hunt, all my shots will be within PBR, so no need to get all tactical.

 

[MislMan]

Maybe try using rubber cap-plugs like those used as dust/shipping covers on new metal tubing and hoses. measure for the size you need and check with McMaster Carr for availability. Since they just push/slip on they’re easy to slip-on or off during sight-in or if needed in the field.