BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

[FLdem]

I am from Florida and will be flying to Colorado to hunt the San Juan Mountains this year. My question is, if I sight my rifle here in Florida is it going to be off once in Colorado due to the altitude difference? Also am I taking a chance the with the airlines being to rough with my rifle and throwing my scope off anyway? I'm not really going to have a lot of time to go to a range before hunting unless I absolutely have to. Thanx for the help

[SoCoKHntr]

FLdem wrote: I am from Florida and will be flying to Colorado to hunt the San Juan Mountains this year. My question is, if I sight my rifle here in Florida is it going to be off once in Colorado due to the altitude difference? Also am I taking a chance the with the airlines being to rough with my rifle and throwing my scope off anyway? I'm not really going to have a lot of time to go to a range before hunting unless I absolutely have to. Thanx for the help

Good idea to try and get to a place where you can do three shots at a hundred to make sure before your hunt. With all the travel and movement you don't want to find out your gun isn't zeroed after seeing a big bull elk or muley buck hightailing it outta there because your gun was off.

[Hammer1]

If your scope is mounted securely AND you transport in a good,foam lined, hard case I doubt that you will have a problem, but as SoCoKHntr said, it would be nice to check it if possible and that would address your altitude question likewise

[Serious Hunter]

I would sure hate to `count' on the airlines to take proper care of your firearm. Be best to find a way to make sure it's still on once you get here. As far as altitute - probly some effect. Thinner air - maybe a tiny bit less wind drag - and thus a bit better velocity at impact. A bigger effect to consider would be angle of shot. I imagine shooting in FL is pretty flat. Out here the creatures often show up above or below you.

[FLdem]

Thanx for all the help. Will try to find a range in the short amount of time I'll have before the first day. I think I am more worried of the airlines tossing it around like everything else than the altitude. I don't have a good hard case yet but will be investing in one before the trip. Thanx again.

[MikeandBecky]

For your peace of mind, get to a range or at least a place where you can check your zero. The Gorillas in the baggage claim at your airport single out things like rifle cases for playtime. As a former Scout Sniper, I can tell you that the difference in elevation from sea level to alpine areas is negligible for your purposes( out to 300 -500 yds. ) with a typical hunting rifle. Still, make sure you check that zero. You owe it to your quarry.





FLdem wrote: Thanx for all the help. Will try to find a range in the short amount of time I'll have before the first day. I think I am more worried of the airlines tossing it around like everything else than the altitude. I don't have a good hard case yet but will be investing in one before the trip. Thanx again.

[Romey]

We often see point of zero changing with out hunters hen coming from out of state especially with wood stocked rifles. We always have them rezero, make sure there is no issues. All I requre is a 4 inch group at 200 yards for incoming hunters to shoot,thats worst case. But a swelled or shrunken stock can deflect a barrel enough to miss that so yes rezero

[GooseHunter Jr]

I would do my best to try and take a few shots before you start your hunt...just in case.

[abbaschild95]

the elevation will definately put your gun off by a couple inches!go to www.eskimo.com/~jbm and get your balistics chart for your elevation.