Rifle Scopes scrambling for a scope

ofl0926

ofl0926

Sergeant of the Hide
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 18, 2018
113
11
Homestead, FL
#1
hey whats up everyone. so to make a long story short, weatherby mark V chambered 6.5-300 wby, scope Zeiss Conquest HD5 3-15x50... ran out of windage at 100yard zero. three different scope rings later the scope is on the way back to zeiss for testing.
so i am scrambling to possibly purchase another scope cause i dont think i will get the zeiss scope back in time for my hunt. I was looking at a meopta meopro 4.5-14x44 or 50 but i am having a hard time pulling the trigger. i am also open to suggestions. i dont want to break the bank on this scope. Ideally under $500 or a lot less.
Please all recommendations welcome. this will be used for a whitetail hunt in MO.
 
#6
It should be excellent. The optics are great and in it's price class it is giving more features:

HD Glass HD Glass gives you better light transmission, brighter, and sharper image.Illuminated ReticleThe illuminated reticle provides greater visibility during dusk and dawn and other low ambient light environment.Etched Glass ReticleReticle etched on the glass that provides excellent backing support for complex reticle design and offers great durability and much higher shock resistance to recoil

Advanced Fully Multicoated Fully Multicoated optics effectively reduces reflected light and increases the transmission of light giving you a brighter image than normal single coated lenses

XPL Coating XPL Coating gives you an extra protection on the exterior lenses from dirt, oil and scratches or anything else mother nature can throw at you.

High Precision Erector System The high precision erector system processed by high precision CNC machine with +/- 0.0001mm tolerance level to provide you the most accurate power settings and smoothest magnification change

Aircraft Aluminum Aircraft grade aluminum tube that has exceptional strength and superior mechanical integrity will protect these world class optics no matter what punishment you throw at it.

Heat Treated One Piece Tube Construction Heat treated one piece tube gives the scope extra strength over multi-piece tubes. A one piece tube also is better at keeping moisture out thus keeping your scope fog proof for the life of the product

Waterproof to protect the scope in the harshest weather conditions or if accidently submerged underwater

Fog proof to allow you to immediately engage your target when you take your rifle to cold ambient temperature from warm inside

Shockproof Robust mechanical system with special designs on both control and erector system that give you the ultimate recoil resistance to withstand 1000G recoil for 1000 times.

Argon Purged Argon Purging uses the inertia gas with bigger size molecules to purge any moisture out of the tube giving you better waterproofing and thermal stability .
 
#11
With windage runout for me it's always been either a barrel problem or misaligned receiver mounts. I've heard a few stories of Weatherby Mark V's with misaligned mount holes, too. A good short term fix is what Mike Casselton suggested, Leupold windage-adjustable mounts to get you through and recheck alignment once the season is over.
 
#13
plidenbrock said:
With windage runout for me it's always been either a barrel problem or misaligned receiver mounts. I've heard a few stories of Weatherby Mark V's with misaligned mount holes, too. A good short term fix is what Mike Casselton suggested, Leupold windage-adjustable mounts to get you through and recheck alignment once the season is over.
Click to expand...

I’ll take a look at those rings and order them if the scope comes back good
i really hope its not the rifle but you never know.
 
#14
jpgolffl said:
My guess is there is nothing wrong with the scope. Prob holes misaligned or barrel pointing left or right. If the turret is turning as it should and stopping as it should I doubt there is anything wrong. You likely could have just shimmed it and been good to go.
Click to expand...

never shimmed a scope. im hoping its not the rifle. you would think spending that kind of coin on a rifle, the QC would be there and they would check it at the factory.
 
#15
ofl0926 said:
never shimmed a scope. im hoping its not the rifle. you would think spending that kind of coin on a rifle, the QC would be there and they would check it at the factory.
Click to expand...
DId the reticle move when you turned the windage? Meaning if you centered the windage did you look to see if it was moving when you turned the knob??
 
#16
jpgolffl said:
DId the reticle move when you turned the windage? Meaning if you centered the windage did you look to see if it was moving when you turned the knob??
Click to expand...

so i did what they call the mirror test to re-center the reticle. as i adjusted the reticle back to center, everything moved properly. windage and elevation.
 
