2aHawaii
General Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: rklapp on April 10, 2017, 05:41:15 PM
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So my scope is having problems. The inner view is no longer concentric. I have a RMA but they're asking for a $20 "warranty fee". Is this normal or does Barska's customer service suck?
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So my scope is having problems. The inner view is no longer concentric. I have a RMA but they're asking for a $20 "warranty fee". Is this normal or does Barska's customer service suck?
That's a running gripe re: Barska scopes. The $20 fee applies after the first 21 days of the warranty.
If you saved $20 by not buying another brand scope, consider it a wash. Sometimes the cheap comes out expensive!
https://www.facebook.com/pg/BarskaOptic/reviews/
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I guess so. It was probably my fault because I tightened the rings too tight before I bought the torque wrench.
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I guess so. It was probably my fault because I tightened the rings too tight before I bought the torque wrench.
If you think you caused the damage, they likely will not replace or repair it for free / fee.
Glad it wasn't an expensive mistake. :shaka:
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Whether they repair it or not, this puts my 300BLK out of commission for two months. I haven't had much luck with scopes so perhaps it's time to replace it with a better one.
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Whether they repair it or not, this puts my 300BLK out of commission for two months. I haven't had much luck with scopes so perhaps it's time to replace it with a better one.
Every time I break something, I smile, because it means "Time for an upgrade!" :thumbsup:
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I have had my fill with cheap optics. I finally decided to quit being so pake and I have started to replace my cheapo scopes and red dots with quality optics. I have pretty much completed my task except for my .22 rifles and one .22 pistol. It seems those cheap optics don't break and do an acceptable job. So I have slowed down the replacement process. Especially since I am now facing some huge car repair and other unexpected bills.
I have been very happy with Nikon Prostaff scopes for low end reasonably priced scopes. For mid quality I have been impressed with the Nikon Monarch scopes and for the high end scopes I have tried and been happy with Leuopold VX-3 scopes and I was going to order a VX-2 for one of my .22's but my finances are crap right now. So I'll have to try one out some other time. A friend has a VX-2 and for what I want for my .22 it is more scope than I need. Only issue is that it is on sale right now. It costs the same as a Monarch right now. I sure hate to miss a sale but I have a lot of bill paying to do....
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Yup. I avoid cheap optics like the plague. Sooooo not worth it. I've been tempted to buy a cheaper red dot now and then for a beater AR, but I've yet to go there.
While I certainly appreciate the quality of optics like S&B, USO, etc, I tend to gravitate to value optics like Nikon and the Vortex mid to mid-high lines, like the Viper PST. One day, I plan on a bolt gun with something like a Nightforce or something in that range, but for now I can only dream.
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If it was purchased within 90 days with a credit card, your CC might get you a refund. Check your credit card benefits and give them a call, doesn't hurt to ask.
I goofed up with my scope too, I tightened the ring screws too much and the head broke off. I guess those scope torque wrenches are worth the price.
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Good idea. I bought it last October so it's seen a bit of use. I was happy with the scope until a month ago. There's no external damage, just internal.
How is the Nikon customer service?
Let me know if anyone has any links for me to check out. Bonus points if it's on sale.
If it was purchased within 90 days with a credit card, your CC might get you a refund. Check your credit card benefits and give them a call, doesn't hurt to ask.
I goofed up with my scope too, I tightened the ring screws too much and the head broke off. I guess those scope torque wrenches are worth the price.
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Good idea. I bought it last October so it's seen a bit of use. I was happy with the scope until a month ago. There's no external damage, just internal.
How is the Nikon customer service?
Let me know if anyone has any links for me to check out. Bonus points if it's on sale.
What rifle do you need the Nikon for? 300BLK?
Looking for magnification?
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Been down that road with cheap optics. I try to educate people but often get criticized.
Doesnt make sense to spend the time and money on a nice rifle and go cheap on a scope. There are lots of imitation Leupold Mk4 lookalikes (ahem Osprey) and they can never compare in all aspects. If youre into cosplay than thats fine. Dont expect repeatability or durability.
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Been down that road with cheap optics. I try to educate people but often get criticized.
