Scope Leveling

[Semisane]

Things are a little slow, so I thought I would share a little tip on scope leveling.

This method works extremely well for octagon barrel guns, but will also work for round barrels if you can find a spot on the gun barrel, breech or stock to position the level. I usea small inexpensive bubble level from the local hardware store.



Put the gun is a rest of some sort - a cardboard box with "V" notches cut into it works well - and loosen the rings.
Hang a thick string with a weight on the end (plumb bob) about 25 or 30 feet from the gun (best done on a calm day).
Put a small level on the top barrel flat and adjust the gun in the restuntil it's level.
Sight on the string and, while keeping the gun level, move the scope in the rings until the vertical cross hair lines up with the string.
Tighten the rings.
This method will give you a perfectly level scope.

[spaniel]

It just doesn't get much more straightforward than that...

[Underclocked]

I just eyeball 'em.

[Semisane]

I just eyeball 'em.

Yeah, but that might cause you to hit 1/4" off center on a deer's lung at 75 yards. Why take the chance?

[Rock Fish]

Semisane I carry a pocket level at all times just like the one you have. I started it at work ( now retired) and I used it to check natural gas large meter installations that my crews installed.

[Bernie P.]

The way I do it is to set the gun in a gun vise then put the level on the flat area just forward of the front ring and get it level.Then just put the scope on with the level on top and level/check after tightening.

[bronko22000]

Semisane - that's very clever. But as long as you have the level, you can put it on the barrel to level rifle, and then on the top turret of the scope to level the scope to the rifle. Either way should work. I usually line my verticle crosshair up with the trim on my door frame. (My house is level)

[Chasam60]

Bernie I use this method too with a 6" Starrett Machinist level(just because I have one) works great

Charlie

[Bernie P.]

While we're on the subject it's a good idea to check the alignment of the rings before installing the scope.I forget what they're called but my friend has these two heavy round metal jobs pointed on one end that you set in the rings.If the points match up you're good to go.If not either the rings,bases or both are out of whack.

[fusion]

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=529349

This is what I have. It is specifically made for scope leveling. You can get more info at Wheeler Engineering as well.