At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
Brownells — Howa 1500 Barreled Actions with HACT Triggers
⏺️ » Great barreled actions with nice trigger starting under $430.00
Howa M1500 barreled actions are great for hunting and varmint rifle projects. The actions run smoothly and boast a very good 2-stage trigger. And now you can get a complete barreled action (with trigger!) starting at $429.12. Many chamberings are offered, with a variety of barrel profiles: .223 Rem, 22 ARC, .22-250, 6mm ARC, .243 Win, 6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7.62×39, 7mm-08, 7mm PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, 300 AAC, 300 PRC, .300 Win Mag and 350 Legend. These Japanese-made Howa actions are smooth running and the 2-stage HACT trigger is way better than most factory triggers. CLICK HERE to learn more about Howa M1500 barreled actions.
EuroOptic — February Deals on Vortex Scopes, Rifles, Gear
⏺️ » Big savings on Vortex Scopes, Bolt Guns, and Outdoor Gear
EuroOptic.com is running multiple major sales this week. Check out these major specials with savings up to 80% on Outdoor Gear. If you need scopes, spotter, binoculars, and/or rangefinders, check out the Vortex Promo — save 12% with Code VTX12. Next you can save hundreds on bolt-action rifles. There are huge discounts on major brands including SAKO, Tikka, Bergara, Christensen, SAUER, and more. Last but not least, EuroOptic is running a major sale on a wide variety of outdoor gear (clothing, accessories, packs etc.) with discounts up to 80%.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
This popular video, viewed 3.9 million times on YouTube, provides a clear explanation of Minute of Angle (MOA) and how that angular measurement is used. Among novice shooters, there is much confusion over this term. In this NSSF Video, Ryan Cleckner, a former U.S. Army Sniper Instructor, defines the term “Minute of Angle” (MOA) and explains how you can adjust for windage and elevation using 1/4 or 1/8 MOA clicks on your scope. This allows you to sight-in precisely and compensate for bullet drop at various distances.
For starters, Ryan explains that, when talking about angular degrees, a “minute” is simply 1/60th. So a “Minute of Angle” is simply 1/60th of one degree of a central angle, measured either up and down (for elevation) or side to side (for windage). At 100 yards, 1 MOA equals 1.047″ on the target. This is often rounded to one inch for simplicity. Say, for example, you click up 1 MOA. That is roughly 1 inch at 100 yards, or roughly 4 inches at 400 yards, since the target area measured by 1 MOA increases in linear fashion with the distance.
More Minute of Angle (MOA) Explanatory Videos
This Gunwerks video explains that Minute of Angle subtends approximately 1″ for each 100 yards (well, 1.047″ to be more precise). That means a Minute of Angle increases in actual measured size the greater the distance of the target from the shooter.
This lengthy (24-minute) video defines Minute of Angle, and uses multiple diagrams to illustrate how MOA angular measurements works. The video also how MOA-based click values translate to point-of-impact changes at various distances.
More and more folks are using Burris Signature Rings these days. These unique rings feature polymer inserts. That allows you to pre-load some elevation in your scope set-up, or you can center-up the windage. Additionally, the polymer inserts hold your scope securely without leaving marks on the tube. Lastly, some folks believe that Signature rings may offer advantages for benchrest competition. Rodney Wagner shot a world-record 600-yard group using Burris Signature Zee Rings (“Zee” denotes the Weaver-rail model). James O’Hara set multiple IBS 1000-yard records using Burris Signature Zee Rings. James will tell you he thinks “all his guns seem to shoot best with these rings”.
IBS World Record Set with Signature Zee Rings
Are Signature Zees good enough for competition? Absolutely. Some folks scoff at these Burris rings, given their modest price. A set of 1″-diameter Sig Zees cost $40.89 at Midsouth. But consider this, in 2013 Rodney Wagner shot the then-smallest 600-yard group in history, a 0.336″ 5-shot stunner, using Signature Zee Rings on his IBS Light Gun. It took five years for a smaller 600-yard group to be shot, a 0.311″ by bullet-maker Bart Sauter, using his IBS Heavy Gun. (See IBS 600-yard Records.) Here’s Rodney with his record-setting rifle, fitted with affordable Signature Zee 30mm rings.
