Understanding Point of Impact Shift: Beyond the Scope
At TRACT Optics, we’re often asked a familiar question: “Why was my rifle dead-on Monday, but off by Saturday?” It’s a frustrating experience for shooters—especially when they’ve invested in high-quality optics and expect consistent performance. But as custom gun builder Bobby Hart of Hart Custom Rifles explains, the culprit is rarely the scope itself.
Bobby Hart has spent decades building precision rifles and diagnosing shooting inconsistencies. One of the most overlooked factors he highlights is atmospheric change. Temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure can subtly affect bullet trajectory, especially over longer distances. Shooters may not realize that a shift in weather between range sessions can cause measurable point of impact (POI) changes—even if everything else seems identical.
This aligns with what Jon LaCorte, TRACT Optics co-founder and 10-year veteran of the brand, has emphasized in our previous blog “Why Your Point of Impact Might Shift”. Jon breaks down how environmental variables, combined with rifle setup, can lead to unexpected results. It’s not just about the glass—it’s about the entire shooting system.
“I experienced an interesting issue yesterday shooting at the range using the TORIC 4.5-30×56 scope. While shooting at 100 yards using the scope on a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle, the point of impact jumped to the left about an inch for 2 consecutive shots without my changing any windage adjustments (see the photo below), and then later it jumped to the right about .7 inch for 2 shots without any adjustments. Prior to these shots, the scope has run fine without issues. I received the rifle just a couple of weeks ago and have run about 60 rounds through it. Typically, I shoot 0.3 to 0.5 inch groups at 100 yards, so this sort of jump in POI is immediately apparent. I checked the scope mounts (Vortex precision mounts) and they’re at the correct tension.
Contacted TRACT
“I immediately contacted Jon LaCorte. He said that that it appears that the Point of Impact in relation to my zero is right on with the first shot(s), but not the follow up shots. He explained that this is not typical of when a scope looses zero. This seems more typical when there is a change in the harmonics of the rifle or a change in the ammunition.
Possible Fixes
Jon asked me a few questions:
Is the barrel free floated? Any chance the barrel is making contact with the stock (especially as the barrel heats up between shots)
Are you using factory ammo or handloads?
What actual torque value did you use on the rings?
Problem Solved
“Took advantage of the good weather yesterday and went to the range. I discovered that my previous accuracy issue has been resolved (see target photo below). In addition to Jon’s suggestions, one possibility is the ammo I had been using. The rifle shot well with Federal American Eagle 123g and Gold Medal 130g, about 1 inch groups at 200 yards. However, it did worse with Berger 153g, even though that’s a match grade ammo. The TRACT scope worked flawlessly yesterday with over 40 rounds, so I’m super pleased with the result.”
My Point of Impact Story
Bedding and Barrel Contact: The Hidden Mechanics
Bobby Hart also points to another common issue: factory rifle stocks. Most come with what’s called “three-point bedding”—contact at the rear screw, front screw, and small pressure points near the forend. These are designed to keep the barreled action centered in the barrel channel. But here’s the catch: if the barrel touches the stock anywhere along its length, especially when it heats up, it can exert pressure and cause the POI to “walk” up the target.
This mechanical interference is often mistaken for scope failure. But as Jon LaCorte reminds us, a scope is a mechanical device—it doesn’t “drift” on its own. The real issue lies in how the barreled action interacts with the stock, especially under heat and recoil.
Understanding Point of Impact Shift: Beyond the Scope
Custom Solutions for Consistency
At TRACT, we believe in empowering shooters with knowledge. That’s why we partner with experts like Bobby Hart, whose custom rifles eliminate these bedding issues through precision craftsmanship. And it’s why Jon & Jon continue to lead TRACT with a commitment to transparency, education, and performance.
If you’re experiencing POI shift, don’t rush to blame the optic. Instead, consider the full picture: atmospheric conditions, barrel heating, bedding contact, and rifle setup. A little insight goes a long way toward better shooting—and that’s exactly what TRACT is here to provide.
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