Doesnt make sense to spend the time and money on a nice rifle and go cheap on a scope. There are lots of imitation Leupold Mk4 lookalikes (ahem Osprey) and they can never compare in all aspects. If youre into cosplay than thats fine. Dont expect repeatability or durability.
I look at rifle optics like I look at computer monitors. Buy something you'll be happy with long-term.
You can replace the PC several times and still be happy with the monitor if you don't go cheap. Saves money in the long run, and you won't regret your choice..
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I have a Barska. It's in a box in the closet. Some of the settings for the red dot brightness don't work. I called customer service to try and get it fixed. They suck. Was cheaper to call it a loss and buy something better.
I bought a Bushnell instead. Way better, still working and didn't break the bank
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Been down that road with cheap optics. I try to educate people but often get criticized.
Doesnt make sense to spend the time and money on a nice rifle and go cheap on a scope. There are lots of imitation Leupold Mk4 lookalikes (ahem Osprey) and they can never compare in all aspects. If youre into cosplay than thats fine. Dont expect repeatability or durability.
Good on you for trying to educate people regardless of the critics. I get asked about this a lot and my advice is buy the best you can. Especially to those like you spoke of who spend thousands on a rifle n wanna buy the cheapest scope they can find :wtf: makes no sense at all to me. I just tell them it'll cost you either way you choose but buying quality first will almost always be the best choice.
I always tell those who ask me about building a long range precision firearm to ALWAYS factor in the cost of QUALITY optics into the budget of the build. I tell them the most expensive precision rifle they can buy will be practically useless without the optics that can match the firearm they've built.
Aloha and Good Shooting!
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Sights are as important to the rifle as the bolt.
There are cheap iron sights as well.
Dead clicks etc.
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Yup, but some just don't get it lol
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Yeah. Buy once, cry once.
When I was researching for my 700, I was always cautioned by people to maximize budget with regards to optic opposed to the gun. I went with a basic/stock 700 with the intent on upgrading the stock for sure. Still haven't done that, but I did spend more on glass than I was originally thinking when I first thought about getting a bolt gun. I am happy with the Vortex Viper PST that I got for the 700. If I had more funds, I would have loved to get a Nightforce or S&B.
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The thing is that I paid $230 for the upper so how much should I pay for a scope, $500? It's not intended to be a precise weapon. I was happy with the scope before although I only spent $150 on it. I guess I'll send it back, pay the $20, and wait for two months. I still have 3 other rifles I can play with.
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The thing is that I paid $230 for the upper so how much should I pay for a scope, $500? It's not intended to be a precise weapon. I was happy with the scope before although I only spent $150 on it. I guess I'll send it back, pay the $20, and wait for two months. I still have 3 other rifles I can play with.
It's not a function of the cost of the rifle (and not just the upper). It's a philosophy that you should use your budget wisely. Rather than buy a $1000 rifle and a $100 scope, buy a $800 rifle and a $200+ scope.
The higher the caliber, the more you should spend, both for longer range quality and to keep the more powerful round from damaging the optic. Recoil can be a real scope killer.
Scope bite or scope kiss happens, too. That's not good for the scope OR your face! :)
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It's not a function of the cost of the rifle (and not just the upper). It's a philosophy that you should use your budget wisely. Rather than buy a $1000 rifle and a $100 scope, buy a $800 rifle and a $200+ scope.
The higher the caliber, the more you should spend, both for longer range quality and to keep the more powerful round from damaging the optic. Recoil can be a real scope killer.
Scope bite or scope kiss happens, too. That's not good for the scope OR your face! :)
Great, it will take a year for me to save up for a $800 scope to put on a $200 rifle. :'( The purpose of the upper was to fool around with at the range (figure of speech), not buy a $800 scope for it.
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Great, it will take a year for me to save up for a $800 scope to put on a $200 rifle. :'( The purpose of the upper was to fool around with at the range (figure of speech), not buy a $800 scope for it.
Did you miss my questions in an earlier post?
What rifle do you need the Nikon for? 300BLK?
Looking for magnification?
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Did you miss my questions in an earlier post?