Vendors Have Burris Signature Rings in Stock Now
Various models of Burris Signature Rings are available from many online vendors including Brownells, Midsouth, and MidwayUSA. NOTE: You may have to check with more than one seller to get the exact size, height, and model you prefer. But right now these vendors have pretty good selections of Signature Zees in stock now, including the popular 30mm High ($61.99 at Brownells) and 30mm Extra High models ($56.36 at Midsouth). If you check all three sellers, you’ll probably find what you need.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
Graf & Sons — Berger Bullet Sale (Save up to 29%)
⏺️ » Save on Berger match, varmint, & hunting bullets, plus Berger ammo
Here’s your chance to stock up on some of the best bullets you can buy. Right now at Graf & Sons, a vast selection of Berger Bullets is on sale for all popular calibers: .204, .224, 6mm, .257, 6.5mm, .270, 7mm, .308, .338 and .375. Save up to 29% on popular match, varmint, and hunting bullets. In addition Graf’s has discounted the excellent Berger Loaded Ammunition which uses top-quality brass. Loaded ammo is offered for a wide variety of cartridge types, from .223 Rem to .338 Norma Mag. If you shoot PRS/NRL we can definitely recommend the Berger 6mm Creedmoor ammo.
Graf & Sons — SnapSafe Titan Assemble-On-Site GunSafes
⏺️ » Unique Shippable Gun Safes in Liftable Segments
Have you been wanting a good gunsafe but are put off by having to move it or can’t get it into the room you want? Consider one of these SnapSafe Assemble-On-Site Safes that have all the security of a conventional, welded safe in an easy-to-assemble valuables and closet gun vault that moves anywhere piece-by-piece, then locks together in minutes with no specialized tools.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
Midsouth — Hornady V-Max Bullet Sale
⏺️ » Superb varmint bullets at major discounts — save 13-14%
Ok varminters, here’s your chance to stock up on some of the best varmint bullets you can buy. Right now at Midsouth, along with the four (4) V-Max types shown above, there are 20+ other Hornady V-Max types on Sale in .17, .204, .224, .243, .257, .264, .277, .284, and .308 calibers. Bullet weights range from a mere 25 grains in .17 caliber, up to 120 grains in 7mm (.284).
Palmetto State Armory — SHOT Show Deals ARs, Pistol, Optics
⏺️ » Save hundreds on quality rifles, handguns, and optics
Currently, Palmetto State Armory is running a major SHOT Show sale. There are dozens of good deals on guns, components, optics, ammo and more. Three notable choices featured above are: Complete PSA M4 PA-15 Carbine for $479.99; SAR9 9mm Pistol for $179.99; Crimson Trace RAD 3 MOA Red Dot for $69.99. That SAR9 pistol is truly a steal at under $180.
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Garmin has introduced a new, very advanced laser rangefinder that raises the bar in terms of hand-held ranging technology. The new Garmin XERO L60i Laser Rangefinder represents a major breakthrough with key functions not found on other rangefinders. This XERO L60i unit has onboard ballistics to help calculate your hold. And there are onboard temperature, barometer, and humidity sensors. And the unit even has geo-memory that can tag a sighted location with GPS. But all that sensor tech and sophisticated ranging comes with a price. This Garmin XERO L60i unit has an MSRP of $2499.99. That’s $1000.99 more than the highly-regarded Leica Rangemaster CRF MAX rangefinder ($1499.00), and it is $1650.99 more than the excellent Leica RangeMaster CRF Pro ($849.00).
Notable features of the new Garmin XERO L60i:
High-resolution, full-color Overlay Display
Very sharp visual optics with 32mm objective and 7X magnification
Ranging out to 2000 yards for trees and out to 1500 yards for animals
Laser Locate feature to set GPS waypoint on previously ranged objects/animals
XERO L60i can access Applied Ballistics solver with AB Quantum Garmin App
Can range up to 1400 times with just two AAA Batteries*
This official Garmin video covers the notable features listed above.
This Garmin video shows how to employ XERO L60i advanced features in the field.
Want this Amazing Rangefinder? It’s in Stock Now at MidwayUSA
* The Garmin Xero L60i chronograph is powered by two user-replaceable 1.5V AAA lithium batteries, providing an operating life of approximately 1400 shots or ranges (based on a one-second range followed by a 10-second display). The unit is designed with an IPX7 water rating and operates between -20° to 60°C (-4° to 140°F).
