[scythefwd]

Took the .308 to the range today with a new scope. Got it grouping acceptably for hunting at 100y.

I zero'd at 100 with it on 12x (its a 4-12x40 bushnell elite 3200).

I dropped it down to 4x, and my POI shifted 3 inches straight to the 6 o'clock. Is this much shift normal when switching manigications?

[browningguy]

That's a broken scope (or bad shooting :) ), changing the power should not affect POI at all.

[scythefwd]

browning.. actually I know a little shift is common, but I wouldn't expect it to be 3 inches.. I duplicated this twice.. changing back and forth each time.. it was repeatable..

[TurtlePhish]

it was repeatable..

Bad scope, then. It shouldn't do that. At least it does it reliably, but it really shouldn't at all.

[madcratebuilder]

Is this much shift normal when switching manigications?

3moa is excessive but 1+moa is common with lower cost scopes. Next to the glass the gear box that moves the reticule is the most material cost in a scope. Many are plastic or plastic and metal and the best are fully machined metal.

If this change is a consistent value you can chart and compensate for it.

[Sav .250]

That's a broken scope (or bad shooting :) ), changing the power should not affect POI at all.
I`d lean that way as well.

[The Lone Haranguer]

Even I know that is a scope quality problem. ;)

[10thMtn]

I agree with Madcratebuilder. Lower cost scopes are less expensive because the parts are less expensive to make. Cheaper components equal less consistency, accuracy, or longevity. While a high-end scope shouldn't change moa with change in magnification, this 3 moa drop might just be something you've got to dope around -- especially if it's consistent. Just consider it part of "the cost of doing business" with this scope. But, hey...that's what makes it fun!

[Art Eatman]

If you're hunting at only 100 yards, I suggest that 4X is the more useful setting because of the wider field of view. Sight in with the scope set at 4X.

[jerkface11]

3moa is excessive but 1+moa is common with lower cost scopes.

The last time I checked an elite 3200 wasn't a low cost scope.

[TxBobS]

The last time I checked an elite 3200 wasn't a low cost scope.
It's only $270 online (from a reputable dealer).

Sure sounds like it is defective though. I would get it swapped out.

[adelbridge]

the only thing that should change with magnification is the eye relief and that changes only tenths of inches from 4X-12x. 3" shifts at 100 yards would be 6" at 200 yards if there is any predictability in a broken scope. Elites are really nice scopes and I am surprised to hear this problem. Send it back.