If you own a rifle scope that won’t adjust, it can be a source of frustration. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to diagnose the problem and potentially resolve it. In my article, I will discuss today what to do when your scope won’t adjust, as well as some tips and tricks for getting it back on track.
Why Is My Scope Out Of Adjustment?
There could be a number of reasons why your scope is out of adjustment. It could be due to your scope being bumped or jarred, a loose mounting system, or an improper zeroing of the scope.
If you are unsure of the cause, it is best to have a gunsmith inspect it and make any necessary adjustments.
5 Common Causes Of A Scope That Won’t Adjust
1. Faulty Wiring:
One of the most common causes of a scope that won’t adjust is faulty wiring.
If a scope is wired incorrectly, it can cause the scope to malfunction and not adjust properly.
2. Loose Connections:
In addition to faulty wiring, loose connections can also cause a scope to malfunction and not adjust properly.
3. Dirty/Damaged Scope:
If a scope is dirty or damaged, it can also cause it to malfunction and not adjust properly. And it’s essential to keep the scope clean and free of any dirt or damage.
4. Bad Batteries:
If a scope is powered by batteries, bad batteries can also cause it to malfunction and not adjust properly.
5. Faulty Parts:
If a scope has faulty parts, it can also cause it to malfunction and not adjust properly.
Therefore, it’s important to make sure all parts are properly functioning and in good working condition before attempting to adjust the scope.
What Are The Risks Of Not Fixing My Scope?
- Unreliable readings: If your scope is not fixed, it can lead to unreliable readings of your measurements. And this can lead to incorrect results or assumptions when analyzing data.
- Safety hazards: A broken scope can potentially pose safety hazards due to malfunctioning parts or electrical problems.
- Loss of data: If your scope is not fixed, there is a risk of data loss due to malfunctioning components or incorrect readings.
- Damage to other components: If your scope is not fixed, there is a possibility that it could damage other components it is connected to, such as probes or other test equipment.
A Step-by-Step Guide: How To Fix A Scope That Won’t Adjust?
- Visually inspect the scope and its mountings: Ensure that the scope is firmly mounted to the gun and that the rings are securely tightened. Check for any signs of damage or corrosion.
- Check the adjustments: Turn the elevation and windage knobs and ensure that they move freely.
- Clean the scope: Use a soft cotton cloth to clean the outside of the scope and remove any dirt or debris. Do not use solvents, as this could damage the scope.
- Check the battery: If the scope is powered by a battery, replace it if necessary.
- Check the reticle: Look through the scope and ensure that the reticle is in focus. If it is not, adjust the reticle focus knob until it is in focus.
- Check the turret caps: Ensure that the turret caps are firmly secured. If they are loose, tighten them.
- Adjust the elevation and windage knobs: Turn the elevation and windage knobs and ensure that they move freely. Adjust the knobs until the reticle is aligned with the target.
- Check the zero-stop: If the scope has a zero-stop feature, ensure that it is adjusted correctly.
- Check the parallax adjustment: Look through the scope at the target and adjust the parallax knob until the reticle appears to be stationary.
- Test the adjustments: Once all adjustments have been made, test the scope by firing a few rounds at a target. Adjust the knobs as necessary until the reticle is correctly aligned with the point of impact.
- Final check: When all adjustments have been made, perform a final check to ensure that the scope is correctly adjusted.
Cost Of Fixing Scope
The cost of fixing your scope will depend on the type of scope you have, the type of damage it has sustained, and the extent of the damage.
For instance, if the problem is a loose connection, the cost may be as low as the cost of purchasing a few replacement parts. Simply it can be from $8 to $25 in this type of case.
But if the lenses have been damaged, you may need to purchase new lenses, which could be more expensive. Moreover, the cost of the labor to install the parts or lenses could add to the overall cost.
How Long Will It Take To Fix My Scope?
It depends on the nature of the problem.
- If the scope is malfunctioning due to a minor issue, such as a loose connection or a blown fuse, it may take just a few minutes to diagnose and fix the issue.
- If the problem is more complex, such as a faulty circuit board or a cracked lens, it may take several hours to diagnose and repair the issue.
