Troubleshooting Air Rifle Scope Issues: Adjustments and Solutions

Common issues with air rifle scopes, particularly on low-cost models, are the failure of windage and elevation adjustments. These adjustments are often designed to push the reticle against a single spring, which can move over time, leading to proper adjustments not being maintained. In this article, we will explore the causes of common air rifle scope problems and provide solutions to help you get your air rifle back to its optimal performance.

Causes of Failed Adjustments

The low-cost nature of air rifle scopes can lead to frequent malfunctions due to the design of the scope's mechanisms. Typically, two adjustments - elevation and windage - are involved. Both these adjustments push the reticle against a single spring positioned at the 7:30 position. The spring is held in place by friction, and after many shots, it can shift away from the 7:30 position, leading to improper adjustments.

Diagnosing the Problem

If you notice that your scope is not adjusting far enough to the right, you can identify the issue by examining the scope's internal components. In your case, it seems that the spring has shifted downward, affecting the windage adjustment. This is a common issue with low-cost scopes, as the spring design can be unreliable.

Immediate Solutions

The immediate solution is to remove the eyepiece and push the spring back to the 7:30 position. However, a better approach would be to redesign the scope with springs at the 9:00 and 6:00 positions, which can provide a more stable and reliable adjustment mechanism.

An even more durable solution would be to disassemble the scope and modify the groove to prevent any spring movement, ensuring more consistent and accurate adjustments.

Alternative Solutions

If you're experiencing similar issues with a high-end air rifle, you might need to remount the scope properly. This process involves re-centering the reticle and using scope mount adjustments to fine-tune the zero. This is a common problem with many air rifles, particularly those with adjustable windage and elevation rings.

DIY Troubleshooting Guide

For a new air rifle and scope, particularly a break barrel spring piston model, here is a step-by-step guide to diagnosing and potentially fixing the issue.

Dismount the scope and its mounts. Inspect the rifle for any obvious crookedness or damage. Some RWS barrels may be installed crookedly, despite still being able to zero the rifle. It's best to check with the manufacturer's customer service or return to the store if needed. Tighten all breech and stock screws. Re-install the mounts and use a one-piece mount with an arresting pin that engages the receiver spring tube of the rifle. Avoid two-piece mounts as they can shift with the recoil. Place the scope in the rings, ensuring the front of the rings butt up against a vertical surface on the scope like the turret or objective bell. This will prevent the scope from moving due to the peculiar push-pull recoil of a springer. Level the scope's crosshairs in the mounts. Tighten all the screws on the base of the mount then tighten the rings in an opposite diagonal pattern. Inspect the placement of the mount, scope, and the level of the crosshairs as you work. When the screws get tight, make a final inspection, then fully tighten all screws completely. Inspect your work one last time to ensure everything is properly adjusted.

If the rifle and scope are functioning correctly, it's likely that the problem lies with the scope and mounts. Many rifles come with the cheapest available options. Replace the scope and mounts with a high-quality one-piece mount and a UTG/Leapers air rifle scope.

Conclusion

By understanding the causes of common air rifle scope issues and following these solutions, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve your shooting problems. Whether you're dealing with a low-cost or high-end air rifle, proper adjustment and maintenance are key to achieving optimal performance.