Everyone is Wrong! Level Your Scope with One Simple Trick Cost Free (2023)

Introduction

Everyone is Wrong! Level Your Scope with One Simple Trick Cost Free shows you how to level your optic with things you already have on hand. No need to go buy expensive levels and gadgets when you can use this simple cost free trick. We'll show you why everyone is wrong when it comes to this.


You can find our Undertac Infantry underwear here:
www.sierrawhiskeyco.com/produ...
Universal Handcuff Key here: www.sierrawhiskeyco.com/produ...
FOLLOW US:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sierrawhisk...
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SierraWhiske...
Twitter: twitter.com/SierraWhiskeyCo

We donate a portion of our profits towards veteran groups that help fight human trafficking. We appreciate your support!

WARNING: Do not attempt these techniques without appropriate supervision or professional help. Any person who attempts these techniques or uses Sierra Whiskey Co. products does so at their own risk. Do not attempt to store anything sharp or dangerous on your person, if so you do at your own risk. Sierra Whiskey Co. cannot be held liable for improper use.

Video

What is going on everybody? This is johnny with sierra whiskey co.

And today we are going to show you how to level a scope a better way.

But first I need to mow otherwise we're, not going to be able to see this target after mounting hundreds of scopes in a previous line of work.

I realized something strange the way that most shops do it is they'll level, your rifle, and then they'll, go ahead and level, the scope to the rifle itself and thereby the reticle.

Now, most of the time this wasn't, a problem, people would just grab their guns and leave, but oftentimes they would put it up to their shoulder.

Look through it and say, something like the reticle's crooked a hundred times out of a hundred.

The reticle was not crooked.

However, the way they were holding the rifle was slightly canted.

There are a few problems with using bubble levels to mount a scope.

One.

Your shoulder, face is not flat when you shoulder your system or get prone behind it.

You are likely to have some cant to what you are doing.

You often see people with a bubble level.

Mounted on their scope for long range.

This helps them keep their rifle leveled.

But when their rifle is level, it doesn't conform as well to their shooting position, this will equal inconsistency unless perfectly held with some discomfort, which will at some point give you sub optimal accuracy.

Two bubble levels are typically inconsistent.

I could take five bubble levels and put them on the same surface.

And even some of the more expensive ones meant for mounting will show a different reading.

This is a big problem if we are using multiple levels, and assuming they are all reading true and consistent three levels are usually placed on a turret cap or a turret post for leveling reticles aren't, necessarily leveled parallel with the turret or turret post.

There is inconsistency in manufacturing and placement.

So a lot of times your scope can be level.

Your firearm is level and your reticle isn't.

The problem here is that we are running off the assumption that we want the reticle leveled to the gun and in truth, if we really think about it, we don't what we are really after is to be able to accurately counteract two things gravity for bullet, drop compensation and wind to deal with gravity.

We want the vertical portion of our reticle, the vertical stadia to be in line with the pull of gravity and our horizontal stadia to be perpendicular to counteract wind.

We also want the vertical stadia to be in line with gravity.

When we are holding the gun in the most comfortable position, the one in which we will shoot it most often.

So how do we solve all of these problems? How do we get set up for the way we hold the gun and still have a level reticle? The answer is simple we're going to use a plumb bob.

You can buy one or make it at home it's.

Basically, just a weight on a string, which is suspended.

I made one just using some high contrast mason line, a half inch bolt and a nut and a stack of washers so here's, the setup got this mason line here.

We've got it clamped across this steel plate.

And it is hanging freely all the way down until we get to our plumb bob, which is not being impeded by anything, but also out of the way.

So the wind's not blowing it around once it settles.

We want to start off by putting our rings on the rail space.

So they will be centered on the scope tube between your turret hub and ocular or objective ends pushed forward towards the muzzle.

So the lugs are butted up against the rail.

This is usually the ideal ring placement.

If you can't do it, because you have a more traditional one or two piece base it's, not the end of the world, but it can cause issues with some scopes.

