Scope holds zero, but creeps right after shooting

[hrrl]

Hi all,

I'm having a scope problem (I think?) that I can't quite work out.

I've got a Bushnell Elite scope on a .22lr for 50m target shooting. I get sighted in and it definitely holds zero while shooting... I've done 50 in a session or 200 in a session and not had to touch the dials for the whole shoot.

Next trip to the range bullets are hitting about 1" to the right of the crosshair so I readjust, then it stays for the whole shoot. Next trip bullets are landing 1" to the right again. And the next trip...

I can't figure it out because it's perfect while shooting, after I get it out of the safe 2 weeks later it's gone to the right. Always the right.

[Shotfox]

This situation normally happens on air rifles due to recoil and is more a mechanical problem then an actual internal scope problem. Start at the beginning to eliminate creep by checking your scope rings . Are they the rings the correct type (EG: Weaver or Dovetail) for the rail. is the screw tensions set correct on the rings and the rail. If you can eliminate all that then you have an internal scope problem. Check the windage adjustments and compare the amount of effort to turn the dial compared to the elevation. If it seems sus the scope will need further checking by the manufacturer or warrenty supplier.

[Westy]

If you have the facility's try shooting it indoors and see if it doesn't have something to do with the wind or lack of it??? a decent scope like that should be holding a zero???

[hrrl]

This is on a 22 so no recoil to speak of.

The rings... Honestly I have no idea what kind they are, but they were fitted by the guy at the gun shop when it was purchased so assume they're correct.

The mount and scope screens were all snug and tight. No gaps, no movement. I loosened and tightened them again just in case. Waiting till the weekend to see if it makes any difference

I've compared the elevation adjustment and windage adjustment and I can't feel any difference in turning them left, right, up or down. None seem to have more or less resistance, and each has a nice clean *click* and feels solid.

I've shot the same on very calm days and wind definitely isn't responsible for the change.

Will hopefully get there on the weekend to see if redoing the screws has done anything. I'll also try some adjustments and testing at the range to further test the dials.

Thanks guys.

[bm777]

Peculiar problem which would drive me nuts! You must have something lose there, somewhere....

I have purchased the Wheeler Engineering Professional scope mounting kit, Worth every dollar. With that you can lap the scope rings and get the scope mounted properly. It also comes with a bottle of thread-lock, which is a must. It comes with a torque screw-driver, so you can tighten all the relevant screws to the same tightness/torque. Check it out, it solved my problems!

[hrrl]

I'm telling you mate, it's rock solid.

Put it together, apart and together again 3 times.

I didn't to the range last weekend in the end so couldn't test. This weekend now...

[brand]

It couldn't just be doing something stupid like knocking the dial consistently?

Stitching strap in the back always turning it one way as it jossles around in the car or something?

[hrrl]

Definitely not.

Caps are always on while not being adjusted. In a padded bag in the boot with nothing else and strapped in a cargo net so isn't moving much.