So I have a Nikon 3-9x40 Prostaff. I picked it up online for a heck of a deal. It would normally not be my first choice, or my second, or anywhere even close to my top choices, but I got such a good deal I couldn't pass it up. I figured I could try it out, see how I liked it, then sell it for a profit if I didn't like it as I expected. I decided once getting it, that it would be better than the Simmons I was temporary using until the SS 5-20 variable power comes out, so I decided to mount it to my rifle. Anyway, after I mounted it, I went to adjust the focus. This is where I noticed something odd. Once the focus knob was loosened it would wobble a little bit in your hand. Not a ton, but a little bit. I noticed as you moved it around slightly, the cross hairs would move around inside the scope too. Is this normal? Or is something wrong here? Does this mean every time I adjust the focus it's going to change zero? Once the focus knob is tightened down with the lock ring the cross hairs don't move.
Is this normal, or is this scope broken?
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Flobert
Member
This is why I always buy face to face. I got a killer deal on an air rifle from a local store, it turned out to have a problem, took it back and got my refund.
wally
Member
Its defective, send it back to Nikon, there is a warranty card inside the box with the info you need.
I got a broken Millet DMS from Midway, they exchanged it for a good one. If your on-line vendor is legit, likely they will too unless on-line = E-bay, otherwise contact Nikon's repair depot.
I got a broken Millet DMS from Midway, they exchanged it for a good one. If your on-line vendor is legit, likely they will too unless on-line = E-bay, otherwise contact Nikon's repair depot.
NuclearMeltdown
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If what you're describing is what I think it is, nothing is wrong with the crosshairs. They just appear to move because the lens is moving when you focus it. The crosshairs aren't moving. There is some play in a scope I have when it's being focused, but when the lock ring is retightened, everything is back to normal. Just loose tolerances in the threads on the focus bell.
Hmm, now I'm curious as to what I should do. I may give Nikon's CS a call and see what they say. The reason I'm curious is I tried this on my Leupold also, and it does the same thing. I wonder if it does just appear that way since the lens is moving, or if it's something wrong with the scope.
jerkface11
Member
My guess is they won't do a thing if you aren't the original purchaser with a receipt to prove it.
Their warranty sheet on their website says that they will honor the warranty even if you aren't the original purchaser and even without the receipt. So I think they have to do something.
However, that being said, I checked out every other scope I own, and every scope I have does this, so I'm thinking it can't be a bad scope.
However, that being said, I checked out every other scope I own, and every scope I have does this, so I'm thinking it can't be a bad scope.
http://www.nikonhunting.com/uploads/warranties/LifetimeWarrantyCertificate.pdf
There is their lifetime warranty certificate on their site. So if something turns out to be wrong, they have to fix it.
There is their lifetime warranty certificate on their site. So if something turns out to be wrong, they have to fix it.
jerkface11
Member
Oh good I know bushnell and simmons won't.
Yeah, I know people seem to have a lot of issues with Bushnell and Simmons, and I've heard of a few issues with Nikon's CS, but for the most part they seem okay from what I've read.
That being said, I think the above poster might be right, and and it might not be the crosshairs moving, but instead the rear lens moving and making it appear as though the crosshairs move up and down as you move the lens. I'm not sure, but I know that every other scope I have with an adjustable eyepiece to adjust the focus is doing this, so I figure it really can't be a bad scope.
That being said, I think the above poster might be right, and and it might not be the crosshairs moving, but instead the rear lens moving and making it appear as though the crosshairs move up and down as you move the lens. I'm not sure, but I know that every other scope I have with an adjustable eyepiece to adjust the focus is doing this, so I figure it really can't be a bad scope.
jerkface11
Member
Only one way to tell see if it holds zero.
Maverick223
Member
I think what you describe is a function of what is known as "parallax error", particularly considering that you have another scope that exhibits the same phenomena. This is considered normal, and is actually the reason for a focus. That said, it is always a good idea to do a box test shoot, make up/dn and left/right adjustments as well as changing the magnification (and focus if needed), shoot again and note the position (should represent the quantity of adjustment), then return the scope to the original zero (with or without adjusting the magnification) and shoot again (should be back on target).
WRT the Nikon warranty: IME Nikon has neither the best (takes care of everything) nor the worst warranty (worthless scrap of paper) in the optics industry. They will take care of problems that are clearly the result of poor workmanship, et cetera, and leave you on your own if there is much doubt as to the treatment of the scope. My experience with Nikon's (as well as Bushnell, which falls into the same category, for that matter) has been good...but if you are hard on your optics it is best to stick with ones with an exceptional warranty like Vortex or Leupold.
WRT the Nikon warranty: IME Nikon has neither the best (takes care of everything) nor the worst warranty (worthless scrap of paper) in the optics industry. They will take care of problems that are clearly the result of poor workmanship, et cetera, and leave you on your own if there is much doubt as to the treatment of the scope. My experience with Nikon's (as well as Bushnell, which falls into the same category, for that matter) has been good...but if you are hard on your optics it is best to stick with ones with an exceptional warranty like Vortex or Leupold.
Yep, I plan to shoot it to make sure it adjusts like it should, stays zeroed on all magnifications, etc. I just wanted to make sure that this wasn't a sign of it being bad right out of the box because if that was the case, I'd just send it in now instead of wasting ammo trying it. Looks like I will be trying it out.
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