Has anyone had trouble with the K31 & St. Marie clamp-on mount being hard on scopes?

[shinyroks]

So I need to figure out whether the mount might be a little hard on scopes, not sure why it would be.

I have a St Marie clamp-on mount, and recently had an issue with my Nikon Buckmaster 6-18x40 scope. The scope has done fine since I sighted it in about a year and a half ago, then I tried to adjust it right 4 clicks (1/2 inch at 100) ant the bullet moved 5-6 inches right! Okay, i thought, moved 4 clicks left, and the bullet moved 2 inches right again! one more time, same result. removed scope from rifle, dead on 1 hole groups iron sights. Same place it shot before I tried the scope.

This scope was a brand new scope which Nikon kindly sent me after the previous one had crosshairs bouncing around inside... same rifle, same combo. I would like to know if anyone else has had similar problems with a different scope before I buy a better scope to put on it.

Btw, this scope probably saw 300 rounds, if that, the previous saw about the same. They are supposed to be shock proof, water proof, etc. Maybe Nikon just has a low wear-out point?

 

[dprice3844444]

find another swcope and return this one

 

[Jackal]

Ok I have to ask: Did you try turning it the other direction?

 

[shinyroks]

yes, the second adjustment was back towards the left. Bullet moved right.

 

[Edarnold]

Unless you really need the variable power feature, you will get a better product for your money going to a fixed power scope. There is a LOT of optics moving around when you change magnification, and to make that work satisfactorily at a price point, something has to be skimped on. In the case of your Nikon, it was the reticle adjustment. You are using this scope on a manually operated 9 pound rifle with a .308 Winchester class cartridge, and two examples have failed after a few hundred rounds. The rifle and mount are NOT the problem.

 

[shinyroks]

Thanks Edarnold. That was what I was leaning towards. I have contacted Nikon about the repair (might as well) and will keep an eye out for a better scope. The suggestion towards fixed power seems like a good idea. The fixed (or replaced, as last time) scope might make it onto the varmint .223 bolt to make it last, depending on how much I wasnt to trust it. Or just make it to the local classifieds.

Think I am going to avoid Nikon... Had another scope fail on me in the reticle department on a mini-14. The Burris is doing fine...