- And, if the parts needed to fix the scope are not readily available, it may take days or weeks to obtain them and make the repairs.
Prevent A Scope From Getting Stuck Again.
To prevent a scope from getting stuck again, it is crucial to inspect the scope and its components regularly for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
If any damage is noticed, it should be repaired or replaced immediately. Additionally, it is also essential to ensure that the scope is properly lubricated and that the lens and eyepiece are kept clean.
Finally, you should store the scope in a climate-controlled environment to avoid any condensation or moisture buildup.
Tips & Tricks For Fixing A Scope That Won’t Adjust.
- Check the battery: If your scope’s reticle is not adjusting, the first thing you should check is the battery. If the battery is weak or dead, the scope won’t be able to adjust its reticle. So, replace the battery with a new one and test it.
- Clean the turret housing: The turret housing is part of the scope that houses the adjustment knobs. Over time, dirt and grime can accumulate in the housing and impede the reticle’s ability to adjust. To clean the housing, use a small brush and compressed air.
- Check the adjustment knobs: If the turret housing is clean and the battery is new, then you should check the adjustment knobs. Thus make sure the knobs turn freely and aren’t stuck in place. If they are stuck, apply some lubricant to loosen them up.
- Check the adjustment screws: If the adjustment knobs are not the problem, then you should check the adjustment screws. These are the screws that control the reticle’s movement and make sure the screws are tight, not stripped. If they are, replace them.
- Take it to a gunsmith: If all else fails, you should take your scope to a gunsmith for further examination. They may be able to diagnose and fix the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Do I Know If My Scope Is Properly Mounted?
The best way to know if a scope is properly mounted is to check the reticle alignment. This can be done by adjusting the reticle focus and then looking through the scope at a flat, featureless surface such as a wall.
The reticle should appear to be perfectly centered and aligned with the surface. If it appears to be off-center or skewed, then the scope is not mounted properly. Yes, now it needs to be adjusted.
How Do I Know If My Scope Is Properly Aligned With The Bore Of The Rifle?
Aligning a scope with the bore of a rifle is a two-step process.
First, you must adjust the windage and elevation turrets on the scope so the reticle is centered over the target.
Then, you must use a bore sighter to ensure the reticle is actually aligned with the center of the bore.
- To do this, you must look through the bore sighter and make sure the reticle is in the center of the bore sighter’s reticle.
- If it isn’t, then you must adjust the windage and elevation turrets until it is.
What Happens If Your Scope Is Not Level?
If your scope is not level, it can cause an inaccurate point of aim. This can lead to shots that miss the target or that land in an unexpected location. Additionally, if you are shooting at long distances, the angle of your scope can affect the trajectory of the bullet, leading to a miss.
Why Won’t My Scope Zero In?
There could be a number of reasons why your scope won’t zero in. The most common reasons include improper mounting, dirty or damaged optics, incorrect reticle settings, and incorrect turret settings.
If you are having difficulty zeroing in your scope, you should double-check your mounting and reticle settings to make sure everything is correct. After that, clean the optics, and then try again. If the issue persists, you may need to have your scope serviced or replaced.
What Should I Do If The Problem Still Persists?
If the problem still persists, then the first step is to identify the root cause of the issue. You may need to contact the manufacturer or the service provider to get more information. Also, it is important to document the problem and the steps you have taken to try to resolve it.
After that, you should contact customer service and explain the problem in detail. If the issue cannot be resolved, then you may need to consider other options such as replacing the device or returning it for a refund.
Do Cheap Scopes Hold Zero?
Yes, many cheap scopes can hold zero and will maintain their accuracy. However, it is good to note that the quality of the optics, construction and materials used in the scope can affect how well it holds zero and how accurate it is.
In general, higher-quality scopes with better materials and construction will be more likely to hold zero and be more accurate.
EndNote About Fixing A Scope That Won’T Adjust
If you are having trouble adjusting your scope, it is mandatory to troubleshoot the issue to make sure the problem lies in the scope itself and not in the rifle.
- If the problem is in the scope, check the reticle and its adjustments.
- If that is not the issue, make sure all the screws are tight and the scope is properly mounted.
- If all else fails, contact the manufacturer for further help or consider replacing the scope.
