Scoping Problem

[Swampman]

I installed an almost new Leupold VX-2 3-9X40 on my stainless boatpaddle Ruger 77/22 and when adjusted all the way up and all the way to the right it's still an inch low and an inch to the left at 25 yards. I know I can shim it up but I'm not sure what to do about the windage. Anyone tried the Redfield or Millet windage adjustable rings?

When I bought the rifle it had an inexpensive Tasco scope on it but there were several brass shims between the rings and the scope. It shot fine. Without the shims the rings wouldn't clamp down on the Tasco enough to keep it from moving in the rings.

 

[JFB]

are those decent rings? might want to try another set.

eventhough you just change scopes, I would still recheck that the rings/scope is not in any type of bind.

I would also pull the action out of the stock and make sure the barrel is not being pushed

 

[Swampman]

They are Ruger factory rings.

 

[JFB]

still thinking, shooting LOW could be the "dreaded barrel droop" related to the barrel slipfit and V block retention.

 

[Swampman]

A week ago it was shooting 1/4" groups dead on at 25 yards and not much worse at 50. All I did was switch scopes.

 

[JFB]

was the shim under the scope on the back ring and on top for the front?

 

[Swampman]

I believe so.

 

[Mobuck]

a shim "on top" does nothing.
I'd flip the rings 180* one at a time and see if it helps. Next option is swap front to back if they're identical(which I think they are). Mark the rings with a sharpie so you know where you started. A bore sighter may save ammo and time but you'll need to have 50' or more to see a difference.

 

[Swampman]

I checked the saddle height on the rings with my calipers and it's the same.

 

[collectormzornes]

I would think it would be obvious but I will ask anyway. the rings are not 30mm rings someone has shimmed up to fit a 1" tube are they? A pic would also help determine the issue maybe. Do they appear to have been lapped by any chance?

 

[Swampman]

No, they are the original Ruger rings.

 

[collectormzornes]

I know you said they are original Ruger rings but Ruger did make some factory rings for 30mm scopes but they seem to be very noticible when trying to mount a scope in them or next to a 1" set.

 

[Swampman]

These are not 30mm rings.

 

[Swampman]

Well I had a Vari X III 1.5-5X20 Heavy Duplex on my Marlin 881 (I know not the best .22 scope) so I figured what the heck I'll swap scopes with the 77/22 just to see what happens. Using CB Longs it sighted in fine with a little adjustment. I put the VX-2 3-9X40 on the 881 and it only took a few clicks to get it adjusted. I will still have to see how they do with HV ammo at the range but I suspect they will be fine. None of this seems logical to me but as long as the hit where I'm aiming I don't care. Maybe I'll send the scope with the heavy duplex back to Leupold for a standard duplex. They could adjust the parallax too I suppose.

 

[JFB]

the vx3 1.5-5X20 has 120moa adjustment range
where as
the vx2 3-9X40 has 52moa (which is only 26 from centered)

you might want to see my replies in post "to set up scope..what tools" to see why adjustment range matters.