Point of impact change when changing power on a variable?

[lilabner]

It is widely reported that the new generation of variable power scopes are pretty much free of serious defects. Have you sighted in using high magnification on a scope of recent manufacture and found that point of impact changed when you shifted to a lower power setting for hunting? If so, what scope and how much shift?

[Redhawk1]

I have never experienced that. If you sight in on high power you are sighted in at low power. You are not moving the cross hairs, just the magnification.

What might be happening is, at longer ranges you may not hold on the say spot you would if you used high magnification.  

[moontroll]

I had it happen on a Zeiss Conquest,it would shift 2" to the left and 2" down from the higest setting to the lowest.I sent it in and they sent me a brand new one.

[moontroll]

I had it happen on a Zeiss Conquest,it would shift 2" to the left and 2" down from the higest setting to the lowest.I sent it in and they sent me a brand new one.

[lilabner]

Most hunters set the scope at a lower magnification when hunting to get a wider field of view if game is seen at close range. In my experience, many shooters go to high magnification to sight in from the bench, which makes sense because you get a much better sight picture on the bullseye. However, my experience as a range officer has been that quite a few shooters do not confirm their zero by shooting a group or two at the lower magnification they'll be using in the field. I've not had a problem with wandering zero with my scopes but it apparently exists.

[victorcharlie]

I know the problem existed in the 60's.....but think that for the most part on the more modern, mid to higher priced scopes produced say from 1983 on.....the POI doesn't shift enough to be a factor for anything other than benchrest, or long range shooting.........but in my mind, the more moving parts the greater the odds of this type problem occurring.........I've come to the opinion that a fixed 4X is plenty on a big game rifle, and am slowly going to be replacing everything but Leupolds and Bushnell Elites with fixed powers.........I think a good heavy barrel varmit rifle can stand a higher powered scope for long shots on small critters.........From my experience at the range, my groups from a 4X are very close to the same as with the scope set to 12X or 16X ....at a hundred yards.............but believe the additional field of view from the lower powered scopes are more beneficial in the field...........where most of my shots are 100 yards or less........
 
I wouldn't bet on the lower end lines.............Seems most of the low end scopes start good but don't hold up for any length of time, at least they haven't for me..............Ain't gonna call no names......