If your ring sits close to your turret hub, potentially impeding your parallax cell next set your scope in your rings and gently finger tip tighten, each screw until you begin to meet the slightest hint of resistance.

We want to take all the slack out here.

And at the same time have the gap on either side of each ring, be exactly the same.

Once the gaps are completely even back off every screw just to touch leaving just one screw out of all the fasteners snug enough.

So that when you try and rotate your scope, you meet a little bit of resistance, but you can still turn it without scratching.

The finish of the optic we now want to get behind the rifle and position it so that it feels the most comfortable and remember the feel of that position.

We want our position consistent and comfortable.

So we have the greatest opportunity for accuracy later.

You can even do this with your eyes closed if you want so as to pay more attention to what feels best and repeatable from here, bring your center crosshair onto the string and then rotate your scope until your vertical stadia is perfectly in line with the string of your plum bob.

If you have a thicker reticle, and it blocks out your string visually, you can set it.

So it is perfectly parallel to the string.

It has the same effect.

The rotation of the scope can be made much easier if you have a friend willing to help, then you can focus on holding your setup and not disturb your sight picture.

Once your reticle is plumb and therefore level double check the alignment and tighten your ring screws down evenly a torque wrench set to the scope manufacturer's spec is always recommended this vortex wrench works.

Great is it the best ever no, but it does come with a lifetime warranty.

And you will eventually get sand in it, or it will stop working properly.

So buy once cry once don't use the ring manufacturer's torque spec as sometimes these are way, too snug and can deflect the shape of the scope tube, which can obstruct your parallax cell or erector assembly causing all manner of problems.

Here I'm using a cross pattern much like you would on a tire, which is recommended if you have horizontally split rings once your scope is mounted, you can push the optic forward or after space in the rail slots to fine tune.

Your eye relief do this on maximum magnification as that's where the eye relief is least forgiving.

Once you have that done now would be a great time to add a bubble level, just make sure your vertical stadia is positioned in line with your plumb bob and tighten down the level to match.

This can be a bit fiddly unless you have someone helping.

And that is how you level your scope to the pull of gravity.

If you've enjoyed this content do us a favor finger blast that like button.

You might as well subscribe while you're at it.

And until next time, keep on rocking in the free world.

And that is how you level your scope to the pull of gravity.

Gravity, gravity, moon's out sweet might as well hit the rivers.

And that is how what was I gonna say the sun is really bright right now.

FAQs

What happens if your scope is not level? ›

The crosshairs of your scope have to be level, otherwise as you shoot at long distances, whether that is by using holds in a BDC reticle or dialing your scope to hit a target, your shots will be off.

Where do you mount a scope level? ›

First, place the firearm in a proper gun vise. Next, with the scope leveling kit, place one level on a flat point on the rear of the receiver and the barrel level at the farthest point away from the barrel. Using the rear receiver level, adjust the rifle so it sits level in the gun vise or rest.

Are scope levels necessary? ›

A Scope Bubble Level is recommended when target shooting over medium to long distances and requires fitting to your Scope tube body. This then ensures that the Scope is perfectly upright. (Of course, ideally, you will already have a Picatinny level attached to your firearm etc to ensure this is also a level platform.)

Why won't my scope zero in? ›

What Can Cause a Rifle Scope to Fail to Hold a Zero After Zeroing It? The most common problems with holding zero are excessive recoil, abuse, improper installation, damaged scope or defective scope, poor quality or incorrect scope mounts or the firearm itself.

Does scope leveling matter? ›

You Need a Level Reticle A reticle that is canted even a few degrees while in the process of shooting can throw off a shot by several inches, sometimes even several feet, depending on the distance of the shot, Nick Laufenberg told me.

Does scope height really matter? ›

A high-mounted scope will give the distance shooter the slight advantage of getting more adjustments out of their scope. The higher the scope, the steeper your rifle barrel angle when zeroed. Your scope will then have more elevation adjustments, allowing you to dial in for those extreme distances.

