Went to the range this morning. A friend who is a dealer was testing a customer's 270WSM Sako. Customer said it wouldn't shoot. It had a 3.5x10x50 VX111. He tried 3 different types of factory ammo with 2" groups being the mean. Switched to a Zeiss and it became 1" rifle. I believe that before you give up on a rifle or burn the barrel out changing loads, keep a known good scope around to check.
Butch

butch, your beliefs are well founded! Not very many factory rifles will only do 2" anymore, much less a SAKO. I always advise folks to confirm their scope is good before resorting to 'dogging' their rifle. I almost always use Talley mounts, and keep a scope available in Talley QD rings, so I can stick it on a set of their bases in a pinch to confirm scope QC.

Good optics are pricey, but make such a difference, it is paramount to make sure they are working right!

why not buy nightforce?

I know at least 4 BR shooters, here in my area, who have had issues with Nightforce scopes. I still believe that, other than the shooter, scopes are the weakest link.

I imagine that he used the Zeiss because he is a Zeiss dealer as well as a Leupold dealer. I have a 12x42 NXS on my HV benchrest rifle. I have had no trouble with it.
Butch

A very accurate Kimber 84M Montana 243 started shooting large patterns. So I checked out lots of things. On the last trip to the range I had mounted a proven scope. It's just a dim old Leupold 4-12 AO but it aims well. I brought along the newish Vari-X 111 4.5-14 AO Tactical Leupold that had been on the 243 when it was slinging them all over.

I switched the scopes back and forth six times! The Kimber shot 1/4 to 1/2 moa with the 4-12 and 3 moa with the 4.5-14!

So I called Leupold up. I was told that I was testing the scopes wrong! That I had to put the 4.5-14 on a proven rifle and test it there.

This is what I said to the 'expert' at Leupold.

"Know what?, I have an idea. I am going to buy a new Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14."

The new Ziess is out for delivery today!

You can't go wrong with the Conquest.
Butch

quote:

You can't go wrong with the Conquest.
Butch

I will second that notion. Good price and great quality...almost bullet proof scope. Have never had any issues with one.

The 4.5-14 Conquest just arrived. I will mount it now and head out to the range today.

If your pricing them I suggest that you know what the competative prices are and then call Cameraland in NY for a price on the phone.

I ordered it last Thursday and it got here just now via prepaid DHL. I did have to sign for it.