It is now Day Two of SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas. There are huge crowds visiting the thousands of display booths in the “miles of aisles” (19 acres to be precise). Over 52,000 people have registered for the event. This year’s SHOT Show encompasses two facilities — the Venetian Expo AND the new Caesars Forum. Combined, these facilities provide over 830,000 net square feet of exhibit space. The two trade show halls are connected by an elevated walking bridge.
CLICK HERE for the searchable database of all SHOT Show 2025 exhibitors.
Today, as part of our Day Two coverage of SHOT Show 2026, we feature videos and images of new rifles from Smith & Wesson, CZ, Century Arms and new chassis systems from MDT. Other major makers, including Beretta, Bushmaster, FN, Remington, Rossi, SIG Sauer, and Tikka have many new guns on display at SHOT Show 2026.
Interesting New Products at SHOT Show 2026
Century Arms ATA ALR — Affordable Precision Rifle
At SHOT Show, Century Arms showcased the new ATA ALR Tactical Rifle. Chambered in .308 Win or 6.5 Creedmoor, this modular rifle comes complete with adjustable aluminum chassis and muzzle brake. This could be a good starter rifle for PRS/NRL competition that does double duty as a hunting rig. And the ATA ALR is just $1099.99. That’s a great deal — you can pay that much just for an aftermarket chassis system.
Smith & Wesson New Metal-Frame Handguns
Smith & Wesson has many new products coming out in 2026. Many impressive new handguns have been seen at this year’s SHOT Show. This video covers some very impressive S&W handguns that feature aluminum and steel frames. The first pistol is the S&W SPEC VI with aluminum frame, ported barrel, and pre-installed Aimport optic. Next the reviewer covers the impressive steel-framed HD series pistols — both standard and competitor models. With good ergonomics and triggers, these are great for action pistol games.
MDT New Ultra-Light Chassis — Just 3.2 Pounds
In this video MDT Product engineer Josh Botha reviews the new MDT DRT lightweight chassis. This was designed for lighter weight for easier carry in the field by hunters. DRT stands for “Dead Right There” and this models was designed for “precision night hunting”. The chassis bare weight is just 3.2 pounds a significant reduction compared to previous MDT ACC chassis systems.
Ryan Cleckner — New Seekins SIC Multi-Caliber Sniper Rifle
Ryan Cleckner is a respected gun journalist and former Army Sniper marksman and Sniper Instructor. In this video, at the 1:00-minute mark, Ryan spotlights the innovative Seekins SIC rifle crafted specifically for U.S. Special Operations. This rifle is designed to allow quick and easy barrel/bolt/magazine swaps so you can shoot multiple cartridge types with the same rifle. The Seekins SIC rifle is built to withstand extreme environments while letting the operator rapidly select and swap calibers to meet mission criteria. The $8900.00 Seekins SIC is a “purpose-driven, modular system” — not a chassis retrofitted to accept a barreled action.
New Hunting Rifles — Many Rifles Reviewed
This video reviews multiple hunting rifles, many of which were introduced in the last 12 months. This employs manufacture-supplied video clips, but it’s a good starting point if you’re shopping for a new hunting and/or varmint rifle. The video covers the pros and cons of these hunting rigs. Note, there is considerable annoying commentary in this video, but it does have good footage of the rifles and shows the bolts working and the rifles cycling. In order, the featured rifles are:
0:55 Bergara Platinum Stalker
2:30 Weatherby Mark V Backcountry Capra
2:52 Bergera Premier Cima Pro
5:32 Henry SPD Predator
7:06 Ruger American Rifle Gen II Prairie
8:34 Marlin 1894 Trapper (10mm)
10:15 CZ 600+
11:10 Previous CZ Models
11:45 Weatherby Model 307 Alpine ST
13:28 Smith & Wesson Model 1894 Stealth Hunter
15:06 Christiansen Arms Evoke
16:36 Bergara BMR-X (rimfire)
Handgun Shorts — CZ and Walther
NEW Nightforce NX6 Scope Family for 2026
Nightforce’s new NX6 riflescopes offer lightweight configurations with an impressive 6X magnification range across the series. NX6 options include: NX6 1-6x24mm, 2-12x42mm, 3-18x50mm, 4-24x50mm, and 5-30x56mm. NX6 scopes are designed for wide field of view and good clarity. The FieldSet turret system provides great repeatability and tracking while offering ease of use and configurability, allowing shooters to convert from capped to exposed dials and custom Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) dials.
