'Breaking-in' scope turrets?

[JMP]

If it's a bolt action, you could pull the bolt and aim through the barrel onto the target and then set your scope to match... it will get you somewhat close enough to walk in from there.

Even with a semi like an AR, you can boresight the target by removing the lower receiver and BCG.

For me, I have never worried about it. I simply install the scope with the desired mount, and I work it out from there. I demand only a 100 yard zero. With good scopes, the clicks are nice and crisp and don't need them spun for a break-in. It's actually in the cheap scopes that sometimes your turrets can get off-kilter when you are dialling at the extremes. There are scopes out there, commonly made in China, that have a silly large elevation adjustment range, but these are pretty much guaranteed to wind up with distortion at the extrema.

[HK Dave]

Even with a semi like an AR, you can boresight the target by removing the lower receiver and BCG.

For me, I have never worried about it. I simply install the scope with the desired mount, and I work it out from there. I demand only a 100 yard zero. With good scopes, the clicks are nice and crisp and don't need them spun for a break-in. It's actually in the cheap scopes that sometimes your turrets can get off-kilter when you are dialling at the extremes. There are scopes out there, commonly made in China, that have a silly large elevation adjustment range, but these are pretty much guaranteed to wind up with distortion at the extrema.

Ah that's a good point and a good way to get the AR in the ballpark.

Like you, I just walk it in... shoot at a berm, adjust, shoot, adjust... ok close enough, now shoot at the paper.

However, I've met some guys where that would never work because they don't understand recoil management so they can't spot their hits. I think for those folks... your method of pulling off the lower makes a whole lot more sense. Good idea.

[ifilef]

So, I have a Sightmark laser boresighter and I think it will be useless for me due to its being a red beam and can't use it even at an indoor range due to inability to secure rifle there. And forget about using it outdoors unless at night or one has a green laser. Also there isn't enough distance to use it inside my apartment.

As I understand it, using the mirror method, the scope becomes centered. I would guess that is similar to a mechanical zero for the scope. It's a good thing to do because one can also confirm the turrets are tracking from the get-go.

To get it boresighted, I will be trying out the Bushnell magnetic bore sight. and see how it goes. Figure that for ~$32 it's worth it as it acts as a collimator with internal grid and can be used on the rifle at home. It's important to situate it on the barrel so that it aligns properly with your scope...you can slide it up or down to accomplish a proper alignment with the objective. Pic: http://www.mycoolrc.com/rimfire/revi...edsideview.JPG

http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-74000..._detailpages00 . This is the less expensive version without the arbors and accessories.

Then it's to the outdoor range and will hopefully be on paper and zeroed with two or three shots at 50 yards. Two-shot method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiOpQY2ORo4

Cheers, and thanks for the advice!

Update: Returning the Bushnell Magnetic Boresighter as it did not meet expectations. Too inexact setting it on barrel and I don't want to incur additional expense of arbors, accessories.

Will be keeping the Sightmark laser boresighter. I just realized (by trying at home at short distance) that I could use it without securing rifle securely and make adjustments to scopes at my indoor range notwithstanding lack of table area. Can make scope adjustments to align crosshairs with the projected beam while holding rifle on the target. Using a bipod should help. Should be fine getting on paper and will do final zero at outdoor range at 50 yards using the 2 or 3-shot method, with rifle secured.
Two-shot zero: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiOpQY2ORo4

Update: Found a green laser boresighter on Amazon that may eliminate indoor range trip. It's $29.99, Dophee is the brand name. Don't know if mounting it on an AR with muzzle brake will work. Also, the Dophee does not ship for at least a month! The Sightmark red laser does fit on my muzzle brake.

Cheers,

[penguin0123]

In general, and with a new scope, is it advisable to 'break in' one's scope turrets by turning them back and forth to their extremes and then setting half-way or just leaving them as they've come from the factory?

I had to do this to a Leupold 3.5-10x40 M5 to get the clicks to feel good. M3 turrets are a lost cause. I never had to do that with an NF NXS to get beautiful feeling turrets.

[ifilef]

I had to do this to a Leupold 3.5-10x40 M5 to get the clicks to feel good. M3 turrets are a lost cause. I never had to do that with an NF NXS to get beautiful feeling turrets.

Why am I NOT surprised with the NF NXS? Might cost have something to do with it?