Scope level for f class

[atkins08]

Just curious what the opinions are from those shooting f class on whether a scope level is needed or not?

 

[Immike]

Just curious what the opinions are from those shooting f class on whether a scope level is needed or not?

It's a number one tool in any longrange shooting. Get a offset so you can see it easily from position.

 

[dcali]

Not needed. That's what sighters are for. I put one on my TR rifle because it helped me consistently set up the bipod, but I could do just as well by eye. Once you're set up, there should be no opportunity to cant the rifle - it should be constrained by the rest or bipod.

 

[savageshooter86]

Yes. Have it on my open and TR rifles. Why would you not want that extra security that you could easily see if something was off. Set up in my opinion is quicker too

 

[kybountyhunter]

Absolutely use a scope level!

 

[coldboreshot]

A level is minimal cost for positive assurance.

 

[Cowtownup]

It's one of first parts of my pre shot routine

 

[Joe R]

Just curious what the opinions are from those shooting f class on whether a scope level is needed or not?

It can only help you, it won't hurt you. I wouldn't do without mine.

Joe

 

[dcali]

I think we may be talking about two different kinds of scope level. I agree that it's good and smart to level your scope in the rings so that your windage is really windage, and that your elevation is really elevation. I prefer a plumb line for that and to verify with a target, but to each his own as to what equipment they use to get squared away.

The other kind of level - the kind attached to the rifle while you shoot to keep you from canting the whole rifle - is not (in my view) important for F Class for reasons I already stated - once your rest/bipod is set, the cant is what it is (which is to say, very small, even if you eyeball it), and your error will be fixed (and near zero). Sighters will get you centered up no problem.

The only downside is a small amount of weight. I tried it, and didn't find it helpful. Milage may vary.

 

[Immike]

Not needed. That's what sighters are for. I put one on my TR rifle because it helped me consistently set up the bipod, but I could do just as well by eye. Once you're set up, there should be no opportunity to cant the rifle - it should be constrained by the rest or bipod.

This is true, if you just use the level of the berm to setup then your fine.

 

[300 RUM]

A scope level will definitely help you set, but in the end you should align the horizontal sub tension to the water line of the target for best results. So given the fact a scope level will make set up faster it may not align your scope to the target so a little extra work may be needed.

 

[memilanuk]

Shooting by yourself, not really necessary. Not if you don't mind wasting your sighters on 'wind' that is not really there... I've seen shooters base their level off the target frame... until I had them actually *watch* the target frame as it went up and down, crooked as hell, to a different location every shot (@ Ben Avery with those dang cantilever frames). Ta-dah, found at least part of the mysterious 'wind' they'd been fighting. I've seen people 'assume' the berm was level... about half the time, in my experience, it *isn't*... which was why they had on more wind in one direction than it seemed like they should.

For matches with convertible sighters, where you really really want those sighters to count... having something that is not dependent on whether the berm is level, or your firing point is level, or if your bipod or bag or position slips... get a *good* level, and check it every shot. If you only ever shoot at your home club range, don't worry about it. If you plan on getting out in the wider world and shooting at other ranges... get a level. Use it.

For team matches, where you really need to have two or more shooters 'married up' so that you can take the wind zero from one and apply it to the next... levels are an absolute must.

 

[Barrel Nut]

..... snip............

The other kind of level - the kind attached to the rifle while you shoot to keep you from canting the whole rifle - is not (in my view) important for F Class for reasons I already stated - once your rest/bipod is set, the cant is what it is (which is to say, very small, even if you eyeball it), and your error will be fixed (and near zero). ........ snip..........

If you shoot from a bipod which allows the cant of the rifle to be adjusted, then it will also allow the cant to go out of adjustment during a string. With some designs, no matter how tight you screw down the cant adjustment knob, the cant will change during a match. That's why I consider a level attached to my rifle as important piece of equipment.

 

[atkins08]

Thanks for all the good advice.

 

[Travelor]

I use the tops of the target frames (mine and the ones on both sides) to have a consistent level hold for F-Class. I believe this is more accurate than a small bubble.

Works well for me and got me to Hign Mster.

 

[ngb1787]

A front rest level is more important for me

 

[Berger.Fan222]

Not needed. That's what sighters are for. I put one on my TR rifle because it helped me consistently set up the bipod, but I could do just as well by eye. Once you're set up, there should be no opportunity to cant the rifle - it should be constrained by the rest or bipod.

I guess it depends on whether one puts a board or mat under the bipod that one can trust to stay level. My experience is that stuff moves on uneven ground and it helps to have a quick way to check that things are level prior to every shot. I can think of some dirt berms where maintaining a level bipod is a much bigger challenge than a concrete firing line.

 

[CharlieNC]

I installed a bubble level on my bipod, which makes leveling a snap. Why not eliminate a variable which is so simple?

 

[Jdne5b]

I really like my Farrell scope level. It mounts to the rail instead of the scope.

 

[WindSurgeon]

I have one that mounts to my scope rail. It can be offset to the opposite side of the bolt handle. It was a cheap little thing, that one time I forgot to take along and my shots were much less consistent. Level the rest and the rifle for less spread.