What happens if you over tighten scope rings? ›

If the screws are too tight, they can damage your scope, or the screws can strip making them difficult to next to impossible to remove. That's why scope manufacturers have scope ring torque recommendations.

Should I mount my rifle scope myself? ›

The simple answer is your scope mounted by someone else was likely mounted improperly. Many gun experts will tell you that mounting your own rifle scope properly is the #1 thing you can do to improve the performance of your rifle.

Do I need a gunsmith to mount my scope? ›

Some shooters like to let a professional gunsmith mount a new scope, but you can mount it yourself without any fear of ruing the precision of your rifle.

What is a bubble level on a scope for? ›

For the most precise long-range shooting, use the bubble level to ensure that the rifle is perfectly vertical. This will eliminate potential error caused by shooting a canted rifle. Mounts quickly and easily to the riflescope tube.

Can you have too much scope? ›

Take what you Need and Leave the Rest

The thing is, high magnification scopes are great long range, but if you're shooting long range, low and middle magnification optics are far better. Keeping this in mind and answering the question above; yes, you can have too much magnification!

Is cold bad for scopes? ›

Many things can happen to low-quality optics in the cold. However, the best cold-weather rifle scopes will not be damaged by cold temperatures. Extremely cold temperatures can cause some materials, such as metal screws and springs, to become brittle and some parts to seize as lubricants freeze.

Do you zero a scope at full magnification? ›

What Magnification Do You Zero a Scope On? The magnification level on your scope does not matter while you are sighting it in. Magnification will not change your point of impact. Use whatever level of magnification you are most comfortable with from your given zero distance.

Why is my scope out of adjustment? ›

The amount of adjustment required to sight in your scope is determined by how well aligned the scope is to the bore of the rifle. If the scope has less adjustment than what is needed to correct for its alignment to the rifle, you will run out of adjustment while trying to zero.

Are expensive scopes worth it? ›

In most cases, a pricier scope is going to have more robust construction and more rigid internals than a scope at a lower cost. Great optical resolution and clear lenses don't mean a thing if the scope won't hold its zero or adjust reliably.

Do I chase the bullet when sighting in a scope? ›

No matter where you see the bullet holes in the paper, do not change your point of aim. Keep aiming at the bull's-eye, or you'll end up chasing your shots all over the target. It's OK if you don't hit the bull's-eye at first. In fact, it's almost guaranteed that you won't.

Should I shim my scope? ›

When you run out of room on the turret, you have to get different rings or shims or a new scope. A shim is a temporary or a permanent solution, depending on your rifle, shooting situation and needs. It may be the best solution for various reasons. The point of shimming is to get pinpoint accuracy.

How many yards is a 10x scope good for? ›

While their standard 10x scope is the ideal magnification for target at medium to long range, it’s best suited for 250 to 1000 yards. When shooting under this distance, the 10x scope is more of a disadvantage because the range of view is decreased. If the target moves sideways, it moves out of view.

What size scope is best for all around hunting? ›

The 3-9x40 has long been considered the best scope magnification for deer hunting. Its low power magnification (at 3x) provides a wide field of view (FOV), especially important for the hardwoods during the rut when deer are constantly moving.

What is the best height for a rifle scope? ›

Likewise, the standard scope mounting height for an AR or similar rifle is an inch and a half (1.50”). If the scope is mounted too low, you may find it difficult to squish your face down low enough to get a sight picture through the scope. For most shooters, 1.50” or thereabouts is where to start.

How many inch pounds Do I need to tighten a scope ring? ›

Incrementally tighten your scope ring screws to our recommend torque-poundage – about 15-18in. lbs, without the use of any thread-locker. If you're mounting horizontally split rings, be mindful of the gaps on either side of the rings, trying to keep them evenly spaced.

