Scope Magnification (Does it matter?)

[gadawg31]

I have been doing some research and I have had every so called expert around my shop tell me a different story, so I want to get your opinions. Let's take a Bushnell Banner 3x9x50: I originally sighted it in on 4x, starting at 25yds, out to 100yds. As I went out to 200yds, I adjusted the magnification to 7x and sighted in. Does the magnification really have any effect on the sight in? I have not had time to go back out to the range and experiment, so thought I would ask the question. What is the answer here?

JD

 

[rcmodel]

Changing power on a modern decent quality variable power scope should have no effect on the zero.

It was a problem many years ago when variable scopes were first coming on the market.

But if zero changes on a modern variable with a switch in power, it is messed up.

rc

 

[dubbleA]

With the reticle in the second focal plane (such as yours) your zero can shift with power changes. It doesnt matter if it's a $100 Bushnell Banner or a $1500 Leupold it can happen.

To achieve absolutely no shift with power changes you will need to go with a scope that has a first focal plane reticle.

 

[Jim Watson]

Once you are on the paper, the way to minimize the effect of zero shift is to get on at the highest power and longest range. That way if the zero does shift it will be at lower power and closer range where it matters less.

 

[hunttheevil]

An effective way to verify your scopes deviation is to perform power jump exercises. Zero the scope at 100 yards on low power, then shoot single shots at 100 yards alternating from low power to high power for each shot. See what kind of grouping you get.

 

[tuj]

Magnification should have no effect on zero. If it does, your scope isn't of good quality.

 

[Grumulkin]

Magnification should have no effect on zero. If it does, your scope isn't of good quality.

Amen brother.

 

[gadawg31]

Thanks for all the input. Been out of town for a while, so no computer access. I am going to the range this weekend to try out some of the theories. Again, thanks for the input.

JD

 

[Outlaw Man]

Do you think there could be some perceived zero shift due to parallax error?

 

[gadawg31]

Not sure, but if it will clear up some today, I am going to experiment a little. I suspect it is probably all operator error.