Getting a scope level

GA Firing Line

Wallace

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Mar 26, 2015
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Assuming you have a quality set of rings or one piece mount that did not require lapping, I personally use precision flange levels and a rifle rest. Level the action with 1 level, then use the other level on the elevation turret to level the reticle to the rifles action. Make sure both stay still and level...Note: Rings screws are just before being tight when doing this allowing the scope to be able to rotate in them but in enough that I can get them partially snug them with minimal turns (I already apply my loctite, blue 242, right before this). Once level, I lightly tighten the screws on each ring in a criss-cross pattern until tight to spec (can be anywhere between 10-20 INCH pounds). Most rings will have a recommended torque spec.

Also note that if you are mounting rings or a one piece mount on a rail, push the rings/mount on the rail forward towards the muzzle until they stop before tightening to the base. This eliminates the possibility of them shifting with recoil.
 

Cudruln

Turning dollars into pennies.
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Jul 5, 2015
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@Wallace I am going to need to come see you once I get my rings. I would like some help installing the scope if you don't mind.


Or @cmshoot whomever is interested.
 

cmshoot

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Jul 12, 2016
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I've got several gadgets and widgets I use, mainly because not all methods work with all setups.

1. Level and a plumb bob

2. Wheeler Level-Level-Level

3. Arisaka Scope Leveler

2 other methods that involve widgets that I don't know who made them.
 

AtlMedic

Not A Doctor
Mar 25, 2015
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There may be some beer in it for someone to help me get two scopes mounted properly. I'm sure I can do it, but it will end up being a pain in the ass getting the rifle and scope level if I do it myself.
 

Wallace

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I'm happy to help anyone that needs it.

Not to throw a wrench into the works, but I also lap my rings. I have all the tools and such needed, if anyone needs assistance.
I would much recommend Rob for any scope mounting. His glass collection is worth more than all the guns, ammo and firearms I own....
 
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Wallace

Tracker
Trusted Trader
Mar 26, 2015
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Cartersville
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30145
I've got several gadgets and widgets I use, mainly because not all methods work with all setups.

1. Level and a plumb bob

2. Wheeler Level-Level-Level

3. Arisaka Scope Leveler

2 other methods that involve widgets that I don't know who made them.
How do you like your L-L-L kit from wheeler? Those have massive mixed reviews for quality issues (machinist proving them to be 5-15 degrees off from the poorly made plastic bases in some instances?). I use precision flange levels, but also have the level vials out of 2 line levels, that would be close to basically what the Wheeler kit is.
 

SkipD

Helper-outer
Jun 8, 2012
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how do y'all get your scopes mounted level?
I have a very simple way (since I built my rig for holding rifles while working on them). My rig has a spring-loaded pair of vertically oriented 2x4 boards and a leather loop between them making a clamp that I push the butt end of the stock into while the fore-end is supported in another leather sling about two feet in front of the rear clamp. I make sure the rig is vertical (using a level and small wedges if necessary). I make sure the rear of the stock is evenly spaced in my rig. The result is the centerline of the rifle stock's buttplate is vertical. I also have a large piece of paper on a wall some four feet in front of the rig and a horizontal line is drawn on the paper and measured with a level to be sure it's level. Now, it's really easy to look through a scope on the rifle and see if the horizontal crosshair is parallel to my line on the paper. Doing a check and adjustment after the system is set up takes very little time.

I use this rig when I work our gun club's deer rifle sight-in as the gunsmith. I cannot count the number of scopes that I've mounted and/or adjusted with this system and it's really fool-proof. I've used the system for about 40 years, all day long for each of four days each year.

By the way, I'm not a professional gunsmith but have been working on my stuff and that of friends for about 50 years.
 

Laufen

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Mar 23, 2015
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I use the level on my phone. I think there's a YouTube video about it.
 

cmshoot

Marksman
Jul 12, 2016
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Dallas, GA
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How do you like your L-L-L kit from wheeler? Those have massive mixed reviews for quality issues (machinist proving them to be 5-15 degrees off from the poorly made plastic bases in some instances?). I use precision flange levels, but also have the level vials out of 2 line levels, that would be close to basically what the Wheeler kit is.

Honestly not a huge fan of them, but they work sometimes.