How to get a scope square?
- Thread starter Bert
- Start date
Bert,
There are two ways that i know how to square up. One is with a reticle leveler sold by NECO. It is about $60. I have used it several times on F class rifles and can dial up to 1K and be off very little (usually less than 6"). It lines up the bore of the rifle and the scope. You use a plumb line to set the vertical reticle parrallel with the plumb line. The other way is to draw a plumb line on a target and shoot at the bottom. Then dial up 20 moa or so and shoot again. See where the groups are in relation to the plumb line. Then adjust the scope accordingly (very small adjustments).
There are two ways that i know how to square up. One is with a reticle leveler sold by NECO. It is about $60. I have used it several times on F class rifles and can dial up to 1K and be off very little (usually less than 6"). It lines up the bore of the rifle and the scope. You use a plumb line to set the vertical reticle parrallel with the plumb line. The other way is to draw a plumb line on a target and shoot at the bottom. Then dial up 20 moa or so and shoot again. See where the groups are in relation to the plumb line. Then adjust the scope accordingly (very small adjustments).
ronemus
Gold $$ Contributor
Sinclair sells small levels (~1/4" x 7/8") that are easy to use. Just put one on the flattop rail and the other on top of the elevation turret; when they read the same the scope is square to the receiver. This is easiest to do if you clamp the rifle in a vise to keep everything steady.
If you level the rifle front to back as well as side to side, then orienting the levels precisely at 90 degrees to the bore isn't necessary; just put both levels on the rail at 90 degrees to each other while you level out the rifle. I've used this technique many times with both irons and scopes, and I've had no windage shift from 100 to 1000 yards, other than the expected 1 MOA of spin drift at 1000.
I've found it easiest to do irons by mounting the rifle on its side and putting one level on the elevation arm or the rear sight and the other on the side of the front sight mount.
If you level the rifle front to back as well as side to side, then orienting the levels precisely at 90 degrees to the bore isn't necessary; just put both levels on the rail at 90 degrees to each other while you level out the rifle. I've used this technique many times with both irons and scopes, and I've had no windage shift from 100 to 1000 yards, other than the expected 1 MOA of spin drift at 1000.
I've found it easiest to do irons by mounting the rifle on its side and putting one level on the elevation arm or the rear sight and the other on the side of the front sight mount.
First thing I do is attach a B-square bubble level to my scope base and lock the gun level (according to that level which will be used as "level" from here on out)
Then drop a plum-bob (real plumb bob or rock on a string) with very visible string/rope at whatever distance I can see it well (50-100yds).
With the level reading "level" I align the vertical x-hair of the scope with the rope/string that is pointing at the center of the earth and tighten rings slowly while maintaining alignment with the string/rope.
Seems to work...
JB
Then drop a plum-bob (real plumb bob or rock on a string) with very visible string/rope at whatever distance I can see it well (50-100yds).
With the level reading "level" I align the vertical x-hair of the scope with the rope/string that is pointing at the center of the earth and tighten rings slowly while maintaining alignment with the string/rope.
Seems to work...
JB
Hi Bert,
Here's a way to square up your scope and not shoot a single round.
1. Set up a plumb bob line at 100 yds.
2. Level your rifle at the firing line. Your AR has a flat receiver, just use a bubble level on the rail. Some kind of restraint(clamp) system, as found on portable maintenance boxes would be useful.
3. Move your elevation from one end of your adjustment range to the other, watching your reticle's travel along the plumb line. If it creeps to one side or another, your scope is not plumb with your rifle. Loosen, adjust, redo the test.
Warning: Be careful not to force the adjustment past its end. As soon as you fell some resistance, stop. You'r at the end.
Cheers, Phil
Here's a way to square up your scope and not shoot a single round.
1. Set up a plumb bob line at 100 yds.
2. Level your rifle at the firing line. Your AR has a flat receiver, just use a bubble level on the rail. Some kind of restraint(clamp) system, as found on portable maintenance boxes would be useful.
3. Move your elevation from one end of your adjustment range to the other, watching your reticle's travel along the plumb line. If it creeps to one side or another, your scope is not plumb with your rifle. Loosen, adjust, redo the test.
Warning: Be careful not to force the adjustment past its end. As soon as you fell some resistance, stop. You'r at the end.
Cheers, Phil
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