What rifle do you need the Nikon for? 300BLK?
Looking for magnification?
Sorry, yes it's for my $200 300BLK upper.
I like 16x but would be happy with 9x until I get the Barska back. Come to think of it, I do have a spare reddot hanging around. I should use that.
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Sorry, yes it's for my $200 300BLK upper.
I like 16x but would be happy with 9x until I get the Barska back. Come to think of it, I do have a spare reddot hanging around. I should use that.
Just curious. You know the more magnification you use, the more the target "dances" in the viewfinder, making a steady hold more difficult?
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Here's something I'd consider buying for a 300BLK. All my nikons have been flawless and work great. I like their Bullet Drop reticles, too.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-p-300-blk-blackout-2-7x32-supersub-reticle.html
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or you can just throw a GI carry handle on it and clamp on front sight - cheapest way
a higher mag scope will magnify everything: your position and the target
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If you like magnification, Might check out the Vortex Crossfire 2 line.
Pretty reasonable and pretty dang clear.
Set up my daughters "sniper" PSA upper wih a 4-12x and we really like it.
Of course I splurged on the UTG rings. :D
https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Crossfire-4-12x44-Riflescope-Deadhold/dp/B00794LIXS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1492062543&sr=8-6&keywords=vortex+crossfire+ii
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Just curious. You know the more magnification you use, the more the target "dances" in the viewfinder, making a steady hold more difficult?
The 24x was impractical but I can hold the 16x fairly well on my AR-15. I'm seriously thinking of the Nikon even though it is 7x. My eyes are getting old and it's difficult to see the 2" target at 100 yards with the cheap 9x scope I have on the VEPR. Perhaps I'll get the 7x and use the 4" targets or stick to 50 yards.
If you like magnification, Might check out the Vortex Crossfire 2 line.
https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Crossfire-4-12x44-Riflescope-Deadhold/dp/B00794LIXS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1492062543&sr=8-6&keywords=vortex+crossfire+ii
I got my Crossfire II 16x on sale from Midway for $140. I also have Nikon rings. I'll try to post a photo tomorrow. I'm not sure if I want to buy two though.
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The 24x was impractical but I can hold the 16x fairly well on my AR-15. I'm seriously thinking of the Nikon even though it is 7x. My eyes are getting old and it's difficult to see the 2" target at 100 yards with the cheap 9x scope I have on the VEPR. Perhaps I'll get the 7x and use the 4" targets or stick to 50 yards.
I got my Crossfire II 16x on sale from Midway for $140. I also have Nikon rings. I'll try to post a photo tomorrow. I'm not sure if I want to buy two though.
If you can still see through the 16X, take it outside and find a 100 Yd target to look at about the size of your normal dot. If the magnification goes to 7x, you can see how that works for you. If you can't make out the target, maybe it's not the scope. If you wear glasses, try with and without them on. Sometimes the focal adjustment on the scope is strong enough to avoid you having to wear glasses. More than one way to skin a cat!
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http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-p-300-blk-blackout-2-7x32-supersub-reticle.html
Doesn't look like it has a parallax adjustment that allows me to dial in the distance. My cheap 9x doesn't have that so I have to turn it down to 6x to make the target clearer.
This is the one that I have and sending back to fix.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/barska-4-16x40-ir-point-black-223-b-d-c-riflescope-black-matte-3g-ir-reticle.html
or you can just throw a GI carry handle on it and clamp on front sight - cheapest way
a higher mag scope will magnify everything: your position and the target
I'll try using the reddot I've had laying around for awhile but forgot about.
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The thing is that I paid $230 for the upper so how much should I pay for a scope, $500? It's not intended to be a precise weapon. I was happy with the scope before although I only spent $150 on it. I guess I'll send it back, pay the $20, and wait for two months. I still have 3 other rifles I can play with.
