There have been a number of times over the years that I missed a shot or made a hit further off my point of aim than I would have liked and blamed the gun. Each time, a quick shot at a target confirmed it was me and not the gun.

Nevertheless, I've always felt the need to confirm my scope is on before the season.

This year my ML rode 4000 mile to Montana and back, including several hundred miles over rough roads, in a padded hard-side gun case. I didn't use it out there and did not have a chance to check the zero in the few days between my return and our local deer opener. Fortunately I shot my buck at under 20 yards; but I missed two does I should not have at about 200 yards. Frustrated I posted a target when I got back home, expecting once again to find out that it was me, but it was not. Apparently from lying on its side in the truck all that time the windage was off 4 MOA! This is a cheap $200 scope though.