Best way to store the gun? Vertical/Horizontal

[ManiShuck]

I did a search and really only came up with one result that had an answer, but I also have more to the question.

I usually lay my gun down on a long bookshelf, with a thin blanket underneath for some cushioning. I've been wondering if it's a bad route though as the left knob (though I don't use it, there is a knob for reticle illumination, UTG 4-16x40AO) on my scope gets pressure from being lied on and I'm not sure if that can affect accuracy. Like maybe the scope slowly gets moved a tiny bit. The reason for thinking this is that when I first take the gun out to shoot it will occasionally be off a bit and I'll have to adjust the windage knob. After I make the adjustment it's right back to shooting decent groups. I went out earlier, made the windage change, got a decent grouping and afterwards made two accurate shots on starling, one at ~35 yards and another at 50 yards.

I really don't think though that the scope moves, but not sure. Is it just some strange coincidence or should I have the gun resting so the butt is on the ground and the barrel is propped up in the corner? What else could be affecting the change in accuracy? It's a Crosman Nitro Venom that I've had for about a year and it's definitely had enough rounds through it, pellets being either RWS or JSB.

[Bullit]

Good question and I'm glad to say that unless you slam it down, you will have no scope problems, vertical or horizontal.  I (and many), keep one leaned up close to the backdoor.  There's a term called "backdoor gun" or "kitchen gun", which many refer to as their little "Go Too".  If you do have problems, you need a better scope or mounting system. Treat her well, put a beanbag under the knob, or make a yoke of wood, or something to prop it upright....looks better too!   

[ManiShuck]

Thanks. Depending on the day and frequency of crows/blue-jays in the tree I'll leave it propped up next to the door in the kitchen.

I have it propped up in a way that it's not leaning on the scope at all or the barrel, I'll leave it like that once night comes and test it out tomorrow. I don't think it's an issue from the scope itself, I mean I can shoot all day long with it staying accurate. I could be wrong though, I don't know, it may just be in my mind. At least I'm finding out that it's okay when I have the gun leaning up on the barrel between uses.

[cactusrat]

Thanks. Depending on the day and frequency of crows/blue-jays in the tree I'll leave it propped up next to the door in the kitchen.

Shooting Crows and Blue Jays is illegal in Texas.

Here (below) is a link for Texas critters that can be taking with a air rifle.

Just a friendly reminder on watch what you post on an open forum. By law you almost made a confusion with that statement.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/regulations/fish_hunt/

[airnutz]

cactusrat, thank you.

[RedFeather]

Just as easy to put it into an inexpensive gun case.  Get excited while hastily fetching, one eye on that varmint, and it falls off the shelf, slides down the kitchen wall, etc, you just may see some real boo-boo's.  Keep her wiped down with a good metal protectorant and stick a silica gel block or couple of packets in the case and it shouldn't be a problem.  Takes about thirty seconds to open the case.

[WHITEFANG]

Break barrels broke open and setting in the wall rack scope down. Side levers or under levers with the lever broke open. Just how I do it.

[Habanero69er]

If I'm not mistaken, on that particular scope, the left knob is for illumination of the reticle. If I am right about that, I don't know how even if the knob did move that it would effect your windage or elevation settings.

Dave

[Ol'DeadEye]

I prefer mine to be supported on the rear stocks pistol grip area and either the fore end or the underside of the barrel band  when supported horizontally.  Trying to keep weight off the rather lightweight barrels.

Vertically in my cabinet or the corner I keep them as upright as possible without falling over to keep weight off the muzzle area.

As far as the first few shots being off a bit, I've noticed that myself from any storage position.
Seems like a shot or two wakes the gun up, kinda like a shot or two (of an adult beverage) puts me to sleep.

[Bullit]

If I'm not mistaken, on that particular scope, the left knob is for illumination of the reticle. If I am right about that, I don't know how even if the knob did move that it would effect your windage or elevation settings.

Dave

That's the way I see it.  If it's that sensitive.  Don't need it. Lean it.

[ManiShuck]

Thanks. Depending on the day and frequency of crows/blue-jays in the tree I'll leave it propped up next to the door in the kitchen.

Shooting Crows and Blue Jays is illegal in Texas.

Here (below) is a link for Texas critters that can be taking with a air rifle.

Just a friendly reminder on watch what you post on an open forum. By law you almost made a confusion with that statement.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/regulations/fish_hunt/

I was under the impression they were both okay, but it seems it may only be true for the crow. I believe groups of crow going after pecan trees would be labeled as a nuisance (and possibly the trees as agricultural crops).

Unprotected Birds:
- Yellow-headed, red-winged, rusty, or Brewer’s blackbirds and all grackles, cowbirds (does not include cattle egret), crows, or magpies may be controlled without a federal or state depredation permit when found committing or about to commit depredations on ornamental or shade trees, agricultural crops, livestock, or wildlife, or when concentrated in numbers and in a manner that constitutes a health hazard or other nuisance.

I'm surprised bluejays aren't listed as they're the second among birds in destroying pecans. I suppose since they're a songbird, but they do also attack every robin around our home, even destroying the occasional ones nest/eggs.

Thanks for the heads up though. I'll have to find out something for those bluejays.


@habanero69er, I wasn't meaning to say that the illumination knob affects the windage/elevation, but that if any weight put on it might shift the scope/rails a tiny bit. I highly doubt it, but just thinking of anything that might be the cause.

Ol'DeadEye might be correct and it just needs a "wake up" of a few shots. Wasn't sure with the nitro piston if there would be a difference between it not being shot for hours or if it was only shot a minute before. Same with weather affecting it.