by timotheius99 » Thu Oct 03, 2019 7:30 am
So I thought I would post an update to this old thread, just in case it might help anyone else in the future. I think I have the problem solved, although I can't say for certain what exactly was causing the problem. In short, I now think the scopes were probably fine, and that my accuracy problems were probably caused by a slightly loose muzzle brake.
I sent my Leupold vx3 scope back to Leupold for service. I explained to them that I thought it wasn't holding zero. Several weeks later they sent the scope back to me with a note enclosed stating that they had replaced all the internal components. They didn't state whether there was a problem with the scope or not, they just replaced everything and sent it back to me. Generally I was pretty pleased with Leupold's service. I have since mounted that same scope on a Tikka .243 rifle and the scope holds zero just fine and works perfectly. That rifle is a sub-moa tack driver.
While I was waiting on the vx3 for service, I went ahead and bought another Leupold scope, the VX-Freedom 3x9 with CDS dial. I mounted it on my Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle. I used the Ruger factory rings. During the mounting process, I noticed for the first time that the muzzle brake was a little loose on the threads. This was very concerning for me, because a loose muzzle brake could have possibly been the source of the problems all along. So I took the muzzle brake completely off and decided to shoot the gun without the brake. I made sure every last screw and moving part got a good dose of blue locktite.
Long story short, the Ruger GSR with no muzzle brake, VX freedom scope and Ruger rings is holding tight and shooting very well. No more problems of my groups jumping around the target. Honestly, I think the problem all along was probably a loose muzzle brake, but I'll never know for sure. My other gun, my Savage Wolverine .450 is locked down and shooting very well also. The Leupold VX3 scope that I thought I had "killed" is now sitting nicely on my .243 rifle and working like a champ.
To anyone who may be experiencing problems similar to mine, I would offer the following advice. Chances are your scope is fine, but there is one tiny little component that is loose somewhere. To eliminate this as a possibility, buy all steel rings, steel bases, and locktite down with blue locktite every last moving part that you can. Ring screws, base screws, muzzle brakes, thread protectors, whatever. Use quality steel mounting parts and locktite down everything. If it can rattle loose, I guarantee that it will. Also, don't be afraid to shoot your .450 bushmaster without a muzzle brake. Due to all the internet hype, I thought the recoil was going to be unbearable. Its not. Without the brake, I feel like my Ruger GSR .450 is comparable to the recoil of a .308. I think removing the muzzle brake makes for a quieter gun (rings my ears less), no air blowback, and a more "normal" vibration in the gun that might be less likely to rattle things loose. Just my 2 cents and I hope this might help someone out.