Having trouble getting my rifle to hold zero.
Equipment:
Gamo Varmint .22 33mmOD/ 29mmID cylinder spring piston break barrel
Offset one piece scope rings
UTG bug buster 3-9x32, rear shimmed
H&N Baracuda 5.52mm 18.13gr
Shooting position:
Seated bench
Block for forward rifle support; no rear bag
Summary:
I’m looking for any advice or thoughts on zeroing my scope and getting it to hold zero. I got my air rifle about a month ago for pesting needs. Shot about 300-400 pellets through it. So far I have tried 3 different pellets and so far it seems to like barracuda 18s. Once I zero my rifle at 20yards, it can reliably shoot 1/2” groups at my shooting table and often drill the same hole. I’ve become pretty comfortable with my artillery hold although the heavy trigger sometimes makes for a tough shot particularly at ~30yards. Approximately <1” grouping.
Every so often, my zero will shift slightly when I check and shoot targets. One time I realized one of scope ring screws was loose so I checked and retightened them and then re-zeroed. Then another day it was off slightly again although holding a decent group. POI can be off both vertically and/or horizontally by 1” to 1-1/2” at 20 yards. It’s getting frustrating not being able to depend on my accuracy when I need the shot to count for pesting. Any advice?
-Should I loctite my scope screws?
-Is my scope broken? I have been trying to make sure the rings and scope are secured but also being aware of not crushing the scope. The rifle has quite a bit of kick.
-Is the accuracy shifting a sign that the barrel is still breaking in?
Really sorry for the long post. Tried to provide as much relevant detail.
Equipment:
Gamo Varmint .22 33mmOD/ 29mmID cylinder spring piston break barrel
Offset one piece scope rings
UTG bug buster 3-9x32, rear shimmed
H&N Baracuda 5.52mm 18.13gr
Shooting position:
Seated bench
Block for forward rifle support; no rear bag
Summary:
I’m looking for any advice or thoughts on zeroing my scope and getting it to hold zero. I got my air rifle about a month ago for pesting needs. Shot about 300-400 pellets through it. So far I have tried 3 different pellets and so far it seems to like barracuda 18s. Once I zero my rifle at 20yards, it can reliably shoot 1/2” groups at my shooting table and often drill the same hole. I’ve become pretty comfortable with my artillery hold although the heavy trigger sometimes makes for a tough shot particularly at ~30yards. Approximately <1” grouping.
Every so often, my zero will shift slightly when I check and shoot targets. One time I realized one of scope ring screws was loose so I checked and retightened them and then re-zeroed. Then another day it was off slightly again although holding a decent group. POI can be off both vertically and/or horizontally by 1” to 1-1/2” at 20 yards. It’s getting frustrating not being able to depend on my accuracy when I need the shot to count for pesting. Any advice?
-Should I loctite my scope screws?
-Is my scope broken? I have been trying to make sure the rings and scope are secured but also being aware of not crushing the scope. The rifle has quite a bit of kick.
-Is the accuracy shifting a sign that the barrel is still breaking in?
Really sorry for the long post. Tried to provide as much relevant detail.
