I think I have a scope issue.

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CarJunkieLS1

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The scope in question is a 3-9x40 from a well known/respected company. I don't want to bash anyone so I will leave out the name for now... the scope retails for ~$150 new.

Here is my issue this scope was bought new to mount on my Weatherby Vanguard S2 7-08. I used Leopold rings/bases to mount the scope. I have removed and re mounted this scope 3 times and haven't had any better luck. This scope rifle combo will not shoot repeatable groups at 100yds. I have tried 2 different factory loads and tried hand loads and it just won't shoot well.

The POI is inconsistent and changes even while not touching the turrets. The view doesn't seem to stay focused either. I couldn't see a 7mm hole at 100yds with this scope and after some focus adjusting it got better. After a few shots it got fuzzy again.

I was having an easier time seeing the hits with a BSA scope from Walmart. I think I have a defective scope, but I'm not sure. I have mounted probably 15-20 scopes of different brands, models, price range, etc. and never had an issue like this.

Do you guys think its the scope or the rifle.any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
If you have another scope, try it and see if your issue goes away. You might have a loose action screw too. Check your mounts make sure they are tight. I had a similar experience once with reputable scope, turned out it was the mounts loose. I use Loctite now.
 
"The view doesn't seem to stay focused either. I couldn't see a 7mm hole at 100yds with this scope and after some focus adjusting it got better. After a few shots it got fuzzy again."

That sounds like an internal problem with the scope. Time for some phone calls about free replacement.
 
I have another scope that I will try and while I'm at it I'll double check and loctite the base screws. I am wanting to make 100% sure that its a scope issue before I send it in. I did call the CS of that company and they said send it in and we will look at it.
 
When I read the post I said to myself, "I bet its a mount issue."
After reading the post, not so much.

Getting fuzzy after a few shots definitely points to a scope problem. Give em a call. You said it was a well known and respected company, so I'm sure they will make it right.
 
I will add the company's name but I'm not trying to bash anyone. The scope is a Vortex Crossfire ii 3-9x40 w/ bdc reticle. I'm sure they will take care of me. But like I said before I want to be 100% sure that its a scope issue before I send it in.

I mounted a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40 on the rifle now so I just need to shoot it and see.
 
even the best scopes can break. many of the better known ones also offer lifetime warranties. send it back in and they'll make you happy.
 
Scopes in that price range tend to be tough to live with. I've only had one scope, a Bushnell Banner, that was in that price range and had good click adjustments and would hold a zero. I typically spend the $300 on a Leupold.

It seems that cheaper scopes don't fully index each click you make, so it may take 3-4 shots for the adjustment to take fully effect. So the shooter ends up wasting a lot of ammo chasing a zero.

To get a true 1/4" movement click to click, shot to shot, you almost need to go more expensive. Frankly, I'll skimp on the rifle before I skimp on the scope.
 
The scope in question is a 3-9x40 from a well known/respected company.

Everybody lets a bad one get out from time to time, any decent company knows this and will quickly make it right.

Time to give them a call.
 
Your rifle is capable of sub-MOA groups right out of the box. I have three Vanguard S2 rifles and all mine surpass that easily. Some of the best advice I got when I got into this was to plan on spending at least as much on the glass as the rifle. So far it's been great advice. I don't get buying a nice rifle and then putting cheap glass on it. Optics is one place you get what you pay for. Vortex seems to have a stellar reputation on here, I hope they live up to it for you.
 
You have a scope problem.

FWIW, there are very few sub $200 scopes that I feel are worth bringing home. There are a couple in the $150-$200 range that are OK, and you may find some $100-$150 scopes that do OK, at least for awhile. But the odds of finding real quality start with a MSRP right around $200. There are lots of good options if you move up. The difference between a $150 scope and one selling for around $200 is huge and well worth the minor price difference. No need to go much over $350-$400 either, unless you just want to. The $200-$400 range is where you find the most glass for your money.
 
I wish I could spend more $ on rifle scopes but $200 is all I can justify spending on a rifle scope...I know that you "get what you pay for" I have 3 Nikon scopes in the $150-$200 range and 2 Redfields in that same price range. And they have been flawless they track adjustments accurately hold zero and are very clear.

I'm a hunter and any shot I'll ever take will be no more than 200yds. And this price range scope works very well for me and IMO for my uses a $400 optic isn't that much better to justify the price difference.

If I had 300-500 yard shots all day and constantly made elevation adjustments then yes I'd spend more $.

I'm sure Vortex will take care of me.
 
Ask customer service if they will upgrade you to another tier in their scope line. They might offer a trade-up out of that entry level segment. The Crossfire line is their entry level ( made in China ) scope segment.

I'm a big fan of the higher end Vortex optics, but the Crossfire is not even in the running with their other offerings. I'd suggest a Nikon ProStaff by far over the Crossfire line for that price point.
 
@ Jerkface I can name 4 scopes of the top of my head that cost less than $200 that aren't Chinese...Redfield Revenge, Vortex Crossfire, Nikon Prostaff, Burris FF 2. I know they are not the top of the line scopes out there, but I know the Redfield, and Nikon are made in the Phiilipines not in China. Also all 4 scopes mentioned carry the Lifetime Warranty that the more expensive models of those companys do.
 
And this price range scope works very well for me and IMO for my uses a $400 optic isn't that much better to justify the price difference.

If I had 300-500 yard shots all day and constantly made elevation adjustments then yes I'd spend more $.

If you haven't used a $400 scope, you wouldn't know the difference they can make. And they're not just for 300-500 yd shots.
 
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