BSA Rocks -or- on the rocks?

[MondronT]

I've always avoided BSA scopes along with most other "inexpensive" (cheap) scopes. Being on a limited budget I fixed myself on a Nikon Prostaff minimum. I've purchased hundreds of their cameras for work so thought I'd give them a try. With 4 3-9's and a 4-12 I feel very confident with these inexpensive (not cheap) scopes. Midway had a special on the BSA platinum Target 36x scopes. I read many many reviews and though there were a few bad ones, I find that normal with computers, cars, boats, motorcycles and guitars all the time. I don't need low light capabilities or generous eye relief or edge to edge clarity So OK, for 60 bills it's worth the chance. I just wanted higher magnification and this was a chance to try cheaply. After mounting and sighting in (4 shots) my first real group was all in one big hole. Left the range because of rain and a few days later shot an even smaller single hole three shot group. That was the only three shots I got to fire that day since I was focused on a new rifle I'm working up loads for. I was so impressed because with my 3-9x I typically was getting 3/8 to 1/2 inch groups. In my excitement I ordered another I thought I'd put on my new .223.
Third day out... first group in the .2 range, second .3, third 1.5 forth 2.5.
Checked all mounting hardware and everything was still torqued. Holy crap batman. Back again after checking things out on my bench and I don't think this gun (savage edge 7mm-08 with Rifle Basix trigger) has ever shot over an inch and a half was now shooting 5 inch groups. OK so the Nikon is back on. I called BSA and the nice guy on the phone just as well have been a recording. Him:"Ship it to us." Me:"Do I need a RMA number?" Him:"No. Just ship it and if it's defective we'll fix and send it back, thanks for calling..." CLICK
Lesson Learned.

 

[PapaG]

Did you clean the rifle after the groups went to pot?
I've had a couple BSAs but never put one on anything with serious recoil. A couple of Platinum 6-24Xs were tried on some 22 target guns but I didn't like the focus (or lack of it). I'm firmly in the Bushnell, Nikon, Leupold camp for 99 percent of my usages.

 

[MondronT]

No I did not because of the low round count and the fact that this barrel has always done better after getting ten or more rounds down range. She's back to normal with the Nikon - 1/2". So I'm really thinking something just let go inside. I will try the other BSA when opportunity comes. I really love the high magnification. I'm saving for a Weaver t-36 so if the second one can last me until then I will be pleased. If not I will continue with the Nikon or one of my Bushnell's.