Checking zero at camp?

Joined
Mar 20, 2019
Messages
377
Does anyone check zero at camp? Example; 10 hour drive with rifle in a soft case in the cab of the pickup then a 15 mile ride with the rifle in the scabbard on a horse (assuming no rodeos)
I know it’s a good idea, but does anyone want to be the a-hole sending a few down range at paper in the backcountry? Especially if there’s a few guys in camp who’d want to do the same.

Please please please do not tell me anything along the lines of “If you buy XYZ scope you won’t have to check zero. Mines been dead on since 1995”


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Tmac

WKR
Joined
Mar 16, 2020
Messages
920
On a trip like you describe, I will check zero after the vehicle ride when closer to my final hunt altitude, if it’s convenient. More about confirming my dope than worry about scope zero. Then I load it in the scabbard and go hunt. If I can’t check zero easily, I load it and go hunt.
 

Wrench

WKR
Joined
Aug 23, 2018
Messages
6,388
Location
WA
I never worry about scaring off critters. I have shot elk and had other elk lay with mine....and I've had them completely ignore the shot.
 
OP
khart_6882
Joined
Mar 20, 2019
Messages
377
Absolutely, I mean your using a suppressor and not a heathen right?

Well duh, but my buddy’s aren’t. I wasn’t so much worried about scaring game away, but more if someone else happened to be nearby I’d hate to ruin their day with all the shooting.


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Joined
Dec 28, 2019
Messages
1,941
Shooting is fun. I shoot at camp before evening hunts for fun and to confirm zero. I shoot my rifles a lot so I’m aware of any zero shifts.

Shooting a rifle is like any other skill activity. Practice.
 

Superx3

FNG
Joined
Sep 10, 2023
Messages
60
Location
Tx panhandle
I have never had to re zero a rifle on a hunt but I’ll check if possible and I traveled along ways. Diesel and mileage on a pickup isn’t cheap just to miss…
 
Joined
Feb 24, 2016
Messages
2,625
If I fly, I always check a gun.
If I drove, I go hunting.

Unless something happened while I’m hunting I never shoot at camp.

I’m so ocd that I won’t even shoot a .22 at my house from September-January…
 

The Harbor Master

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Apr 17, 2022
Messages
106
Location
SW Idaho
I have and also I haven't. Depends on the travel. After a horse ride or ATV ride, I would. Not because I expect zero to shift but because I don't like wondering.
 

zrodwyo

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 18, 2017
Messages
223
Location
Wyo
I’ve checked zero using the headlights of my truck more than a time or two.

No reason to wait until you get into camp to shoot.
 

Wapiti1

WKR
Joined
Sep 18, 2017
Messages
3,687
Location
Indiana
Yes. And I shoot a few throughout the hunt as well. Mechanical things break. It's not if, but when.

One or two rounds every couple of days are pretty cheap insurance.

Jeremy
 

vonb

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 2, 2020
Messages
242
Absolutely! How stupid are you going to feel when that trophy is missed or worse injured because you didn’t check zero. Checking zero also instills confidence when you do take the shot.
 
Joined
Dec 2, 2017
Messages
1,176
Location
Northeast Pa
Are you guys too cheap to buy a Bushnell bore sighter for like $100? You sight in your rifle then install the bore sighter(can use the bore sigher to get you close at sight-in) and see where the crosshairs are on the grid and you take note of that. Then, you can verify it any time you want and if the crosshairs moved you can readjust your scope crosshairs back to the proper location on the grid and you are good to go. No need to fire a shot. I've been doing this for like 30+ years. Do it with multiple rifles. It comes with 3 different pilots to use with any caliber. Only weighs as much as a hand held range finder. Get smarter guys.
 

Marshfly

WKR
Joined
Sep 18, 2022
Messages
1,339
Location
Missoula, Montana
Are you guys too cheap to buy a Bushnell bore sighter for like $100? You sight in your rifle then install the bore sighter(can use the bore sigher to get you close at sight-in) and see where the crosshairs are on the grid and you take note of that. Then, you can verify it any time you want and if the crosshairs moved you can readjust your scope crosshairs back to the proper location on the grid and you are good to go. No need to fire a shot. I've been doing this for like 30+ years. Do it with multiple rifles. It comes with 3 different pilots to use with any caliber. Only weighs as much as a hand held range finder. Get smarter guys.
How is that going to tell you that your action shifted in the stock?
 
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