Sure! Why not? Although paying $500 is double the cost of the upper it can be used on more than one rifle. With the quality of the scope rail systems etc. today a lot of shooter's/hunter's are going that route to maximize their dollar. Without knowing the make/model of your other weapons this may or may not be a possibility. Although I have a bunch of high end optics like NF, S&B, Lightforce (Before it was Nightforce), Kahles, USO etc. Our number of weapons far outnumber them so we use some optics for multiple weapons. Holding zero hasn't been much of an issue when buying quality components and even if adjustments have to be made they are repeatable every time. I routinely use only one S&B for load testing up to 3 rifles at a time sometimes more depending on the situation.
Your statement of it not intended to be a precise weapon contradicts putting a scope on it. I'm not speaking in the sense that it's intended to be sub-moa etc but in the sense that putting a telescopic sight on it was done for the purpose of more precision. Make sense?
There's a lot of good free advice given here but in the end you will make the decision that best suits you. Wish you the best!
Aloha and Good Shooting!
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Doesn't look like it has a parallax adjustment that allows me to dial in the distance. My cheap 9x doesn't have that so I have to turn it down to 6x to make the target clearer.
According to the Nikon manual, the parallax distance is factory set to 100 yds. The adjustable eyepiece can help focus on the reticle for other distances. POA for that rifle beyond 100 yds would not be that far off due to parallax.
Being that you can't shoot past 100 yds at KHSC, what's the maximum distance at which you'd use this scope/rifle?
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Your statement of it not intended to be a precise weapon contradicts putting a scope on it. I'm not speaking in the sense that it's intended to be sub-moa etc but in the sense that putting a telescopic sight on it was done for the purpose of more precision. Make sense?
Which is why I decided to add a reddot and see how that goes.
According to the Nikon manual, the parallax distance is factory set to 100 yds. The adjustable eyepiece can help focus on the reticle for other distances. POA for that rifle beyond 100 yds would not be that far off due to parallax.
Being that you can't shoot past 100 yds at KHSC, what's the maximum distance at which you'd use this scope/rifle?
You see when you get old, your eyes have trouble focusing and you start to need assistance. Don't worry young man, it will happen. :rofl:
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Which is why I decided to add a reddot and see how that goes.
You see when you get old, your eyes have trouble focusing and you start to need assistance. Don't worry young man, it will happen. :rofl:
I'm flattered!
I guess if Trump can start a new job at 70, I'm not that old myself!
I had lasik back in 2004, but started using reading glasses a few years later. So far, distance is still 20/20, and my reading prescription is relatively weak. I wore glasses since 5th grade, and contacts since 1985. I got my bad vision out of my system the first half of my life! :geekdanc:
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The thing is that I paid $230 for the upper so how much should I pay for a scope, $500? It's not intended to be a precise weapon. I was happy with the scope before although I only spent $150 on it. I guess I'll send it back, pay the $20, and wait for two months. I still have 3 other rifles I can play with.
In the end, you get what you pay for. In addition to the cost of the optic itself, I also factor in warranty and manufacturer reputation with regards to warranty service. I've only had second hand personal experience with CS from Leupold, Vortex, Trijicon and Aimpoint and they've all be EXCELLENT! I'll gladly pay more for quality optics like those and CS to back it up.
Seems like you are ok with going the cheap route overall. That said, you're only putting yourself at risk for more headaches in the future. Yeah, nothing may happen, but it's the times when something does happen when it really "counts". Personally, something crapping out on me, or something going where I can't be confident in the item would drive me nuts! It's not worth trying to get by with a $200 optic that might do the job, where I have a much higher confidence level that a $500-600 optic has proven to get the job done. It's all about what you want and you seem set on justifying going the cheap route, so carry on. . .
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It's all about what you want and you seem set on justifying going the cheap route, so carry on. . .
I find more enjoyment in trying to get more mileage out of a $700 rifle rather than a $3,000 rifle. I once drove a Ford Tempo for 230k miles. Remember, the OP was me asking if the $20 warranty fee was reasonable. The rest of the discussion was gravy.
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I find more enjoyment in trying to get more mileage out of a $700 rifle rather than a $3,000 rifle. I once drove a Ford Tempo for 230k miles. Remember, the OP was me asking if the $20 warranty fee was reasonable. The rest of the discussion was gravy.
I hear ya. For me, the enjoyment is in the shooting of the gun and avoiding the headache of dealing with issues often associated with cheap components. Be it the gun, optics, etc.
