I guess I should try the sights just to get them set up for back up if anything. My birthday is the 20th and if I drop a hint for a scope it will be the third year in a row lol!! One thing I will check is I have the exact same scope on the .308 barrel I have for the Encore I should see if I still have a clear picture in that tube. That would get me through hunting season anyway. ( good excuse to check out the iron sights on that barrel as well)