Are new scopes optically centered from the factory??

[snuffer]

Leapers UTG 3-12x44 compact on its way. Just wondering
Thanks

[nervoustrigger]

Not in my experience!

[Roadworthy]

Don't assume it's centered - confirm for yourself.

[OldFlyRod]

I spoke with Jess at Hawke and he said their's were, but I would take Thomas's advice and check for yourself. I know I did, this time.
If for nothing else to make sure everything works. I didn't the first time. I was bending the barrel before moving the turrets.
When I finally did pull the caps off, the lateral (windage)adjustment knob went flying off never to be found.

[Pellgunfun]

My Center Point scope was centered out of the box, but as has been said, "check for yourself".  That is the only way I knew for sure that the scope was already centered. 

[gloob]

Can someone enlighten me on why one would optically center a scope? Doesn't the scope have to be adjusted to the same point after it's mounted, whether it starts out centered or not?

I have googled it the other day, but I am still not clear. Do you shim the scope in the rings, after? Take a few shots, unmount it, shim it, repeat? That sounds like an even bigger pain in the rear as centering it in the first place. Or as FlyRod suggested, do you mount it then bend the barrel until it hits to POA?

[Pellgunfun]

Can someone enlighten me on why one would optically center a scope? Doesn't the scope have to be adjusted to the same point after it's mounted, whether it starts out centered or not?

I have googled it the other day, but I am still not clear. Do you shim the scope in the rings, after? Take a few shots, unmount it, shim it, repeat? That sounds like an even bigger pain in the rear as centering it in the first place. Or as FlyRod suggested, do you mount it then bend the barrel until it hits to POA?

If you aren't going to shim or use adjustable rings, then there is no need to start off with a scope that is optically centered.  Just bolt it on and bore sight.
The idea is to get the scope as close to zero as possible without moving the windage and elevation knobs.  Then finish the dial in from there.
In a perfect world (and if the rifle was built well) you should find that when you install a scope that the windage zero should at least be near perfect.  That why you need to ensure that it is "optically centered" before you begin.
Most mass-produced factory rifles can't claim that.  Well most powder burners can't anyways.

Use shims if you don't have adjustable rings.  You can determine the shim thickness you need, then just install and tighten down your scope.  Some guys can be pretty anal about it, and that's when you hear about guys installing and removing their scopes over and over so as to get them just right before depending on the knobs to finish up.  It's much simpler to use adjustable rings really.

In my case I didn't need either one.  I just spun my barrel a quarter turn and it was smack on.  Then did a quick test firing at both near and far range to see if the point of impact shifted left or right.  It didn't shift at all.  Sort of a down and dirty poor man's indexing.