Scope Leveling / Mounting Kits

[SoCal Gunner]

Any recommendations for a scope leveling kit?

Any value to these in convenience vs leveling the rifle and hanging a plumb line?

[ExtremeX]

I’ve tried so many different ways of leveling scopes it’s not even funny....

I don’t like most of the kits on the market, just seems harder to use and I don’t think it’s as accurate since you are leveling the scope off the turret caps. I’ve had scopes where the turret caps don’t level out the same based on where it is in the dial position.

All you really need is a couple bubble level vials to level out the rifle, and a plumb line to level the scope.

If you want to get fancy you can use a cross line laser level, it’s just easier to see on a wall, self-leveling, and easy to setup, it just cost more money. If you already have one then you are set.

End of the day I don’t think you are going to get anything more true and plumb than using a simple plumb bob unless there is something wrong with gravity. Hard part is finding some quality glass bubble vials that clear the scope and fit in the rail slots without play.

[HK Dave]

The best and simplest way is to use feeler gauges. The kind you buy at a tool shop or auto supply store.

You simple put the feeler gauge at the right thickness between the turret housing underneath the scope and the rail or action or whatever... and tighten the rings down.

Most precision riflemen will agree that it works just fine.

Of course the best way would be to buy Spuhr mounts that come with an ingenious way to level your scope that is sort of like using feeler gauges.

Now remember... the key to long range shooting isn't that your scope is level to your gun... but that your scope is level to the world.

Getting that bubble level to be level with your scope reticle is an entirely different thing.

[ExtremeX]

Feeler gauges work as well, but I still use a plumb to check my work.

I have not personally experienced this but I’ve heard of people report on some scopes the flat bottom of a scope wasn’t 100% level with the crosshairs. All manufactures have some level of tolerance that is allowable in manufacturing. Then you might come across a scope that does not have a flat turret housing, in that case you can’t use feeler gauges.

The only way to really know if your crosshairs are in fact vertically aligned with the bore is to plumb it.

I also agree with HK Dave about the scope needing to be level with the world, it’s the reason I use mounts and rings that have integrated bubble levels for shooting. You still need to make sure the scope is level with the bore. Its two different variables that have to work together to really make it work.

You have to have some level of OCD to really get it right. Sometimes close enough is good for some. Even then getting it perfect is a challenge.

[HK Dave]

Hmm good point about some manufacturers turret housings not being level to their reticles... I imagine that's possible... especially with lower end scopes.

My primary scopes are Nightforce, SWFA, Vortex so I assume they are and haven't thus had a problem.

The final test to make sure the scope is level is to go shoot a box test.

What better way than to actually go shoot the sucker?

[BillyGoatMachine]

Like everyone else said above. As far as a kit, this is the best one I have found and used with great results out to 800y. The misalignments tend to start showing up when your really reaching out there, past 1K. If your under a grand, this kit will do you just fine,

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/189016/wheeler-engineering-professional-reticle-leveling-system