Is it me or the scope? How do I confirm which?

Status
Not open for further replies.

wombat13

Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2010
Messages
1,849
I was recently given a new 10point crossbow, package deal with a fixed power scope. I've shot it on two different occasions and both times the following has happened. The first handful of shots group nicely in the bullseye, then the group shifts an inch or so the right.

Sunday I was shooting at 20 yards. First few shots with a nice group in the bull then the group shifted to the right by a bit less than an inch. Collected the bolts and the next group also hitting to the right, so I cranked the scope 4 clicks (each click half inch at 100 yards) and I was back in the bull. Shot a few more and the point of impact again shifted to the right, this time by more than an inch. So this time, I cranked the scope 10 clicks and the next group was back in the bull.

I'm worried that something is wrong with the scope. If I were inconsistent with my shooting, it seems like some of my arrows should end up to the left of the bull. I adjusted the scope 14 clicks. that should be 7 inches at 100 yards or nearly 1.5 inches at 20 yards, yet none of my bolts impacted to the left.

How do I confirm whether my scope is bad or its operator error?
 
Once I had a suspected issue with a scope and a friend suggested I do a "box test". (I'm not sure he used that term, but it seems like a good one.) I didn't end up doing this, but I remember it and thought it was an intriguing idea.

See if you can make a box with patterns of shots - at the four corners of the box. When you think the scope is basically on - adjust it n clicks left and n clicks up (significant enough so it really needs to move - quite a bit - maybe 4-5"?) and shoot a group. Then do a group the same amount to the upper-right - and so on. See if you can get 4 consistent groups at the box corners.

It would seem to me this would help you narrow in on whether the scope is OK or not.
 
1st make sure everything is tight. Including how the mount connect to the crossbow. Are you shooting broad-heads or field points? broad heads can make your bolts not fly straight especially on a crossbow. If everything else looks good Then try having someone else shoot it see if they have the same issues.
 
Sometimes rings need to settle in. Keep shooting it and adjusting it until it settles down - it's free to shoot it! (provided you use different aiming points to prevent robin hoods; do not "group" unless shooting at least 30-35 yards).
 
I’ve owned 3 with scopes. I found results like yours. Went to local shop. We set crossbow back. String will move left to right when levering or pulling up by hand. Make a mark with a sharpie on either side of the rail on your bow string. Every time you pull back to cock make sure those marks are in the same spot. I went from flyers to Robin Hood’s in my next shot. Your ten point may have the new rail guide and if that’s the case your scope could be off. Just what I learned from mine and a good bow shop.
 
Best way to check an optic after ruling out loose mounts/mounting is to put another optic on and try it again.

I know almost nothing about crossbows, but it sounds as if cocking them the same way every time can be an issue. I know shooting a regular bow having the nock in exactly the same place every time is important.
 
Use a rope cocker cause it sounds like your torquing the string. Also, use the same bolt that’s shooting poorly and see if it’s only bolt that shoots badly.
 
Use rope cocker. Mine was only like 8 bucks.

Then once you get the scope halfway on, do a string of shots where you shoot the first at the bullseye, then each shot shoot at point of impact from the last shot. It should be a pretty straight line away from bullseye, if it's not, something isn't right.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top