How manufacturers mount scopes level?

[danny]

I have use this bit of kit and had good results, an easy button over hanging plumb bobs or other more elaborate procedures.
All suggested ways will work but for me this just makes life easy and I keep it in my range locker to assist others that come in to start their shooting career with their new rifle and scope.

Professional Scope Reticle Leveling System | Wheeler

Professional Reticle Leveling System

www.wheelertools.com

I have a kit like that, but haven't tried it yet. I certainly would not level the reticle off of the level on a turret, though. In reality, a "level" reticle might be the scope tracking through a vertical plumb line when the rifle is placed level.

Danny

 

[Bill Norris]

I have a kit like that, but haven't tried it yet. I certainly would not level the reticle off of the level on a turret, though. In reality, a "level" reticle might be the scope tracking through a vertical plumb line when the rifle is placed level.

Danny

Agree, most of the scope turrets are not true to form. Much better to try and use the bottom of the scope beneath the turret housing when possible. It is definitely best to get a plumb line out at the 100 yard target and check the scope crosshairs against that plumb line. Ultimately, a tall target test will give the final reading of the scope alignment.

 

[Liven The Dream]

Agree, most of the scope turrets are not true to form. Much better to try and use the bottom of the scope beneath the turret housing when possible. It is definitely best to get a plumb line out at the 100 yard target and check the scope crosshairs against that plumb line. Ultimately, a tall target test will give the final reading of the scope alignment.

You maybe responsible for Plumb Bob's and Google look ups.
Nice job.

 

[Emmett Dibble]

Guess I’ll be the spoiler…

The outside of the action/rail system may not be in the exact same plane as the barrel.

Everything discussed ^^^ is mechanically leveling the scope to the outside of the action. (Bill did quantify that you need to verify on target)

Only 100% true way to verify “level” is to hang a target (rimfire I use 50 yards, center fire I use 200) and shoot it only dialing elevation paying attention to keeping the horizontal element in the reticle even with the horizontal element on the target and only aiming center.

If you scope is “level” then dialing 20-30 minutes over and under your zero for distance the shots should fall allong the verticle element of the target. If they are 1/2” to the left on top and 1/2” to the right on bottom, your scope has a cant to the left and you need to tweek it till it all falls verticle on the target.

Obviously you need to be able to shoot off a bench well and have a low/no condition day. Also you’ll need to verify you aren’t already maxed out of windage inside your scope and causing internal interference with the erector inside the tube.

People shooting offhand (silhouette/position shooters) it doesn’t apply because you have known distances and most people shoot a rifle with a canted hold so you’ll adjust the reticle in the scope for your hold.

YMMV, IMHO, etc…

 

[danny]

Guess I’ll be the spoiler…

Only 100% true way to verify “level” is to hang a target (rimfire I use 50 yards, center fire I use 200) and shoot it only dialing elevation paying attention to keeping the horizontal element in the reticle even with the horizontal element on the target and only aiming center.

If you scope is “level” then dialing 20-30 minutes over and under your zero for distance the shots should fall allong the verticle element of the target. If they are 1/2” to the left on top and 1/2” to the right on bottom, your scope has a cant to the left and you need to tweek it till it all falls verticle on the target.
inside the tube.
hold

YMMV, IMHO, etc…

This is what I was trying to get at in my earlier post, but you did it better.

Danny