I just did this only i used a bubble level for the horizontal. Going through the comments it raised the question, should I set parallax to a certain level or does that matter?
I don't trust the turret readings. I have a bubble (spirit) level that is scope tube mounted plus an electronic (Send It Brand) level also scope tube mounted to recall where true level is. I adjust both to the plumb line once aligned.
When you shoulder the rifle there is going to be changes, it is not that precise, is close enough but it might not be if you miss the shot. I always level the scope as close as possible to the rifle is a must. Unless you have a shouldering technique that will give the same results repeatedly. It is a good start and I think using the plum bob is about the bests method for normal everyday utility, now if you have the equipment you can possibly get it so that it can hit a dime at 600 meters! For me is good enough and my hardware tend to shoot straight most of the time, if everything else is good to go. Just my 1 1/2 cents since the government says I have to give up the other half for taxes. 10 years ago I paid 2k in property taxes (for property that is supposed to be mine) today that's up to 3k since I'm on retirement it won't be long before they take my house! 😅🤣😂 Taxing w/o representation is here folks, only big corporations with big lawyers get represented, we really need life changing event(s). Minutemen are you guys out there? We really can use you now!
I'm certain there are other good ways to level a scope. Not knocking them. I just know this method works for me on my high pressure air rifles. Before i did this i was getting inconsistent shots at 300+ yards. Now with proper barrel cleaning, trigger and hold techniques, and regulated air pressure, along with a properly aligned scope i am able to put a 92gr cast slug on a 6" steel target at 400 yards.
Rifle does not have to be level to the earth. The projectile travels the same either way. Only difference is using a spirit or electronic level to keep the same hold each shot. I use to think your way to. The projectile doesn't care if the rifle is level. Once you zero the scope after leveling to the Earth and have your leveling device set to that you're good.
I find using a torch and cross hair builders self levelling laser on the wall is a really good way to go as you can get a really good accurate vertical and horizontal line to set up to. Of course you can just use a single vertical line but the self levelling laser means you don't upset your wife by sticking a string to the kitchen wall 😉👍
I just ordered a self leveling laser a few days ago. Should be delivered tomorrow. I’ve been enjoying the learning process on how to level a scope. I also enjoy watching everyone argue “NO my way is better!!!” LOL
Kind of a waste of time if you don’t have the vertical reticle in line with the rifle bore. Set scope parallax to 25yds. Then set a mirror at 12.5 yards from rifle. Look through scope at mirror and with scope rings loosened slowly turn scope until the vertical reticle goes through center of rifle bore. Tighten everything down. Now set plumb line about 25 or so yards and adjust your gun so reticle is parallel to plumb line. Now set your add on scope level so it reads level. NOW your scope and rifle are in line with gravity.
If lining up to the bore then explain how that works with scopes that are mounted offset to the rifle. When the military scoped the garand rifle it was offset to the side so the shell casing would eject properly. Lining the vertical crosshair to the bore is an extra step not needed but feel free to do so if you like. There are several ways to level a scope. This is the way that has always worked for me and my rifles.
Garands and Mosin Nagants and others used an offset for reasons you mentioned, and you are right that they would be off with only an elevation adjustment. Military users were trained to compensate for the windage error. They knew how much to compensate for a variety of distances. Lately youtubers have been bombarding youtube with “the right way” and “you’ve been doing it all wrong” videos and they are clueless on scope to rifle alignment/calibration. You are absolutely correct in that the flashlight method works but for true long range use it comes up short. Typically, for 99% of the shooting public, eyeballing the scope so it looks level is entirely adequate for 100-200 yard shots. I worked with a guy who thought 300 yards was “long range”. In NRA high power competition, 600 yards is considered “medium range”. What Chris Kyle did for a lot of shooters ego is interesting.
I just did this only i used a bubble level for the horizontal. Going through the comments it raised the question, should I set parallax to a certain level or does that matter?
Just try to get the clearest image possible so you can see the crosshairs.
