Does the point of bullet impact change when a scope is turned down for poor light?

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Does the point of bullet impact change when a scope is turned down for poor light?

It is usually the cheaper scopes that suffer from displacement problems.

Tuesday, 10 July 2007

If I use a variable magnification scope zeroed on the highest setting and in good light, would the point of impact change when the scope is turned down for a poor light situation? This is assuming both targets are at the same distance.

A:

You are right to be concerned regarding the possibility of your rifle's zero shifting from one magnification setting to another. This can be a common problem and is one that many shooters forget to check when they purchase a scope. It is usually the cheaper scopes that suffer from this displacement problem.

I test a scope's repeatability by setting a target at 30 yards for a rimfire rifle and at 100 yards for a full-bore, and then shoot a three-shot group at each magnification setting to ascertain if all the shots fall at the initial point of impact.

A small degree of shift is acceptable, and for you to decide, but at longer range it could be the difference between a hit and a miss or, worse, a wounded beast.

It is worth spending more money on a quality scope, or stick to a fixed-power scope that will obviously not suffer from this problem.

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