Scope Leveling; Instruction that ran counter to everything I thought I knew

[wind gypsy]

Thanks, Ive never seen that chart. It sort of confirms—yes, it creates error…but its likely small enough error that it’s less than the resolution of the scope (.25moa or .1mil).
So in my mind the question becomes not WHETHER there is error as a result—this clearly creates error that needs to be added on top of all the other sources of error—but is getting a “better fit” across enough positions and situations enough to more than offset that error? As a longtime student of shotgun gun fit I think its possible, if unlikely. In other words if you introduce .02mils of error, can you ON AVERAGE shoot .03+ mils better as a result? Seems like something that with specific conditions and a “pro” coach could be an asset, but that 99% of folks would only be guessing at, and you’d need a lot of rounds in a very highly controlled environment to determine either way.


I dont think I’ll stop leveling the rifle.

My take is that I can mount a scope/reticle plumb enough to the barrel by eyeballing it and I see no reason to look for a rifle cant that is slightly more comfortable to shoulder. I also use scope levels to make sure it’s plumb when I’m shooting.

The main thing that irritates me is it seems like a lot of people focus a ton on getting a scope perfectly plumb with the bore then don’t use a scope level. Then they talk about why making a scope plumb with bore is important citing error #s caused by reticle not being plumb with gravity (rather than the bore). Ex: Tract guy made a thread about leveling a scope to a rifle and doesn’t seem to know the difference in error between leveling to rifle and being plumb to gravity when shooting. https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/tips-for-leveling-your-scope.355047/

 

[Marbles]

My take is that I can mount a scope/reticle plumb enough to the barrel by eyeballing it and I see no reason to look for a rifle cant that is slightly more comfortable to shoulder. I also use scope levels to make sure it’s plumb when I’m shooting.

The main thing that irritates me is it seems like a lot of people focus a ton on getting a scope perfectly plumb with the bore then don’t use a scope level. Then they talk about why making a scope plumb with bore is important citing error #s caused by reticle not being plumb with gravity (rather than the bore). Ex: Tract guy made a thread about leveling a scope to a rifle and doesn’t seem to know the difference in error between leveling to rifle and being plumb to gravity when shooting. https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/tips-for-leveling-your-scope.355047/

I agree. I did use a straight edge between the flat bottom of the scope and the action last night. However, I did not check that this put the reticle as plumb as it eyeballs as spot on. I will set the level true to the reticle.

I think it is something people make far too big a deal out of, but like many things, if it makes them happy, then they should go for it. However, worrying about insignificant details takes the joy out of it for me, and distracts from what really matters.

 

[Fritz D]

However, worrying about insignificant details takes the joy out of it for me, and distracts from what really matters.

Well said.

 

[Hill Difficulty]

Do any of you guys square your reticle axis based on the bottom of the recoil lug? [This supposes the bottom of lug squares with bore axis.]

What I do:

• start with a flat/level surface
• see photo - lug rested on level table, barreled action pointed out door or large window
• at highest magnification, align vertical crosshair with vertical end of neighbor's building at 100 yards distance
• tighten rings upon alignment

 

[EdP]

I like the idea of working off the recoil lug. A plumb bob line would be my preferred alignment reference rather than a building wall unless the wall has been checked for plumb.

 

[Hill Difficulty]

A plumb bob line would be my preferred alignment reference rather than a building wall unless the wall has been checked for plumb.

Yes, the building's vertical siding lines are GTG