Anybody Ditch the Bubble Level?

[Beetroot]

Any preferred Flatline Ops models? I remember Frank recommending the Halo X ...

At $135 I don't see a reason to buy the Halo X.
The Vortex Pro or MKM machining bubble level is the same shape and layout (meaning it sits just above the parallax turret and easy to see) for 1/2 or 1/3 the cost.

I've got a few of the Vortex Pro bubble levels and like them.
I tend to agree with Frank, use them as a training aid so you train yourself to not need it in the field.
Saying that shooting both eyes open makes it easy to see, but you don't want to be spending all your focus fine tuning the bubble level.

 

[LostWapiti]

I do think the importance of the level is blown out of proportion. People act like if the rifle is off by a couple degrees you could never hit anything. Can it matter? Yes absolutely. But this last weekend I was at a match and was forced to shoot 750 yards with the rifle canted 10-15 degrees and was still making impacts no issue. I did know I was off though and held my windage a bit to compensate.

 

[Fire_9]

I do think the importance of the level is blown out of proportion. People act like if the rifle is off by a couple degrees you could never hit anything. Can it matter? Yes absolutely. But this last weekend I was at a match and was forced to shoot 750 yards with the rifle canted 10-15 degrees and was still making impacts no issue. I did know I was off though and held my windage a bit to compensate.

Knowing you're canted vs not knowing canted is the problem though. You made a correction because you knew you were inducing error. Maybe I'm just screwed up between the ears but in broken terrain, my hit rates went waaaay up after installing a level

 

[apieceofwork]

At $135 I don't see a reason to buy the Halo X.
The Vortex Pro or MKM machining bubble level is the same shape and layout (meaning it sits just above the parallax turret and easy to see) for 1/2 or 1/3 the cost.

The Flatline Halo-X can be installed without removing your scope. The Vortex is too thick for that to be a possibility for most people.

I'm considering one myself but I'm not yet convinced I need one for hunting within 500 yards.

 

[wind gypsy]

I'm considering one myself but I'm not yet convinced I need one for hunting within 500 yards.

Kind of akin to accepting a scope with a zero that floats around a click or two right or left of zero but is often centered up pretty good at least in regards to a 500 yard shot. Unlikely to be the cause of a bad shot but could be a contributing factor occasionally.

 

[apieceofwork]

Kind of akin to accepting a scope with a zero that floats around a click or two right or left of zero but is often centered up pretty good at least in regards to a 500 yard shot. Unlikely to be the cause of a bad shot but could be a contributing factor occasionally.

Yeah, on one hand it might not make a difference in most hunting scenarios, but on the other hand, there's no real downside other than the cost and minimal amount of time to install.

 

[huntsman22]

On the other hand, other than cost and being a pain in the ass, there is no downside to hauling a crutch up the mountain in case you hurt your leg, either.....

 

[Wacko]

I've tried to use them. Seems they always move on the scope tube and then when I think I'm level I'm way off. I took them off.

If I could find one that doesn't snag on stuff, stayed put, and wasn't a hassle I might use one.

Then there are some credible people who say they are not needed. Thomas Haugland did some testing and found it just slowed him down and it did not affect his field shooting.

So...I'll keep it simple until I prove to myself if I need one or not. Or find one I can see while addressing the rifle for the shot.

 

[Shortschaf]

On the other hand, other than cost and being a pain in the ass, there is no downside to hauling a crutch up the mountain in case you hurt your leg, either.....