Tikka T3X 243 1:8...
Unknown Munitions Tikka rings
Unknown Munitions Tikka bubble level
Vortex Diamond back 4-16x44 FFP
I've mounted more than a few scope to bolt action hunting rifles as well as lever rifles. This is the first time I've had this happen. Everything lined up, on the first try. I thought this has to be a fluke and took it all off and put in back on, it lined up again. Let me explain..
On all my other bolt actions, which are either Winchester 70s or Mauser 98s, I have always had to shim or shave one of the scope mounts to properly align with the other. I have always, regardless of brand, had to lap the scope rings for proper alignment. I always like to level the scope based on the reticle instead of the turrets and I have always had to make some adjustment to the reticle when bore sighting. Not this time!
This Tikka T3x has a 17mm dovetail milled into the action from the factory (as well as screw holes on top for traditional pic rail). I wanted to use the dovetail because it's already there and that means one less piece to contend with.
I got the rifle level in the vise using a digital level that will read 0.1 degree changes. I mounted the UM rings and the UM bubble level. The bubble level was dead center! I was shocked because 5 other bubble levels that just sit on top of the action all had 5 different readings and none were perfectly centered. So the UM bubble level is very well made. The Tikka rail is also very well made. They work together great.
I checked the UM rings for proper alignment (honestly expected to lap them) and turns out, they were dead on in alignment out of the box. Again, good products working together.
I mounted the scope and and adjusted the reticle against a bright green plumb line and a also a 2 way laser level. The scope was fresh out of the box with both turrets sitting on zero.
I put the rifle in another vise and on a table pointing it at a lawn mower out in the yard about 50 yards away. Looking through the small bore I was pointing at the center of the rear wheel which was white with a black central hub. I then raised my head and looked through the scope and the crosshairs were dead on that same location. No adjustment. I didn't believe it so I looked again and again. Took the scope and rings off and then remounted them. Same thing. Dead on.
This to me, is a testament to quality manufacturing. The Tikka action and barrel fitment is obviously great, the rail milling is in line with the bore axis, the UM rings on that rail are true to it.
Maybe you guys are used to this, but I have never had this happen.
I should add that my wife required my attention about this time and I was not able to take my first shots with it.
Unknown Munitions Tikka rings
Unknown Munitions Tikka bubble level
Vortex Diamond back 4-16x44 FFP
I've mounted more than a few scope to bolt action hunting rifles as well as lever rifles. This is the first time I've had this happen. Everything lined up, on the first try. I thought this has to be a fluke and took it all off and put in back on, it lined up again. Let me explain..
On all my other bolt actions, which are either Winchester 70s or Mauser 98s, I have always had to shim or shave one of the scope mounts to properly align with the other. I have always, regardless of brand, had to lap the scope rings for proper alignment. I always like to level the scope based on the reticle instead of the turrets and I have always had to make some adjustment to the reticle when bore sighting. Not this time!
This Tikka T3x has a 17mm dovetail milled into the action from the factory (as well as screw holes on top for traditional pic rail). I wanted to use the dovetail because it's already there and that means one less piece to contend with.
I got the rifle level in the vise using a digital level that will read 0.1 degree changes. I mounted the UM rings and the UM bubble level. The bubble level was dead center! I was shocked because 5 other bubble levels that just sit on top of the action all had 5 different readings and none were perfectly centered. So the UM bubble level is very well made. The Tikka rail is also very well made. They work together great.
I checked the UM rings for proper alignment (honestly expected to lap them) and turns out, they were dead on in alignment out of the box. Again, good products working together.
I mounted the scope and and adjusted the reticle against a bright green plumb line and a also a 2 way laser level. The scope was fresh out of the box with both turrets sitting on zero.
I put the rifle in another vise and on a table pointing it at a lawn mower out in the yard about 50 yards away. Looking through the small bore I was pointing at the center of the rear wheel which was white with a black central hub. I then raised my head and looked through the scope and the crosshairs were dead on that same location. No adjustment. I didn't believe it so I looked again and again. Took the scope and rings off and then remounted them. Same thing. Dead on.
This to me, is a testament to quality manufacturing. The Tikka action and barrel fitment is obviously great, the rail milling is in line with the bore axis, the UM rings on that rail are true to it.
Maybe you guys are used to this, but I have never had this happen.
I should add that my wife required my attention about this time and I was not able to take my first shots with it.
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