I'm having a bit of a problem with my Weaver Classic 2x scope. It's mounted on my 7 1/2" Ruger SBH in a B Square mount. On the bench it works beautifully. In the field it's a different and very frustrating matter. I can hold 50 yard groups very well, but at 100 yards I'm all over. In the field it's the same thing. I've had it back to Weaver thinking parallax. Apparently, according to Weaver, that's not it. I shot a whitetail doe this last season using it. It was a standing broadside at 30-35 yards. I was very careful to center the crosshairs on her shoulder and in the scope. I had plenty of time. At the shot, she dropped straght down. I had hit about 12 inches to the left and a bit high. The bullet went through her neck. I had a cheaper Tasco previously and never had this problem. It just didn't have the bright, crisp picture the Weaver has. Is this scope just a bench model or do I have more of a problem than I think?

How are you shooing it in the field, off hand, shooting sticks? If it shoots good off the bench, I would say it would be the shooter. I am not trying to be a smart ass saying that either.

If you bench rest a gun and it shoots well, and then you shoot it off hand or off shooting sticks, you the shooter are the variable.

You did say what load you are using, but if the accuracy isn't there on the bench; you won't have it in the field.

I see what you are getting at. I was laying against a terrace and had my elbow on the ground and a steady picture. My load is 25gr 2400 behind a Rem 180gr hp. I get 2 inches at 50 yards from a rest. I had the time so that I could make sure my sight picture was good and steady. The only time she moved is when the bullet hit her. I've had some problems with this scope in the field the previous year. I missed two shots using a monopod. Both times the crosshairs were on the shoulder. I've checked the mounts and they were tight. No movement. I'm begining to think that me and the Weaver just aren't meant for each other. I haven't had this problem with the previous Tasco. She was down but not out and I shot again for her head and missed from the same spot. I'm thinking maybe the Weaver is a bit more touchy when centering the crosshairs in the scope.

You may want to try a 240 grain or heavier bullet in your revolver. It may shoot these weights more consistently for you.

Ok I misread you first post, I thought you said you shot well on the bench, and not good in the field. I re-read your post and see that now. Sorry.

I am with MS Hitman here, try a different bullet. You have to find a bullet powder combination that works well in your gun. It takes a little time to find a good load, but once you do, you will get consistent groups.

But if you cannot get good groups from the bench, you might as well not take that gun out in the field, until you find the right load for that gun.

The only change I had made was the scope. I was sure that was it, but maybe the Weaver is less forgiving than the Tasco. I'll continue working with it and maybe I'll figure out what I need to do. Thanks for your input. It's always good to get another viewpoint.

quote:

Posted 19 February 2009 19:25
I'm having a bit of a problem with my Weaver Classic 2x scope. It's mounted on my 7 1/2" Ruger SBH in a B Square mount. On the bench it works beautifully. In the field it's a different and very frustrating matter. I can hold 50 yard groups very well, but at 100 yards I'm all over. In the field it's the same thing. I've had it back to Weaver thinking parallax. Apparently, according to Weaver, that's not it. I shot a whitetail doe this last season using it. It was a standing broadside at 30-35 yards. I was very careful to center the crosshairs on her shoulder and in the scope. I had plenty of time. At the shot, she dropped straght down. I had hit about 12 inches to the left and a bit high. The bullet went through her neck. I had a cheaper Tasco previously and never had this problem. It just didn't have the bright, crisp picture the Weaver has. Is this scope just a bench model or do I have more of a problem than I think?

Parallax will not cause more then an inch difference any direction at 100 yd's if the scope is free from it at 50 yd's. Most scopes are parallax free at 100 from the factory anyway so it is at the close ranges for tight groups that you want to center the cross hairs better. This is just something you can't blame for missing a deer.
First I would go over the base and rings to make sure they are not shifting.
Second, the very worst bullets for accuracy from the .44 are those light things. You are shooting a light bullet much to fast for the twist rate for stability. Switch to 240 on up to 320 bullets/boolits for hunting. That 180 gr bullet is slingshot ammo!
My next guess is that it is you! A scope shows too much movement and everyone tries to make the gun shoot as the cross hairs cross the target. Deliberately pulling the trigger at that point is a sure miss. I would guess there is only 1 person in 5000 or more that can shoot a scoped handgun from any position other then a solid rest.
If you want to improve 200%, dump the scope and put an Ultra Dot on the gun.

Have you tried the pistol with open sights at 25 yards do you shoot well on the bench and with shooting sticks with no scope. If so you may be pulling off target while squeezing the trigger. One of my friends put a Bushnell 3200 pistol scope on his super red hawk it kept coming loose. Pistol scopes are tricky to use off hand I have a trouble with mine going black because of not being able to hold it steady enough.

Good Luck

Interesting point bfrshooter. My knowledge of parallax is limited. My groups with this scope at 100 yards are very much larger than the 2 inches at 50. It may very well be me missing. I will not rule that out.

As to the 180's. I've had very good performance from them. And I do use a rest every chance I get. I shake too mucn not to and I hate chasing wounded deer. I've had to do that one too many times with deer I've shot. Rest assured, I do use rests. I've even dropped to the ground on my belly to get a more steady position.

I use a scope because it's easier with my eyesight these days. At one time I could hit a gallon milk jug at 100yds with open sights and a rest. Not sure I could do that now.

I had a red dot, not an Ultra Dot, installed a couple of years ago. It was interesting but with an SA it was difficult at times to locate the dot because my hand didn't always grip exaclty the same spot. I still have it, but it's on a Mark III now. My hand indexes better on it's frame.

As to the scope going black, it's been my experience that the focus is off. I had that problem until I got my eye piece adjusted right and therefore the eyerelief was correct.

Again, thank you for your input. I will certainly consider all you've said. It may well be my eyesight.

This is boolit stability that your 180 gr can't touch. I shot these at 200 yd's to check drop with my 330 gr home made boolit mold using a red dot.
I shoot pop cans at 100 yd's.
I think you had better change bullets and work loads for accuracy before you blame your shooting or the scope.