i have sighted in my scope before, once i had it centered i was shooting very accuratly ( with a benchmount) i made a little clay squirrel for practice shooting, i could shoot a penny out of his hand at about 40 yards. i know how to use my scope. as for open sights, yes ive tried useing them, but for the longer shots its difficult to line up the sights perfectly and its just alot harder to tell where the bullet is going to land precisely, i like the scope because u dont have to make sure the sights are lined up exactly, its just alot easier when you know exactly where the bullet will go with a scope. and as for the shadowing thing, i know what your talking about and i dont do it, my scope is a bit far forward though, but there isnt any shadowing. just today i fired at a squirrel on a log at about 15 feet away, the bullet landed right below him. his side was facing me and i aimed a tiny bit above his arm. he was in that weird squating position that they often do. i also shot at one that was quite a ways away, like 60 yards. i didnt hit him either. i have no idea why. the scope i have came with the rifle, it doesnt seem cheap, the clamps fit on the scope rail tightly and it doesnt budge if i mess with it. at least i dont think.