And my comments were related to your question in the OP. Many optics companies have a lifetime warranty and pretty much no questions asked. I have dozens of stories where the user admitted to being the cause of the issue and companies like Vortex and others fixed the issue a no charge (well, beyond the shipping). My point was I factor that value into the equation when I look to buy.
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I hear ya. For me, the enjoyment is in the shooting of the gun and avoiding the headache of dealing with issues often associated with cheap components. Be it the gun, optics, etc.
That's too safe for me. For example my signature below. Maybe if I went hunting I'd want more expensive equipment. Maybe if I had a hi-powered 30-06 rifle. I used to have a 7x scope on my Mosin Nagant 54r but was too punishing so I swapped with an airsoft reddot and has been working great for the past year.
And my comments were related to your question in the OP. Many optics companies have a lifetime warranty and pretty much no questions asked. I have dozens of stories where the user admitted to being the cause of the issue and companies like Vortex and others fixed the issue a no charge (well, beyond the shipping). My point was I factor that value into the equation when I look to buy.
I'm not sure yet if Barska sucks. Other than the $20 and the initial shipment cost, I haven't got any push back from them yet. I guess we'll see after two months. I've looked through their documentation and haven't found a recommended torque setting for the scope rings. If/when the new scope arrives, I'll call to find out before mounting on the rifle again.
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That's too safe for me. For example my signature below. Maybe if I went hunting I'd want more expensive equipment. Maybe if I had a hi-powered 30-06 rifle. I used to have a 7x scope on my Mosin Nagant 54r but was too punishing so I swapped with an airsoft reddot and has been working great for the past year.
I'm not sure yet if Barska sucks. Other than the $20 and the initial shipment cost, I haven't got any push back from them yet. I guess we'll see after two months. I've looked through their documentation and haven't found a recommended torque setting for the scope rings. If/when the new scope arrives, I'll call to find out before mounting on the rifle again.
A successful day at the range means you leave with more questions than answers.
;D
That is NOT me for sure. A successful range day is getting what I need to get done, say zeroing an optic, test function, etc. Otherwise, it's generally relaxing with no need to trouble shoot anything. That said, I understand your perspective and your choice. :thumbsup:
If you REALLY want a challenge with optics, questions, etc. You should look into companies like NCStar, Leapers, etc. Those companies will definitely offer you many successful range days! :rofl:
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That's too safe for me. For example my signature below. Maybe if I went hunting I'd want more expensive equipment. Maybe if I had a hi-powered 30-06 rifle. I used to have a 7x scope on my Mosin Nagant 54r but was too punishing so I swapped with an airsoft reddot and has been working great for the past year.
I'm not sure yet if Barska sucks. Other than the $20 and the initial shipment cost, I haven't got any push back from them yet. I guess we'll see after two months. I've looked through their documentation and haven't found a recommended torque setting for the scope rings. If/when the new scope arrives, I'll call to find out before mounting on the rifle again.
The link you posted for the Barska scope didn't include rings. Normally, the torque specs are given by the ring manufacturer. For example:
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;D
That is NOT me for sure. A successful range day is getting what I need to get done, say zeroing an optic, test function, etc. Otherwise, it's generally relaxing with no need to trouble shoot anything. That said, I understand your perspective and your choice. :thumbsup:
If you REALLY want a challenge with optics, questions, etc. You should look into companies like NCStar, Leapers, etc. Those companies will definitely offer you many successful range days! :rofl:
Or you can do what a newbie did a couple of years ago. He mounted a scope on his AR and for a few months it worked fine then something broke in the scope and he was all pissed off. Somehow, he came to me (a friend of a friend) to ask my advice. I saw immediately the problem. The scope he mounted was for a .22. He was shooting .223 so he thought the scope was designed for that round. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
I'm with you on this. I go to shoot to relax, let off a little steam, zero out my sights/optics, test loads or new equipment. I always feel like I have had a good day at the range if my guns and ammo are performing well, I have learned something new, had a good time with my friends and helped someone who needed a little guidance. If I have more questions then I came to the range with I am doing something wrong. This is just how I do things. I am not saying what I do is for everybody.
