Understanding “Maxed Out” Rifle Scopes

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Overview	Why This Happens
Main Contributing Factors	Is My Scope Defective?
Recommended Solutions	Conclusion

Understanding “Maxed Out” Rifle Scopes

Overview

A “maxed out” scope occurs when a riflescope reaches the end of its internal elevation or windage adjustment before the rifle is fully zeroed. This is extremely common and about 95% of the time it is caused by alignment or setup issues—not a defective optic.

Why This Happens

Every riflescope contains a fixed amount of internal adjustment travel. This movement compensates for misalignment between the scope’s optical axis and the bore of the rifle. Because manufacturing tolerances exist in all components, perfect alignment is physically impossible.

• Rifle receiver & barrel tolerances
• Bases or rails
• Rings and clamp surfaces
• The scope tube and internal erector system

When these small tolerances combine—called tolerance stacking—they may require more adjustment than the optic has available.

Main Contributing Factors

Ring & Base Alignment

• Warped bases or uneven ring lapping
• Incorrect torque values
• Dimensional variance between manufacturers

Barrel & Action Alignment

• Small angular differences between components can create zeroing difficulty.

Base Cant (MOA Rails)

• 20 MOA rails help long-range shooters—but can consume elevation travel if not needed.

Ammunition Differences

• Bullet weight, velocity, and load all change point of impact.
• These differences amplify zeroing problems when alignment is already off.

Scope Travel Specifications

If the scope meets its published adjustment range, it is functioning as designed.

Example: A scope with 60 MOA of total elevation travel has approximately 30 MOA in each direction from center. If the rifle requires more than 30 MOA to achieve zero, the scope will bottom out—even though it is not defective.

Key Point: Within Specs ≠ Defective Scope

Running out of adjustment almost always indicates mounting or rifle alignment issues. If the scope reaches its published travel range, it is performing correctly.

Recommended Solutions

1. Inspect All Mounting Hardware

• Ensure bases and rings are level and torqued properly.
• Check for damaged or out-of-spec components.

2. Use the Correct Base Cant

• Use 0 MOA rails for standard distances.
• Use 20+ MOA only when long-range elevation is needed.

3. Verify Optical Centering

Burris scopes come factory-centered, but confirming this preserves available adjustment range.

4. Mechanical Correction Accessories

Brownells Scope Shim Kit

• Allows micro-adjustment of base elevation.
• Ideal when the rifle requires more upward or downward correction.

Burris Signature Rings

• Pos-Align Inserts let you adjust point of impact without stressing the tube.
• The most effective fix for max-out windage problems.

Burris XTR Signature Rings

• Six clamping screws and steel bases for extreme hold.
• Self-centering design on Weaver & Picatinny rails.
• Polymer ring inserts provide adjustment from 5 to 40 MOA without using windage or elevation knobs.

AR-Signature QD P.E.P.R.™ Mount

• Six clamping screws and steel bases for extreme hold.
• Polymer ring inserts provide adjustment from 5 to 40 MOA without using windage or elevation knobs.

Conclusion

A “maxed out” scope is almost always caused by tolerance stacking, not defect. By correcting alignment with shims or Burris Signature Rings, adjustment range can be restored and a reliable zero can be achieved quickly and safely.

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