can a loose ocular bell allow percieved reticle movement?

[204 AR]

Recently I've had some inconsistent accuracy out of one of my best rifles, and tonite I noticed that the lock ring for the ocular focus was loose. As I wiggled the ocular bell, the reticle seems to move.

I was inside trying to test it, and probably inconclusive, but when I tighten the lock ring, the movement goes away. Has anyone noticed a loose lock ring affecting accuracy? I'll have to check it better at the range next time.

Scope is a new Redfield, btw.

 

[lennyzrx]

sure can.

if you ever get your hands on a poorly manufactured scope with the fast focus type reticle focus.Back it out a check for play/wobble.

Now put it in a solid rest and look through it and move the eyepiece and you'll see the reticle dance around.

A fella at the rifle range years back showed me this. I'm sure without your lock ring tight on your scope you can get the same result.

 

[204 AR]

Thanks for the reply, it seems like a dumb question, but I'm sure it's happened to a lot of people and they didn't even know it was a problem (like me).

 

[lennyzrx]

theres never a dumb question!

you can easly check with a soild rifle mount!

I'm not a fan of europeon style reticle " fast focus " anyways.

unless the machine work is precise it stinks!

a lock ring is far more precise in a rifle scope as long as it's tightened up after your reticle is set.

sadly folk's buy into an empty box nowaday's gotta have the latest greatest, does'nt matter if it work's!