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tip: the reticle should be in focus
the last image before breaking the shot is the reticle in sharp focus
your eye can't focus on 2 things at once.
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Or you can do what a newbie did a couple of years ago. He mounted a scope on his AR and for a few months it worked fine then something broke in the scope and he was all pissed off. Somehow, he came to me (a friend of a friend) to ask my advice. I saw immediately the problem. The scope he mounted was for a .22. He was shooting .223 so he thought the scope was designed for that round. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
I'm with you on this. I go to shoot to relax, let off a little steam, zero out my sights/optics, test loads or new equipment. I always feel like I have had a good day at the range if my guns and ammo are performing well, I have learned something new, had a good time with my friends and helped someone who needed a little guidance. If I have more questions then I came to the range with I am doing something wrong. This is just how I do things. I am not saying what I do is for everybody.
Well, it's .22, right?
I can't talk too much. Recently, as in maybe 6 months ago, I mounted an Aimpoint PRO 90 degrees off axis. . . I was all set up at the range for the first relay. Target out, boresighting just before I'm going to start shooting to zero. I'm adjusting windage and the dot is moving up and down. What in the blue f&$* is going on? The elevation moves the dot right/left. . . Well, shit. I don't have the hex key/tool to remount, so that was a short day at the range. . . >:( :(
I essentially do problem solving for work all day long. Problems with structures, problems with people, problems. Last thing I want is to solve problems while I am at the range to enjoy myself. Maybe the only problem that I want to figure out that day is which guns to shoot.
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Well, it's .22, right?
I can't talk too much. Recently, as in maybe 6 months ago, I mounted an Aimpoint PRO 90 degrees off axis. . . I was all set up at the range for the first relay. Target out, boresighting just before I'm going to start shooting to zero. I'm adjusting windage and the dot is moving up and down. What in the blue f&$* is going on? The elevation moves the dot right/left. . . Well, shit. I don't have the hex key/tool to remount, so that was a short day at the range. . . >:( :(
I essentially do problem solving for work all day long. Problems with structures, problems with people, problems. Last thing I want is to solve problems while I am at the range to enjoy myself. Maybe the only problem that I want to figure out that day is which guns to shoot.
I mounted a scope where the windage adjustment was on top and the elevation adjustment was on the side. How did I find out? I tried looking through the scope and realized I mounted it backwards!!!! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: Senior moment duly noted.
When I retire, the only problem I WANT to have is which guns to bring to the range that day.
BTW, if I bring new loads to shoot, I always try to bring known good ammo (Or commercial ammo) with me when I go. And I rarely bring new loads for two guns when I go. I want to have time after load testing to relax and have a good time shooting with a known good gun/ammo combination.
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Sling shots are pretty easy to use. Just saying... :D :thumbsup:
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The Bushnell scope is now on sale with Free Shipping. I mailed the Barska scope back to the manufacturer so should be back in a month or two. I have a cheap reddot on it for now. The Bushnell and Barska scopes look about the same. At this time, I'm not interested in spending more on the scope, but maybe someday. I had it briefly mounted on my 300BLK. Should I get the Bushnell scope now and sell the Barska for like half price, or wait for the Barska to return and save my money for a much more expensive scope later on when I can afford it?
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/238404/bushnell-ar-optics-rifle-scope-3-12x-40mm-side-focus-drop-zone-223-bdc-reticle-matte
:shaka:
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Got the new Barska scope in the mail today along with the RCBS die. However, I also bought one of those much vaunted Vortex 1-6x scopes yesterday for $280. Too good of a deal to pass up.
For now, I'm gonna try the reddot that I have on the upper now, then probably switch to the Vortex and the Barska will stay in reserve. After paying Barska $20 for shipping the scope back, they had the nerve to ask me for another $17 for shipping to Hawaii. After calling them out on their shit, they waved the fee and agreed to mail it to me.
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They're practically giving them away now.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/238404/bushnell-ar-optics-rifle-scope-3-12x-40mm-side-focus-drop-zone-223-bdc-reticle-matte