Checking zero at camp?

[khart_6882]

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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[Grundy53]

No

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[Tmac]

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]

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.

 

[TimberRunner]

Typically, yes, I'd like to make sure all my work is still in order. Sometimes it isn't feasible.

 

[Seeknelk]

Absolutely, I mean your using a suppressor and not a heathen right?

 

[khart_6882]

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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[General RE LEE]

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]

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…

 

[MallardSX2]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Jbehredt]

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.

If you miss and hit the radiator you’re in a world of hurt!

 

[Wapiti1]

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

 

[rayporter]

no

 

[vonb]

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.

 

[LFC911]

Yes if it is a base camp. If it was a spike camp, near where i was hunting, i wouldn't.

 

[pacoalcracker]

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]

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?

 

[General RE LEE]

Re-frame it as “practice” vs checking zero. Nothing wrong with getting some trigger time before a hunt or in between hunts.