POI Change with Barrel Removal/Remount Running Reciever Mounted Optics

[wshunt]

Hello All,

I am new to the forum.  Was poking around for some technical HTL shotshell info and came across "old gobbler".  Could quickly tell it was a neat forum with lots of good experience...so I signed up.

I do have a technical question that comes to mind: what experience have you guys running optics (drilled and tapped/receiver mounted) on your turkey guns had with regards to POI change when you remove barrel for cleaning, and then re-mount.  This assuming you are using the same load, remounting barrel to same location (i.e. tight to known reference mark, etc. OR are ya'll leaving barrels mounted to gun to clean?

What I am running for reference:

Gun:
Remington 870 Shurshot...don't remember the specific model no....was the first one that came out (seems like its about 5 or 6 years old?) with rifle sights (fiber optic)...23 inch barrel I think.  Remington HD choke included, factory drilled and tapped, etc.

My "mods"./setup:
Tigger work by gunsmith
Trijicon iron sights (front and rear) to replace fiber optics
Front sight ramp remounted to "top dead center" by Simmons Gun Works (Olathe, KS) and gun  refninshed
SSX TG150X (0.643" ED)
Aimpoint H-1 with LaRue Tactical QR mount (their lowest profile RTZ model) as PRIMARY optic
Evolution Gun Works picatinny
Deep-cleaned barrel

Load:
The discontinued Winchester XR Elite 3" HTL #6s (only have 3 left!)

Thanks,

wshunt

[Rem Man]

I personally don't remove my barrell, I try to use a bore snake most of the time, I don't know for sure but I would think it may make a difference. I do know though that rifle sights or barrell mounted sight s it don't make a difference. Good luck!

[wshunt]

Oops..I should have specified better!

I am NOT using the Trijicon iron sights.  I was, but due to preference I am using the Aimpoint only.  I had hoped to use the Trijicons as BUIS, hence the advantage of the quick release.  The problem is that I was directed to the EGW picatinny by a reliable source as being the "best" Rem 870 picatinny, BUT it is a touch to tall to see my iron sights over when the Aimpoint is removed...I tried!  I think its is a non-issue as all feedback Ive gotten is that the Aimpoint is pretty tough.

wshunt

[d.winsor]

Make sure your barrel retaining nut is tightened about the same each time, your poi should not change, mine never has.

[Skeeterbait]

Every gun is different but as long as you retighten to the same mark, it should not make a big difference.  Now with that said, My standard procedure is to strip and thoroughly clean after each season, check sight just before each season, clean with dry bore snake only during season. 

[d.winsor]

One other thing you might check, if your poi is changing shoot your gun about 5 times, noting your poi, if it changes much send your scope back as your poa is changing.  I had a fastfire iii do that and burris gave me a new one.  If your poi is changing when you remove and re-install your barrel something is loose, make sure your barrel is tight.  If not find out why it is loose.  Make sure your sight is mounted tight also.  If using a scope check all mounting screws and use locktite (blue) on them.

[beagler]

My POI would change slightly every time I removed my barrel on my Mossberg 835 (using an Aimpoint 9000SC red dot). Once I'm sighted in now I don't remove the barrel during the season.

[BandedSpur]

Every gun is different but as long as you retighten to the same mark, it should not make a big difference.  Now with that said, My standard procedure is to strip and thoroughly clean after each season, check sight just before each season, clean with dry bore snake only during season.

This.^^^^

[wshunt]

Thanks to everyone for all of the info!  I think I have all of the bases covered (quality equipment/hardware, proper mounting YES to blue loc-tite  , mechanically/consistently  tightened end cap. etc.).

I have not had any issues yet as I have not removed my barrel since sight in...only cleaned with barrel attached.  Was more curious than anything.  I think I was wondering about frequency of the occurrence of the type of situation beagler described.

To shift the topic a bit in another direction....what have ya'll experienced with difference in POI when switching loads, specifically between various HTL loads?  I am coming to the end of my supply of the old Winchester Xtended Range Elites (3"/1 3/4 oz/#6) and will likely go to Hevi 13 #6 and/or #7 and just wondering what to expect with regards to POI difference.  I know this depends on a lot of factors, again just curious. 

I often run various loads through my rig once sighted in, but to date most of that has been only lead loads.  I also sight in with field loads (to save my shoulder and cheek and $)to get on paper, and then fine-tune with the desired load.  In all cases, the POI difference has been minimal.  Is this common?

wshunt 

[Skeeterbait]

I saw a big difference between Winchester XRHD and the new Winchester Longbeards, about 6 inches.  Don't know about the Hevi loads but I would expect a difference because of the load weight and velocity difference.  I know that for me XRHD 2oz and Winchester Hi Velocity 2oz loads had the same POI so I use Hi Velocity to check sights and save my XRHD.

[wshunt]

Skeeterbait...funny...I saw the SAME with the Winchesters as well, which I thought was great as I could interchange them as needed.  I would often use the HVs when in close quarters, saving the XRHDs for situations where a longer shot might be needed.

wshunt