#17
ofl0926 said:
never shimmed a scope. im hoping its not the rifle. you would think spending that kind of coin on a rifle, the QC would be there and they would check it at the factory.
Click to expand...

You'd think it, but there've been reports of several of these rifles with misaligned holes. One in particular springs to mind, had a Conquest on a Mark V also thought it was a bad scope. Come to find out it was bad mount holes.
 
#18
plidenbrock said:
You'd think it, but there've been reports of several of these rifles with misaligned holes. One in particular springs to mind, had a Conquest on a Mark V also thought it was a bad scope. Come to find out it was bad mount holes.
Click to expand...

damn that sucks. i really like their rifles and their calibers. but this is just crappy if it is the rifle

im looking for the leuplod rings as speak.
 
#19
ofl0926 said:
so i did what they call the mirror test to re-center the reticle. as i adjusted the reticle back to center, everything moved properly. windage and elevation.
Click to expand...
I can't imagine how it could be the scope then. It does not take much misalignment at all on the base holes or the barrel to make you run out of windage. Some burris adjustable rings should fix it up. That or send the rifle back!
 
#20
At my local range, had a buddy mount a scope and complained of the same issue. Looked at the rings and he had each ring facing opposite directions. I.e. one ring base with cross bolt on right side and the other bolt one the left side. The rings were slightly asymmetrical and difference was minimal but enough for him to run out of windage.

We flipped rings to be aligned the same direction and bingo, scope zeroed normally.

Not saying that's what happened to you but it wouldn't be the first time.

But to your post, any of the brands posted above will likely work well for your needs, but I agree with some here that a Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX3 will have great glass for the money and can be had quite cost effective.

On the other hand, if keeping the scope, maybe buy something that you can repurpose for another rifle you have that may need an upgrade. For that, Athalon is hard to beat features for the $. Good luck!
 
#24
I'm going to assume that there is nothing wrong with your scope. If I identified it correctly, it only has 34MOA of total adjustment. That is minimal. If you are going to buy another scope look for more total windage adjustment. Many of the scopes suggested will be 30mm as opposed to your 1" tube. When you buy new rings get Burris Signature rings with the poly inserts the inserts will give you approximately 20MOA of additional windage.
 
#25
Quarter Horse said:
I'm going to assume that there is nothing wrong with your scope. If I identified it correctly, it only has 34MOA of total adjustment. That is minimal. If you are going to buy another scope look for more total windage adjustment. Many of the scopes suggested will be 30mm as opposed to your 1" tube. When you buy new rings get Burris Signature rings with the poly inserts the inserts will give you approximately 20MOA of additional windage.
Click to expand...

copy that.
i will def do more research next time i buy a scope. this is crap
also how much total adjustment should i be looking for? ball park?
 
#26
Quarter Horse said:
I'm going to assume that there is nothing wrong with your scope. If I identified it correctly, it only has 34MOA of total adjustment. That is minimal. If you are going to buy another scope look for more total windage adjustment. Many of the scopes suggested will be 30mm as opposed to your 1" tube. When you buy new rings get Burris Signature rings with the poly inserts the inserts will give you approximately 20MOA of additional windage.
Click to expand...
there is absolutely no reason 34MOA of windage shouldn't get you to zero if everything is straight. people have been zeroing 1" hunting rifles with im sure far less adjustment for a long ass time
 
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#27
The quick and easy fix is getting adjustable rings. I like the Burris Signature rings because you can put some objective down angle adjust for longer shots as well as centering up the windage at the same time. Another plus, no marring of the scopes finish.
 
Last edited:
#28
Was the scope bell touching anything? I had a scope give me fits one day. It only takes me 5 rounds max to get a scope dialed in and a few more to get it 100% zeroed.

Turns out my dumbass had the bell touching the extended scope rail. It was for my wife and I was trying to explain to her eye relief and consistent check weld. I was moving the scope fore and aft to get her lined up.
 
#29
corey4 said:
Was the scope bell touching anything? I had a scope give me fits one day. It only takes me 5 rounds max to get a scope dialed in and a few more to get it 100% zeroed.

