I would have to say most of the things you talk about could happen. If you experianced all of those then you be having a bad time. I never have a problem with my scopes in the tree as I am up high and the deer is down low so I am not looking into the sun, now sitting on the ground is a problem with a scope but I very rarely sit on ground. I also have never had seven inch groups, even free hand in the breeze. But I have been shooting the horton for a while and we mate up good. If a person is new you could have the problems you speak of, but hey thats what we are all here for!