SHOT Daily Magazines Feature New Firearms
Want more information on new firearms and gun gear? Then check out SHOT Daily Magazine. Shown below is the digital edition cover for the SHOT Daily Day 1 magazine distributed at SHOT Show. The Day 1 issue features new rifles, shotguns, and pistols (pp. 30-42), and there is a good feature article on suppressors (pp. 64-71). The Day 2 issue should be released later today. Click the Day 1 cover page below to launch the full version which you can read in full for free.
New Product Center
The New Product Center is a “must-see” offering at the Venetian EXPO. There are dozens of interesting and innovative new products all in one convenient location. On display were rifles, pistols, optics, electronics, gunsmithing tools, holsters, and dozens of other products.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
Graf & Sons — Dillon Get Started Reloading Kit, $799.95
⏺️ » Great savings on Dillon combo reloading kits
If you need a good progessive press system, consider the Dillon Get Started Reloading Kit at Grafs.com. This combo set includes a Basic Loader BL550 Reloading Machine, 3-Die Set, Powder Funnel Die, Machine Conversion Kit, Case Gage, Ammo Box, 1″ Die Wrench, Digital Calipers, D-Terminator Digital Scale, Primer Flip Tray, CED Powder Trickler, Reloading Manual, and Dillon Case Lubricant. This quality progressive reloading system is sold with dies for a particular cartridge. Chose a kit with dies for one of these cartridge types: .380 ACP, .38 SPL, .357 Mag, 9mm, .40 S&W, .44 Magnum, 10mm, .45 ACP, .45 Colt, .223 Rem, .308 Win, and .30-06 Springfield.
Midsouth — All Lee Precision ON SALE
⏺️ » Vast selection of Lee products with big discounts
Lee Reloading offers affordable, well-designed reloading equipment that can produce very good ammo with a minimal investment. We like the Lee presses, priming systems, powder measures, and dies. Right now Midsouth is running a major sale with dozens of Lee products on sale including reloading combo sets, which provide all the tools you need to get started loading your own ammo.
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SHOT Show 2026, the biggest gun industry trade show, kicks off Tuesday, January 20, 2026 in Las Vegas and runs through Friday the 23rd. Over 2700 exhibitors will showcase thousands of new products at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum which together provide more than 830,000 net square feet of displays. The official SHOT Show Product Planner offers a “sneak peak” at 235+ new-for-2026 products for hunters and shooters. Here are a dozen cool new items from the SHOT Show 2026 New Product showcase (product profiles are based on descriptions provided by the manufacturers).
Nightforce NX6 New Scope Family for 2026
Nightforce’s new NX6 riflescopes offer lightweight configurations with an impressive 6X magnification range across the series. NX6 options include: NX6 1-6x24mm, 2-12x42mm, 3-18x50mm, 4-24x50mm, and 5-30x56mm. NX6 scopes are designed for wide field of view and good clarity. The FieldSet turret system provides great repeatability and tracking while offering ease of use and configurability, allowing shooters to convert from capped to exposed dials and custom Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) dials.
Magne-Tech Magnetic Scope Mount
This innovative Magne-Tech scope mounting system allows you to rapidly change optics without tools and not have to fuss with scope ring alignment. The Magnetic QD Scope Mount Set features a quick-detach mount system that allows you to instantly attach/detach your riflescope without losing zero. This allows shooters and hunters to transition quickly between different setups. This item is not cheap — the Magnetic Scope Mount retails for $349.99.
Monolithic Integral Suppressed Barrel (MISB) from SWS Rifles
The Monolithic Integral Suppressed Barrel (MISB) from SWS Rifles offers outstanding noise reduction. These barrels feature integrally suppressed baffle stacks, cut directly into customer-chambered barrel blanks. This utilizes the volume of the barrel on top of the suppressor baffles to capture as much gas as possible. Compared to a rifle shooting the same cartridge but with a screw-on suppressor, the SWS MISB system is 3 to 5 dB quieter. That’s significant.
Gunwerks ENDEX Folding Rifle System
The Gunwerks ENDEX Rifle System is designed for hunters who want elite accuracy without serious weight or bulk. With this lightweight, folding stock rifle you can get “premium performance with packable portability”. With barrel lengths from 16″–24″ and a folding stock that collapses to 28″, the ENDEX is a travel-ready platform that allows easy chambering changes. Featuring a user-changeable barrel interface, modular bolt and magazine system, and compatibility with magnum cartridges like 6.5 PRC, 7 PRC, 300 PRC, and 28 Nosler, the ENDEX allows quick barrel swaps so you can switch chamberings in seconds. Every rifle is hand-tested, zeroed, and ready before it leaves the shop. The ENDEX boasts an advanced machined chassis and NX2 receiver for strength but low relative mass.
