Reason I as is that I have to send my 2 month old Sightron S III back because of a canted reticle. About 120 rounds down the pipe and  noticed while shooting, before the reticle became canted, is that the scope cover would revolve counterclockwise around the bell. The same direction the reticle is now canted. I can't imagine any rotational movement in the rifle workings that would do this except maybe the rifling.

I hope is was only a fluke thing with the scope itself

I have a Vortex scope on my 716 and it has been perfect.

My bet is that it was just a defective scope, nothing related to the rifle.

Yes, there are a lot of rifles out there that will beat up a scope worse than the 716.  Another vote for scope issue.

Doc

Thanks. Shipped it back on Tuesday, hope the turnaround is quick.

Vortex 6-24 x 50 on mine and it works fine.
My only complaint is that I should have gotten the 20 MOA base, after zeroing it took every shim in the CRS pack.

ACOG TA-11 on mine and no issues.