Turns out my dumbass had the bell touching the extended scope rail. It was for my wife and I was trying to explain to her eye relief and consistent check weld. I was moving the scope fore and aft to get her lined up.
Click to expand...

nothing was touching the barrel. i am using high rings from talley and warne. the scope will arrive at zeiss tomorrow. hopefully they can get to it fast.
 
#32
b6graham said:
there is absolutely no reason 34MOA of windage shouldn't get you to zero if everything is straight. people have been zeroing 1" hunting rifles with im sure far less adjustment for a long ass time
Click to expand...

Graham is absolutely correct and I was absolutely wrong. I was thinking of my SWFA 5-20s which have 30mils of windage when I checked their website there was no total windage indicated so I called SWFA and spoke to Skylar. Yup...30mils. Your total windage is consistent with S&B PMII 5-25x56. If Zeiss gets your scope back to you in time you can probably get your set-up to work with the Burris Signature rings with inserts.
 
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#33
Quarter Horse said:
Graham is absolutely correct and I was absolutely wrong. I was thinking of my SWFA 5-20s which have 30mils of windage when I checked their website there was no total windage indicated so I called SWFA and spoke to Skylar. Yup...30mils. Your total windage is consistent with S&B PMII 5-25x56. If Zeiss gets your scope back to you in time you can probably get your set-up to work with the Burris Signature rings with inserts.
Click to expand...

Yeah the scope arrived at Zeiss today. So let’s see what happens and how long they take.

So I was looking at two scopes
Tract tekoa 3-12x50
Athlon Midas BTR 2.5-15x50

How do these compare for hunting?
 
#34
ofl0926 said:
Yeah the scope arrived at Zeiss today. So let’s see what happens and how long they take.

So I was looking at two scopes
Tract tekoa 3-12x50
Athlon Midas BTR 2.5-15x50

How do these compare for hunting?
Click to expand...
Hard to best athlon right now it seems. Vortex of a year or two ago but they're coming out with lots of new stuff...and frequently
 
#35
ofl0926 said:
Yeah the scope arrived at Zeiss today. So let’s see what happens and how long they take.

So I was looking at two scopes
Tract tekoa 3-12x50
Athlon Midas BTR 2.5-15x50

How do these compare for hunting?
Click to expand...
With Zeiss getting bought out, I've seen a few complaints about their service on sport optics.

I wouldn't expect it soon and would probably try to trade out of it for something with more predictable customer service after it comes back.

It's too bad you didn't check it before sending it in.
 
#38
flyer said:
With Zeiss getting bought out, I've seen a few complaints about their service on sport optics.

I wouldn't expect it soon and would probably try to trade out of it for something with more predictable customer service after it comes back.

It's too bad you didn't check it before sending it in.
Click to expand...

yeah i am hoping for it to be a quick turn around.
that sucks that they got bought out. who bought them?
 
#41
Take a string and tie it around a screw in the back scope base hole. Then pull the string really right and fold it over the very center of the barrel(over the hole in the end of the barrel) Be sure the string is centered on the back scope base hole. This will quickly tell you if everything is lined up. You may have to do it a few times and you will start to see where the string really lands. It is easiest to do this with the rifle butt on the ground, looking straight at the barrel. Make sure your firearm is unloaded....

I typically need .2 mils or less from mechanical center to zero windage.
 
#43
Most likely, it is an issue with the receiver/barrel/mount alignment, although I've seen a few very kooky HD5 scope out there. Never liked that design.

I would get Burris Signature rings. Those inserts are really good at correcting various receiver related mis-aligment problems. I use them all the time.

As far as scopes go, if your scope does not make it back form Zeiss in time and, assuming you want to stay with 1" tube design, I would get Razor HD LH 3-15x42 or 2-10x40. It is a better scope than HD5 and you can get some deals on it.

If you are comfortable with their G4 BDC reticle, you can get the 2-10x40 for around $500 and 3-15x42 for around $550:
http://opticsthoughts.com/?p=2349

That is at the top of your stated price range, but this is about as good of a deal on a hunting scope as I have seen in a long time.