Revic Acura BR10 Ballistic Rangefinding Binocular
These Revic Acura BR10 laser rangefinder binoculars are expensive at $2945.00. However this 10×42 laser optic offers impressive performance, ranging out to 8000 yards on reflective surfaces (2800 yards non-reflective, 2200 yard on animals). Designed to deliver unmatched clarity and performance, the BR10 sets a high standard among laser RFs. Featuring an intuitive heads-up display, the Acura BR10 puts all critical data on one screen — ballistics, environmentals, and more — so you can stay focused on the shot.
Integrator Hunting Vest with Quick Release Rifle Holster System
The Integrator Hunting Vest is a lightweight rifle carry system engineered for easy carry and rapid deployment. Produced by Saltstone Hunting & Outdoor, this Integrator system features a “One Sec Ready” quick-release mechanism that provides fast rifle release in the field. The patent-pending ergonomic harness design ensures balanced weight distribution, while the rugged MOLLE webbing allows attachment of matching accessories: backpack, ammo pouch, radio holster, tripod carrier, and more. Priced at $349.99, this Integrator Hunting Vest is made from high-quality materials for durability in extreme conditions.
Kini Safe Alert
The modern Kini SafeAlert is a compact wireless motion sensor that signals if a firearm, safe, or storage area is moved or opened. The SafeAlert sends real-time alerts through SMS, email, or optional iOS push notifications and requires only Wi-Fi and a phone. There are no subscriptions, hubs, or tracking required. With over a year of battery life and IFTTT compatibility, Kini SafeAlert adds an effective layer of security to any safe, lockbox, case, or nightstand. It mounts easily with adhesive or a steel tether and can be moved between items at any time. The $75.00 price is quite affordable.
Real Avid Ratchet Rest Adjustable Height Shooting Bags
Real Avid soon will offer the world’s first precision height-adjustable shooting bags. These innovative Ratchet Rest™ padded shooting bags combine the stability of traditional shooting bags with built-in adjustment mechanisms. Featuring an integrated ratcheting system with Accu-Click™ technology, these adjustable shooting rests allow one-handed, click-by-click height adjustments while maintaining a stable shooting position. A non-slip rubberized base, heavy-duty waxed canvas exterior and moisture-resistant poly bead fill provide consistent support and long-term durability. These are available in Front Rest (Large), Front/Rear Rest (Medium) and Rear Rest (Small) configurations. The MSRP is $79.99 (Not yet available — coming mid-March 2026).
SNAPS Interactive Hearing Protection
The SNAPS (Superior Noise Attenuation Protection System) electronic plugs offer high-tech hearing protection. SNAPS active earplugs block harmful noise like gunshots while amplifying subtle sounds. To ensure comfort, SNAPS use custom earmolds that fit the precise contours of the user’s ears. SNAPS employs a digital processor that users can program. SNAPS utilizes a patented sliding switch to allow you to choose between full protection and full environmental awareness, all while offering maximum protection from impulse noise. SNAPS also offers BOOST MODE, a unique feature that can add 6 dB to low volume sounds.
Victory VCI Long Gun
Rust Prevention Storage Bags
The Victory VCI gun storage bags provide impressive, military-grade rust protection. The maker claims these handy bags protect long guns from rust for 3–10 years using advanced Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) technology, with zero maintenance needed. There are no drippy oils, no silica packs, no mess — just drop your gun in the bag and forget it.
These bags, which come in a handy 3-pack, comply with official MIL-DTL-22020E, Type 1 specifications. These Victoria Rust Prevention Bags are 100% Made in USA. They are designed, manufactured, and assembled in America with sustainable domestic materials. Cost is just $15.99 — a small price to pay to protect valuable long guns.
Defender EDC Tray Stand with Biometric Gun Lock
If you need a bedside station that can hold a handgun securely yet allow rapid access, consider the Onnais Defender EDC Tray Stand. This features an advanced Biometric lock with instant fingerprint access plus password access. You can register four unique fingerprints. Military-grade encryption ensures your firearm stays inaccessible to unauthorized users. A tamper-proof lock prevents accidental discharge with positive-lock trigger bar engagement. The system includes 2 backup manual keys. The Integrated Quick-Lock Pistol Slot should work with 95% of popular handguns including Glocks, SIGs, and 1911 pistols.
