PM sent ..........
Stalkingbear, you are correct in your assumption about lapping. My lack of scope knowledge and proper mounting technique was most likely the cause. Looks to be a very slight ring indentation on the front (eyepiece) RH side of tube at the ring split . I purchased this scope used, mounted it on a 300WM but never fired the rifle. I recently sold the rifle as "unfired" and listed the scope as used VGC. Rings used were CZ 550 1" and were NIB when installed. Scope was set and secured into rings but never fired/sighted in while in my ownership. I removed the scope/rings then packaged both up for re-sale.
Brian