No advice exists regarding rifle scope leveling that would actually benefit an average shooter at 100 yards; an incorrectly leveled reticle likely won’t cause much visible harm to them.
Still, it is crucial that we understand how to do this correctly; therefore, this article covers three of the most reliable and straightforward strategies.
Bubble Level
A bubble level, commonly referred to as a spirit level, is a long and narrow tool with multiple liquid-filled vials along its length that are tinted yellowish-green for easier viewing and reading. Used to assess whether structures are level, this tool serves to test plumbness.
Typically, a bubble level should be placed so its bottom edge rests against the surface being tested and its top marked with lines is aligned with your eye – if the bubble resides midway between them it indicates plumbness; otherwise if one line or another becomes closer then plumbness has been compromised.
If you don’t own a physical bubble level or prefer working with smartphones instead, there are various apps that provide similar functionality. The best ones offer easy use as well as additional tools for measuring distances – these can be found on Google Play and most app stores.
Before using a bubble level to check the height of your rifle scope mount, ensure you’re working on a flat surface. If possible, place your rifle in a vise or gun cradle to keep it secure before holding the level against its top part or on an flat surface such as its action, chamber or rib and making sure its bubble centered between its marks at the bottom is where your mount should rest – this indicates both your rifle and scope mount are perfectly level.
Use a bubble level to assess the vertical angle of your rifle scope. While this requires more effort and will give more accurate readings, place the level against a vertical surface with its top aligned with your eye, then take readings from both marks at its bottom – if the bubble resides between these marks it indicates your rifle and mount are vertical.
Other than bubble levels, there are other leveling tools designed specifically to work with rifle scopes. You may find options at your local hardware store or online; Level Developments offers this app on smartphones for example as another viable choice that may come in handy in an emergency.
Plumb Bob
Hunters often lament their rifle’s lack of precision, with some attributing this frustration to an incorrectly aligned scope. When not leveled correctly, its reticle will no longer align correctly with the barrel and cause elevation and windage errors which in turn result in incorrect bullet impact calculations. Therefore it’s vital that hunters use tools designed specifically to help level their scope correctly.
An effective yet simple method for this is the plumb bob, a piece of hardware which helps establish vertical reference lines. This simple yet effective approach works great if you don’t have access to laser or transit levels.
To use a plumb bob, start by attaching a piece of string to the end of a weight measuring at least 5 inches long and making sure it remains securely fastened to it during use. Next, set up your desired reference line by positioning the weight along it firmly before letting it droop until the string reaches a perpendicular angle with whatever surface you’re working on.
Once the reference point has been set, you can begin leveling your scope by comparing it with the plumb bob. While it may require some trial and error to get everything just right, once all elements are in line you should have a perfectly level reticle that stands perpendicularly against gravity.
If you prefer an easier method of leveling your scope, there are special levels designed to sit atop of the rail and function similarly to a bubble level. Just be mindful not to overtighten ring screws as this could damage turrets on your rifle – tighten them about half turn at a time in a zig-zag pattern while double-checking their accuracy against your plumb bob for accuracy and your scope should be perfectly level and ready for action!
Angle Cube
Target shooters who rely on rifle scopes for target shooting may find a digital angle level or cube useful. These devices display the angular difference between objects, making them useful tools in metal fabrication, wood shops and home projects alike.
Plumb lines can serve as an easy reference point when mounting rifle scopes, but this method may not always be suitable in the field. An angle cube provides an easier alternative, enabling users to align the scope reticle with a straight vertical line and align it perfectly. An iOptron Angle Cube features both digital leveling capabilities as well as tilt measurement abilities – perfect for determining bevel settings on tools or knives!
Simply set the device on a flat surface and press the zero button, which will set the angle gauge to zero degrees. Next, position it against a blade and read off of its LCD display to set its bevel, or tilt. Its three magnets ensure accurate readings on metallic surfaces such as saw blade edges; additionally it can measure an object’s incline slope percentage value.
iOptron comes complete with a carrying case, manual and 9V battery. It features an unusual cord that looks similar to what would be found on telephone handsets; you must not use regular cords between controller and cube as this may damage it.
Some shooters may opt to use an iOptron angle cube, yet still need a plumb bob or another method to determine what bevel to set on their scope. If that’s the case, they will likely require a 20 MOA base to maximize elevation travel; otherwise they can place it so it centered on their shoulder when looking down from above.
Rifle Scope Mount
An effective rifle scope mount can help you achieve maximum accuracy from your optic, as well as make zeroing easier. To level it properly, begin by placing your gun into either a gun cradle or vise with its barrel clamp set on a flat surface – this way your receiver isn’t disturbed during setup or zeroing. Once placed on the elevation adjustment turret, use a small reference level to center its vial on the level. Adjust your rifle in its cradle or vise until its bubble lands squarely within its vial on the level. Once your reference level and turret cap are level, tighten the mount screws to begin mounting the lower halves of scope rings. Prior to doing this, double-check that both index and reference levels remain inline by performing another visual check of them both. Care should also be taken when tightening scope rings to avoid overtightening the screws and warping or stripping their threads, leading to warped or stripped threads that might warp or strip your lens. Instead, alternate turns slowly while regularly checking index and reference levels so as to prevent shifting.
Wheeler Engineering’s Professional Reticle Leveling System can also serve this purpose; its reference level and barrel clamp level are constructed of machined aluminum for recalibration purposes, providing easy use along with an easily portable case for safe transport of all your levels.
Scope mounting may seem an insurmountable task, yet even small adjustments to its levelling will have serious repercussions at longer ranges. Therefore, taking time and care in leveling everything out before shooting may save time spent wondering why bullets aren’t hitting their intended spots.
An occasional bit of leveling work will ensure your scope and rifle work harmoniously together, making zeroing easier than ever. Not only will it save money on ammo costs but it will give you confidence that when placing crosshairs on targets at 100 yards they are going exactly where you intend them.