Rifle Shield Patented Rifle Cover
Caribou Gear’s Rifle Shield™ is a lightweight yet rugged (and waterproof) protective sack for your rifle. The case, with its double-layer Cordura Ballistic fabric, offers great weather protection with interior waterproof TPU coating and water repellent exterior. With an inner pull cord, the case allows easy length adjustments for a custom fit to your rifle. This patented carry case includes Velcro tab closures, and the nose section can fit a suppressor. The Rifle Shield ships with 2 Velcro straps and can be folded into a handy 7″ x 5″ self-contained sack. Weight is just 9.2 oz. and the current price is $94.11 ($99.99 MSRP).
CLICK HERE to read the full monthly digital editions of Shooting Industry Magazine online. Access to ALL articles is free via these Online Editions.
Are you seeing unpredictable changes in Point of Impact on your target? Think you may have a scope issue? Well maybe not — when was the last time you checked your BARREL?
Yes scopes do fail, and scope bases/rings do get loose. But sometimes problems with erratic POI shifts are caused by a LOOSE BARREL. This issue came up a while back in our Shooter’s Forum. One member complained that his zero was shifting from day to day — by as much as two inches at 100 yards. He was convinced he had a scope problem, based on erratic POI:
“I think my scope loses 1 to 3 MOA per day. When I shot my rifle Monday it was dead on. On Tuesday it was 1″ low. Then on Wednesday it was 1 or 2″ lower. I don’t get it. — the elevation knob never touched. Scope will track and return to zero that day perfect. Yes EVERYTHING has been checked, nothing loose. What is the chance the erector tube spring has gone south? For the record this is a Vortex GE. Never had a bad scope, but this has me wondering”. — LB
On Forum member told LB to send the scope right back to the manufacturer. Two other members suggested mounting the scope on a different rifle to test. Good advice. That’s generally a smart strategy before you conclude a scope has gone bad…
Could Problem Be the Scope Base?
Two Forum members, ExPiper and Dickn52, suggested checking the scope base, recounting their past experiences with troublesome bases. This was intelligent — anyone with a POI problem should check all the optics attachments:
“Went crazy one day chasing my impacts on a 100-yard target. Shots would group fine for three then go nuts for 4-5. I cranked and un-cranked for about an hour. Then I reached up and the base wobbled on the rifle. Removed scope, tightened base screws and back in business.” — Dickn52
“Years ago I had a problem [where] shots were climbing with almost every shot. I was blaming the scope. However, when removing the scope I noticed that the 20 MOA base was cracked and getting wider with every shot. Needless to say I replaced the base and the problem was solved. — ExPiper
Eureka Moment — The problem was the BARREL, not the Scope
There were many helpful suggestions, but member PirateAmmo steered LB to the real problem — a loose BARREL: “We had a problem on a home-built AR-platform rifle once, barrel was loose a tad…”
Member Snert chimed in: “Yep — I had a PPC that suddenly went 19″ low. Picked up gun off bench by barrel and felt a wiggle. I tightened the barrel and the POI went 19 inches up”.
Problem Solved — Barrel Tightened up and POI Back to Normal
The gentleman with the POI problem took the advice of PirateAmmo and checked his barrel. BINGO! Low and behold, the barrel WAS loose.
LB posted: “Barrel loose by about 2%, checked it twice before and didn’t find it the first two times”.
After LB re-tightened his barrel, his rifle started shooting normally again. No more shooting low by 1-2 inches. Problem solved. The fix didn’t cost a penny and now LB doesn’t have to send a perfectly good optic back to the manufacturer.
Lesson learned? Check ALL the variables before you assume a scope has gone bad. Along with the barrel, also check your action screw tension, and of course the scope base and rings.
More and more folks are using Burris Signature Rings these days. These unique rings feature polymer inserts. That allows you to pre-load some elevation in your scope set-up, or you can center-up the windage. Additionally, the polymer inserts hold your scope securely without leaving marks on the tube. Lastly, some folks believe that Signature rings may offer advantages for benchrest competition. Rodney Wagner shot a world-record 600-yard group using Burris Signature Zee Rings (“Zee” denotes the Weaver-rail model). James O’Hara set multiple IBS 1000-yard records using Burris Signature Zee Rings. James will tell you he thinks “all his guns seem to shoot best with these rings”.
