Tested 12 Scopes Today

[Jet]

Just posting this to share my results and not to promote or bash any specific brand or model. Testing scopes is now part of my off season ritual. Try to get it done early enough so if they need to be repaired they get fixed prior to the next season getting started.

Tested 12 scopes today using my Hood Scope Checker. Started the test with two frozen scopes to make sure the frozen scope used for the test was good to go (maybe a little paranoid on my part). One was a 36X Weaver and the other was a 36X Leupold in Brackney mounts. Distance tested was 100yds and mirage only came up near the end of the test and it was minor. Each scope had between 7 and 20 shots fired when tested. Power adjustments were made as well to look for reticle movement. Fire formed 150 6BRAI cases doing the test.

No pics today or graphs for the post this time. I'll just state what I observed.

Kahles 10X50: Perfect. Picked up this scope based on the recommendations of @tom and @Alex Wheeler. Scope didn't budge. Looking forward to using it in 2019.

4 NF 12X42 BRs: Two were perfect, 3rd one shifted up slightly on first shot and did not move again. 4th one shifted up slightly on the 1st two shots then held steady.

4 NF Comps: Seems these are the scopes that got this whole discussion going a year or so ago. The first three are mine and each one has been sent back to NF for repair. When returned was told there was nothing wrong with them. Results:
- #1: Tested this scope twice today. First time I observed a lot of movement. Took it off, set it aside and retested later. When retested had similar movement. Up and left mostly. Moved 1/4" at 100yds
- #2: Moved slightly up on 1st Shot then held steady.
- #3: Minor shift left on first shot then held steady
- #4: Perfect. This a buddies scope that I tested last year and this year. Has held solid both times.
-- Note: #2&3 perform much better after NF "inspected" them. #1 is worse.

Sightron 10X50: Reticle stayed solid for all shots fired. Reticle did shift left a small amount when power adjustments were made.

2 Leupold 45X Comps: Both reacted the same. Slight shift up on 1st shot then stayed solid.

@newbieshooter tested a few scopes today with his Field and Cave's Checker (great piece of equipment) so maybe he will add his results to this thread.

Use this info as you see fit.

Good Shooting.

Rich

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Im glad you guys have made this part of your seasonal ritual. You definitely "get it"

 

[newbieshooter]

Thanks to @Jet for lending me a frozen scope to test with.
Used my ( @AlloyTargets ) F&CO scope checker mount for the first time - worked great!

Tested the following:

• March 8-80: No movement. After 3 shots, randomly turned elevation and windage +/- 5-7 MOA and then back. Fired 5 more shots. No movement.
• NightForce Competition: No movement
• Vortex Golden Eagle: Minor shift left on first shot. Held steady thereafter.

 

[Jeff]

Rich,
How did my NF 12x42 test ?
Mine was tested last year. Moved all over. Was sent back to NF who changed the lens and turrets.
Hasn't been shot till this test.

 

[R.Morehouse]

Thank You for taking the time and posting your results.........

Regards
Rick

 

[Jet]

Rich,
How did my NF 12x42 test ?
Mine was tested last year. Moved all over. Was sent back to NF who changed the lens and turrets.
Hasn't been shot till this test.

Chris has notes written down for you. It is the #4 BR tested. Moved just a wee bit on the first two shots then held steady. Reticle did not shift when power adjustments were made.

 

[JFrank]

Thanks Guys
appreciate all you do for the shooting community.
Jim

 

[Flouncer]

If you tested a NIB $465 Weaver ??

 

[bichettereds]

Other than the field and cave, what other scope checkers are available?

 

[Alex Wheeler]

@gunsandgunsmithing was at one time selling one. Dont know if its still available.

 

[Kookie]

For the scopes that move a bit on the first shot or two and then stabilize, do you see them doing this each time you test them?

I guess what I’m getting at is how long or how many shots will it stay stable after the initial movement.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Thank you for sharing your results. That's a lot of work to test that many scopes in one day. Much appreciated

 

[Ledd Slinger]

For the scopes that move a bit on the first shot or two and then stabilize, do you see them doing this each time you test them?

I guess what I’m getting at is how long or how many shots will it stay stable after the initial movement.

Seems if a scope is gonna move a shot or two then settle, it will do it every time you dial a turret. Good to always throw some dialing in the middle of the test to check

 

[dmoran]

"Seems if a scope is gonna move a shot or two then settle, it will do it every time you dial a turret."

Which is an assumption, not a fact.....
It takes individual testing of ALL scopes to find out if it proves out or not to each one, and to each ones extent.
I hate assumption input, but it does seem to run vastly when it comes to shooting & reloading.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Which is an assumption, not a fact.....
It takes individual testing of ALL scopes to find out if it proves out or not to each one, and to each ones extent.
I hate assumption input, but it does seem to be vastly when it comes to shooting & reloading.

True. But worse to assume it 'wont' move again after dialing. Thats why I own a scope tester. All I was trying to say is its good to dial the turrets during a test to verify the reticle doesn't move again. I "assumed" folks would understand the meaning of my statement. My mistake.

 

[dmoran]

@Ledd Slinger
Have seen the variable cause/create the movement and not the turrets, for one example.
In which case would prove such assumption false and misleading.
Again, all scopes need to be tested and assessed individually to the where and why, is my point.

 

[Jet]

I would not compete with a scope if it takes more than one shot to settle the reticle. I would use a scope that only moved once then settled if I had to. If using this scope I would not make any turret adjustments inside of the last one minute sighter period and hold off as needed.

 

[muleystalker]

Is there anyone out there that will freeze a scope or is there info on how to do it? I haven't been able to find any info.

 

[bichettereds]

Is there anyone out there that will freeze a scope or is there info on how to do it? I haven't been able to find any info.

I was told Bob Brackney isn’t doing them anymore but I haven’t asked him directly. Anyone know if Gene still does the modification?

 

[Jet]

If you tested a NIB $465 Weaver ??

I have a 36X Weaver I picked up used a couple years ago and it was perfect when I tested it last year. I haven't used it so I didn't test it again this year. Hope this answers your questions.