ILya
 
#44
koshkin said:
Most likely, it is an issue with the receiver/barrel/mount alignment, although I've seen a few very kooky HD5 scope out there. Never liked that design.

I would get Burris Signature rings. Those inserts are really good at correcting various receiver related mis-aligment problems. I use them all the time.

As far as scopes go, if your scope does not make it back form Zeiss in time and, assuming you want to stay with 1" tube design, I would get Razor HD LH 3-15x42 or 2-10x40. It is a better scope than HD5 and you can get some deals on it.

If you are comfortable with their G4 BDC reticle, you can get the 2-10x40 for around $500 and 3-15x42 for around $550:
http://opticsthoughts.com/?p=2349

That is at the top of your stated price range, but this is about as good of a deal on a hunting scope as I have seen in a long time.

ILya
Click to expand...

its funny you mention this cause i was talking with a friend to see how to remotely check if it is the rifle. i have a video of a piece of twine inserted in the rear scope mounting hole and stretched to the end of the barrel. everything seems straight. i will i could upload it.

ill take a look
 
#45
ofl0926 said:
its funny you mention this cause i was talking with a friend to see how to remotely check if it is the rifle. i have a video of a piece of twine inserted in the rear scope mounting hole and stretched to the end of the barrel. everything seems straight. i will i could upload it.

ill take a look
Click to expand...
It’s kind of a tricky thing to do and get right. You have to make sure when you reach the end and fold the string down over the muzzle you are dead center. It’s easy to cheat it accidentally and line it up with the scope holes rather than true center of the bore. We are talking millimeters which can be hard to deal with considering you are using your eye and stretching a string.
 
#46
jpgolffl said:
It’s kind of a tricky thing to do and get right. You have to make sure when you reach the end and fold the string down over the muzzle you are dead center. It’s easy to cheat it accidentally and line it up with the scope holes rather than true center of the bore. We are talking millimeters which can be hard to deal with considering you are using your eye and stretching a string.
Click to expand...

Yeah your probably right. Let’s see what zeiss says. I think I will call mid week just to see. I hate to be that guy but I just might. I am truly wondering if it is the rifle now
 
#47
You can also pull the string very tight lines up perfectly with the scope base holes, then press it right at the end of the barrel and fold it over the muzzle and see if it is centered over the muzzle. You have to be very careful to fold the string exactly 90 degrees over the muzzle though to get an accurate picture. If it is off it will look like this.
2F53F60F-3D02-471A-B8FD-3A9596E2A30B.png


You can see though, all I would have to do is move the string 3mm left and it would look centered. It helps if you don’t look at the muzzle when folding it over, just make sure you are folding it straight down by looking down the string. Once you do that, look to see if it is centered over the bore. It helps to use a really thin string too.
 
#48
jpgolffl said:
You can also pull the string very tight lines up perfectly with the scope base holes, then press it right at the end of the barrel and fold it over the muzzle and see if it is centered over the muzzle. You have to be very careful to fold the string exactly 90 degrees over the muzzle though to get an accurate picture. If it is off it will look like this.
View attachment 6949598

You can see though, all I would have to do is move the string 3mm left and it would look centered. It helps if you don’t look at the muzzle when folding it over, just make sure you are folding it straight down by looking down the string. Once you do that, look to see if it is centered over the bore. It helps to use a really thin string too.
Click to expand...

so how can someone test to see if everything is aligned on the rifle?
 
#49
ofl0926 said:
so how can someone test to see if everything is aligned on the rifle?
Click to expand...
That is how I do it. I suppose gunsmiths have some way of doing if. I guess if you had one of those laser throwers that will project a laser you could point it lined up with the scope base holes and see if it falls in line with the bore hole at the end of the muzzle.
 
#50
jpgolffl said:
That is how I do it. I suppose gunsmiths have some way of doing if. I guess if you had one of those laser throwers that will project a laser you could point it lined up with the scope base holes and see if it falls in line with the bore hole at the end of the muzzle.
Click to expand...

got it.
hate being in between a rock and a hard place...
i think i might end up selling one my bows to fund a scope purchase
 
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