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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Gun Gate => Topic started by: mcoulter on August 17, 2013, 10:14:27 PM

Title: Scope alignment question
Post by: mcoulter on August 17, 2013, 10:14:27 PM
Hi everyone,

I have found that when I shoot distances nearer or farther than my zero I need to adjust my windage.  Here is what I am seeing:

Farther than ZERO = POI is to the left (4 clicks to the right )
Closer than ZERO = POI is to the right (3 clicks to the left)

Am I correct in assuming that this *might* be an indication that my scope is twisted in the rings or perhaps that I don't hold my rifle perfectly vertical?  My thought is to try a very minor clockwise rotation of my scope in the rings...  Does that make sense?
Title: Re: Scope alignment question
Post by: BenjiHunter on August 17, 2013, 10:28:40 PM
Sounds like you're holding the rifle canted.
Make sure it's vertical when you shoot.
Title: Re: Scope alignment question
Post by: eeler1 on August 17, 2013, 10:50:41 PM
Or the scope is not aligned with the bore of the rifle.  Get a 2-3 foot rod the same dimension as your scope tube, likely 1" or 30mm, take the scope off and lay the rod in the rings, see if it points where the barrel points, or off to one side or the other.  If its not aligned close to perfect, then swap your rings front to back, then try turning them around one at a time.  If all that doesn't work, you may need different mounts, possibly adjustable mounts.
Title: Re: Scope alignment question
Post by: White Eagle on August 17, 2013, 10:57:26 PM
+1 on the scope doesn't align with the bore.  Rotating the scope will not correct the problem.  Canting the rifle might be the problem, but I think it's an alignment issue.  I've seen this many times, especially with springers.  I would try what eeler1 recommended.  Let us know what you find, and good luck! 8)
Title: Re: Scope alignment question
Post by: 56S on August 17, 2013, 11:06:13 PM
Have you tried heavier pellets?  A pellet that spins too fast can cause problems like yours. 
Title: Re: Scope alignment question
Post by: Roadworthy on August 18, 2013, 01:25:04 AM
I would start troubleshooting the problem by going back to basics.  Charledatuna has a tutorial on his website (http://charliedatuna.com/Airgun%20Info.htm (http://charliedatuna.com/Airgun%20Info.htm)) about optically centering a scope.  He has some other neat scope information as well.  It's worth a read - even as a refresher.  Good luck!
Title: Re: Scope alignment question
Post by: phantomshtter on August 18, 2013, 02:39:02 AM
Go to Harbor freight and buy a 79 cent double level and break it carefully.  Retrieve the two bubble level vials and add one to the rifles scope.  Got a cheap set of rings?  Just saw the clamps off one ring and epoxy the level to it, then tighten that onto some free space on your scope tube.  Don't forget to level the level.  lol  You'd be amazed how often and how much you can be unknowingly leaning the gun to one side.  This can ruin a shot in an instant.  When you look through a scope the reticle should actually appear crooked when it's really level, unless you are able to completely get your head behind the scope like on a crosman carbine stock or a pistol.  Optical illusion sorta thing, your head is tilted but it appears to the shooter that the reticle is tilted... at least that's how it works with me.  I recently witnessed 5 out 6 shooters leaning their guns heavily to the side while I was shooting with them, I believe folks do it due to the misconception that their reticle should appear horizontally/vertically level when viewed.  I know I did for years.  I never really hear shooters talk about this mistake though. ???  Look up the weighted string from a tree branch trick for leveling your reticle as well, you can't rely on the turrets being level to use with a bubble.  All good info, if you didn't already know it that is.
Title: Re: Scope alignment question
Post by: Chaffyn on August 18, 2013, 09:27:13 AM
Go to Harbor freight and buy a 79 cent double level and break it carefully.  Retrieve the two bubble level vials and add one to the rifles scope.  Got a cheap set of rings?  Just saw the clamps off one ring and epoxy the level to it, then tighten that onto some free space on your scope tube.

What a great idea, JR !!!  Thanks for the tip.  So far I've not found a commercially
available, reasonably priced gun or scope level worth salt.  Been wondering what to
do with those worthless rings I tossed aside.

What I do to avoid tilting the rifle:  When I mount a target I use a small level
to ensure the target itself is perfectly vertical.  Then before I acquire the target
I place the cross hairs against the edge of the paper to make sure I'm holding
the gun/scope correctly.  With the rifle firmly seated in the bag this always works.
Title: Re: Scope alignment question
Post by: SciGuy on August 18, 2013, 09:52:45 AM
Most likely misaligned scope.  If using 2-piece mounts turn either the front or rear mount 180 degrees and see if that helps. 
Title: Re: Scope alignment question
Post by: zenonine on August 18, 2013, 10:27:17 AM
Thanks phantomshtter. Good info. Just happened to have 1 in rings and a level.
Title: Re: Scope alignment question
Post by: phantomshtter on August 18, 2013, 01:13:33 PM
What a great idea, JR !!!  Thanks for the tip.  So far I've not found a commercially
available, reasonably priced gun or scope level worth salt.  Been wondering what to
do with those worthless rings I tossed aside.

Think it out before you execute the bubble install, check different position possibilities on the scope for the optimum placement.  You should be able to open your non aiming eye and view the level while your aiming eye rests behind the scope.  This is optimum placement.  Mine sits just atop my scope tube so I have to just drop my eye behind the scope after checking level.  if you can drill a hole into the modified ring and have the bubble out to the side that is best but for laying the gun down it causes an issue on that particular side.
Title: Re: Scope alignment question
Post by: OleTomCat on August 19, 2013, 01:11:15 AM
Matt,

Are you adjusting the Focus on the scope when you change distance?  I had a scope change POI on me when I did that, it was the weirdest thing I had ever seen...