It very well could be a bad scope. (I haven' t yet had any problems with my Nikons but that doesn' t mean much either.) I have in the past had problems with a Zeiss, two different Leupolds, and three or four Redfields with the old TV style lens, (then swore those Redfields off). But before I' d yank the scope and send it back to the manufacturer check all the action screws attaching the barreled action to the stock. (If you are not sure...have a qualified gunsmith check for you. It will cost you next to nothing for that.) The other possibility is the " bedding" . But if the rifle was " behaving" the first trip to the range that is probably NOT the problem.

In my experience in order of occurrence:

1. Recheck screws on bases and rings.

2. Check the action screws attaching the action to the stock.

3. If both of the above fail to solve the problem...then pull the scope and send it back to the factory. (Contact the manufacturer first and determine how they handle warranty returns.)

Meanwhile a simple way to check the scope is to pull the Nikon off the rifle. Take another good scope that has given you reliable service in the past. Mount it on the rifle. And head back to the range. If that scope behaves properly...you' ve found your problem!

P.S. In the event of the Leupolds and Zeiss above...the manufacturers were very good about honoring the warranty quickly. (Redfield did as well...but after so many failures with that particular lens shape....I gave up on it.)

Good luck!