How much adjustment does a scope have? ›

Most modern rifle scopes with an external elevation turret have enough adjustment for shots out to 400-500 yards. If you already own a rifle scope and realize it doesn't have enough adjustment to get out to those distances, all hope is not lost.

Is it worth putting a scope on a 30 30? ›

30-30 scope is a great choice. These ranges grant you the chance to hit your targets even from a distance of 200-250 yards. Otherwise, scopes with more than 9x magnification could mess up the image clarity.

Should I be able to see my barrel through my scope? ›

Seeing the barrel just means you have a good wide FOV. There is nothing to fix, unless you need it higher for cheekweld like @CApighunter said.

Should you use one or two eyes for rifle scope? ›

It really doesn't matter whether you shoot with one eye open or both. Most shooting instructors will tell you that you should do what feels natural and gives you the best results. If you've started with one eye closed, it may be worth trying to learn how to shoot with both eyes open.

Should I use Loctite when mounting a rifle scope? ›

For example, we do not recommend the use of Loctite or other similar products in mounting our optics. These products can act as a lubricant, creating additional torque on the screws, which can exceed the recommend specs and actually damage your riflescope, limiting your ability to dial shots.

Should scope rings have a gap? ›

There will be a slight gap on the sides of the rings; do not tighten until they touch as this will damage the scope. The gap should be about the same from side to side. By tightening a little at a time, and alternating side to side and front to back, this gap should stay even as you tighten.

Is it OK to put a rifle scope on a shotgun? ›

Scopes. Although originally developed for rifles and long-range shooting, scopes do have a place in the shotgun world. With the development of machined CNC slugs and fully rifled barrels, the range and accuracy of the standard shotgun has increased exponentially.

What are the three levels of scope? ›

scope 1 emissions, which deals with direct emissions from owned or controlled sources ; scope 2 emissions, that are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy ; scope 3 emissions, including all indirect emissions which are not included in scope 2. ‍

What are the 3 adjustments on a scope? ›

The three most common adjustments for any rifle scope are for elevation, windage and parallax.

What makes a scope good in low light? ›

Lens, coatings and magnification in best Low light scope

And fewer lens result in less loss of light. The coatings are also important – if they are of higher quality, again, less amount of light is lost every time light travels through the lens' surface. As for the lens size, the bigger, the better.

What is 2% grade on bubble level? ›

Basic Spirit Levels

When the bubble is centered between the inside pair, it indicates level. But when it touches one of the outer lines, it means the level is pitched at a 2-percent grade (about ¼ inch per foot of run), the slope required for waste lines, sidewalks, and rain gutters to drain properly.

Where should the bubble be on a level? ›

The bubble in the center of every vial (if there is more than one) should be centered between the two level indication line marks. If the bubble is centered, the surface you are checking is level. If the bubble is off center, then your surface will be rising up to the side that the bubble is higher on.

What is the liquid in a level bubble? ›

The fluid-filled containers that give you a level reading are called vials. The liquid in the vials is usually oil or alcohol so that the air bubble inside can move freely.

How many yards is a 3 9x40 scope good for? ›

FAQ. What range is a 3-9×40 scope good for? For this model, a range of 50 yards to 300 yards is ideal. There may be more advanced scopes for long-range shooting.

What power scope for 300 yards? ›

The answer is really simple: a 3-9X riflescope provides an additional level of magnification for every 100 feet, all the way out to 300 yards (900 feet). For many years, 300 yards was about the limit of what most big-game hunters considered to be an ethical shooting distance.

What magnification for 500 yards? ›

For most people who hunt between 50 and 500 yards, a 3-15 magnification range will be more than enough.

How long should a scope last? ›

Scope can be stored both unopened or opened for a period of 3 years. For best results, keep it in a cool dry area, away from heat or direct sunlight.

Do scopes lose zero? ›

The most common reason for a modern well manufactured scope (versus a cheap crap scope) to lose zero is in the mounting NOT in the scope itself.