After you finished adjusting verticle scope line to the plum bob line...have you ever placed a level on top/bottom of scope turret .....?
I don't trust the turret readings. I have a bubble (spirit) level that is scope tube mounted plus an electronic (Send It Brand) level also scope tube mounted to recall where true level is. I adjust both to the plumb line once aligned.
When you shoulder the rifle there is going to be changes, it is not that precise, is close enough but it might not be if you miss the shot. I always level the scope as close as possible to the rifle is a must. Unless you have a shouldering technique that will give the same results repeatedly. It is a good start and I think using the plum bob is about the bests method for normal everyday utility, now if you have the equipment you can possibly get it so that it can hit a dime at 600 meters! For me is good enough and my hardware tend to shoot straight most of the time, if everything else is good to go. Just my 1 1/2 cents since the government says I have to give up the other half for taxes. 10 years ago I paid 2k in property taxes (for property that is supposed to be mine) today that's up to 3k since I'm on retirement it won't be long before they take my house! 😅🤣😂 Taxing w/o representation is here folks, only big corporations with big lawyers get represented, we really need life changing event(s). Minutemen are you guys out there? We really can use you now!
I'm certain there are other good ways to level a scope. Not knocking them. I just know this method works for me on my high pressure air rifles. Before i did this i was getting inconsistent shots at 300+ yards. Now with proper barrel cleaning, trigger and hold techniques, and regulated air pressure, along with a properly aligned scope i am able to put a 92gr cast slug on a 6" steel target at 400 yards.
If rifle isn't level nun of that is going to matter.
Rifle does not have to be level to the earth. The projectile travels the same either way. Only difference is using a spirit or electronic level to keep the same hold each shot. I use to think your way to. The projectile doesn't care if the rifle is level. Once you zero the scope after leveling to the Earth and have your leveling device set to that you're good.
I find using a torch and cross hair builders self levelling laser on the wall is a really good way to go as you can get a really good accurate vertical and horizontal line to set up to. Of course you can just use a single vertical line but the self levelling laser means you don't upset your wife by sticking a string to the kitchen wall 😉👍
I just ordered a self leveling laser a few days ago. Should be delivered tomorrow. I’ve been enjoying the learning process on how to level a scope. I also enjoy watching everyone argue “NO my way is better!!!” LOL
Kind of a waste of time if you don’t have the vertical reticle in line with the rifle bore. Set scope parallax to 25yds. Then set a mirror at 12.5 yards from rifle. Look through scope at mirror and with scope rings loosened slowly turn scope until the vertical reticle goes through center of rifle bore. Tighten everything down. Now set plumb line about 25 or so yards and adjust your gun so reticle is parallel to plumb line. Now set your add on scope level so it reads level. NOW your scope and rifle are in line with gravity.
If lining up to the bore then explain how that works with scopes that are mounted offset to the rifle. When the military scoped the garand rifle it was offset to the side so the shell casing would eject properly. Lining the vertical crosshair to the bore is an extra step not needed but feel free to do so if you like. There are several ways to level a scope. This is the way that has always worked for me and my rifles.
Garands and Mosin Nagants and others used an offset for reasons you mentioned, and you are right that they would be off with only an elevation adjustment. Military users were trained to compensate for the windage error. They knew how much to compensate for a variety of distances. Lately youtubers have been bombarding youtube with “the right way” and “you’ve been doing it all wrong” videos and they are clueless on scope to rifle alignment/calibration. You are absolutely correct in that the flashlight method works but for true long range use it comes up short. Typically, for 99% of the shooting public, eyeballing the scope so it looks level is entirely adequate for 100-200 yard shots. I worked with a guy who thought 300 yards was “long range”. In NRA high power competition, 600 yards is considered “medium range”. What Chris Kyle did for a lot of shooters ego is interesting.
Yeah that gravity is a pretty fart smeller
that's a pretty snifty idea there!
Yeah it works well. Aligning with Earths gravity is the way to do it for sure.
Red dot makes it all go away right
Yes but if you shoot longer range every degree of cant, multiply downrange.