[21bubba]

Maybe a dumb question but here goes. Does changing the magnifying setting on a scoped rifle change the zero on the scope? I don't think it does, but my son in law asked and I wasn't sure. Thanks

[rcmodel]

It is not supposed to.

Back 30 - 40 years ago it often did, but variable scopes had a long way to go then.

Quality Variables today should never change the POI with a power change.

rc

[chas08]

In the "old days" or early days of variables the answer would have been yes. Especially in cheaper scopes. It was called tracking. The gun gurus of the day that would even allow a variable on a rifle (and there were few) suggested zeroing on a middle power setting to minimize this, such as 6x on a 3X9 scope. Nowadays it's almost unheard of, except in the cheapest of third world made scopes. Optics and manufacturing processe have improved that much. Always remember a cheap scope is no bargain. And buy in the power range that is best suited to your type of hunting I would rather spend more on the optics than the gun, and on a couple of my bolt actions I have, but then thats just me.

[MCgunner]

I had a Simmons that did, 12 or 15" difference. I no longer will have anything to do with Simmons scopes. None of my other scopes do.

[ArmedBear]

Poi is kind of bland, with an odd aftertaste. I think you have to grow up with it to like it.

Why?

[matrem]

Always remember a cheap scope is no bargain.
As true as it gets!
Yep.. I can hear it now.. For some of you.... You've either been EXTREMELY lucky, or you haven't "worked em hard" yet.

[chas08]

Yep.. I can hear it now.. For some of you.... You've either been EXTREMELY lucky, or you haven't "worked em hard" yet.
There's been a number of times over the years at the range that some poor soul near my station would be complaining that his new $500 rifle wont shoot a group and it's topped with a $50 bubble wrapped scope from K-Mart. It's hard to go wrong with a name brand that offers a No-Questions asked "Lifetime" warranty. Leupold, Pentax, Burris, to name a few. Hard to go wrong with a Leupold VXII or III or Burris Fullfield II, great scopes for the money.

[ArmedBear]

Add Nikon to the list of good values.

I have a Nikon, a Leupold and a Burris on the three scoped guns I use the most. They all work great.

You don't have to spend $2000 to get a serviceable scope. But to spend less than $200 (or $100 on the Nikon rimfire classic, which is an anomaly) is a waste of money. I've done it, and none of those scopes are in use any more. Should have kept the money and used it towards something decent.