Do scopes work at night? ›

Passive scopes are good for low light conditions, but may not work as well on nights without any moonlight, and are not effective in caves or unlit buildings. Active scopes will work better in complete darkness, but they can have some drawbacks.

Does a scope have to be perfectly level? ›

You Need a Level Reticle A reticle that is canted even a few degrees while in the process of shooting can throw off a shot by several inches, sometimes even several feet, depending on the distance of the shot, Nick Laufenberg told me.

Does zooming in a scope affect accuracy? ›

Being able to increase the magnification of a scope not only increases the odds of hitting the right target, but it also lets you hit the target where you want to hit it.

Do 3X magnifiers need to be zeroed? ›

The 3X-C does not need to be zeroed. However, an Aimpoint sight used together with the 3X-C must be zeroed so the red dot of the sight creates the correct point of impact.

How many clicks to adjust scope? ›

4 clicks on the scope equal 1 MOA. So, if every 4 clicks equals 1 MOA, you will need 5 of those 4 click adjustments, or 20 clicks total.

How do you know if your scope is bad? ›

Here are some of the “symptoms” of scope troubles:
  • Large shot-to-shot variance in Point of Impact with known accurate loads.
  • Uneven tracking (either vertical or horizontal).
  • Change of Point of Impact does not correspond to click inputs.
  • Inability to zero in reasonable number of shots.

Can you shim a rifle scope? ›

“MOA rails” are one solution to scopes that run out of elevation adjustment, but shimming is easy, customizable and costs only pennies. It's not unusual for a rifle scope to run out of elevation adjustment when shooting at extended ranges, especially while stretching the legs of a . 22 LR rifle.

Why does my scope look crooked? ›

There are a few potential causes for a reticle to appear canted. The scope can be properly aligned but the way you are holding the rifle causing your eye to perceive the reticle as canted. Right-handed shooters shouldering a rifle commonly report a reticle appearing to be canted to the left, or counterclockwise.

How important is parallax adjustment on a scope? ›

The overall goal of parallax correction is to get your rifle scope reticle on the same focal plane as your target image. If these images are not in the same focal plane, either one can appear soft or out of focus when you look at the other through your scope.

What are scope level options? ›

A scope-level option is assigned to all clients of a scope. A class-level option is assigned to all clients that identify themselves as members of a class. A reservation-level option is assigned to one DHCP client.

How much adjustment does a Leupold scope have? ›

On a Leupold scope, the adjustment direction changes the point of impact. So if you miss one inch to the right and your scope has ¼ MOA per click adjustments, adjust your windage four clicks in the direction the L is pointing (assuming your sighting in at 100 yards). This will move your point of impact to the left.

What is it called when you adjust a scope on a rifle? ›

What is scope parallax adjustment? The purpose for parallax adjustment is to make sure your rifle scope reticle appears on the same focal plane as your target image. Without it, you'll see unwanted movement or crosshair travel when you move your head and eyes in a different position.

Why should I lap my scope rings? ›

Lapping—or truing up the inside surface of your scope rings—protects the outside of the scope tube from damage; eliminates stress on the tube that could affect the integrity of the scope's internal moving parts; and aids accuracy by removing any stresses that the scope tube could be applying to your rifle's action.

How many inches is 1 click on a mil scope? ›

One mil equals 3.6 inches at 100 yards; therefore, 1/10th of that, 0.1 mil, or one click, equals 0.36” – roughly a third of an inch – at 100 yards. That's pretty close to the common ¼ inch increment we find on most riflescopes.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Duane Harber

Last Updated: 15/10/2023

Views: 5367

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Duane Harber

Birthday: 1999-10-17

Address: Apt. 404 9899 Magnolia Roads, Port Royceville, ID 78186

Phone: +186911129794335

Job: Human Hospitality Planner

Hobby: Listening to music, Orienteering, Knapping, Dance, Mountain biking, Fishing, Pottery

Introduction: My name is Duane Harber, I am a modern, clever, handsome, fair, agreeable, inexpensive, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.