Crosshair Alignment

[Steve S.]

Probably not a revelation to most that have mounted a scope; “eyeballing” the scope to square the reticle with the action is cause for blurry eyes and frustration. I have mounted many scopes over my life and aligning the crosshairs has been the most tedious detail. I finally broke down and purchased an inexpensive set of leveling “bubbles” for that task - DUH! I could have had a V-8. A $4.99 investment added grand quality to my scope mounting task; I am now in the process of resetting all of my scoped rifles. My eyes always fooled me but the bubbles do not lie. Good shooting.

 

[LoonWulf]

I use a little picture hanging level to mount scopes now, but i experienced the same thing before i got it. Honestly with the ranges i usually shoot having a canted scope wouldn't matter too much, but it makes me feel better.

 

[22250Rem]

Inexpensive leveling bubbles are invaluable when mounting scopes. First thing I do is get the firearm securely mounted level in the rifle vise. Double check that it's level, then get the pictured "Reticle Leveler" mounted across a flat level surface of the firearm ( it opens wider than pictured) ; run a rubber band from one hook under the gun and up to the other hook to hold it tight and when the scope is on you can eyeball through the scope from several inches behind it and see if the horizontal crosshair aligns with the horizontal black lines of the leveler. If the rifle is level it's easy to see if the crosshairs are, too. Here's some of the leveling bubble gadgets that I use to get everything set up and the reticle leveler for the finishing touch. Along with a Leupold Zero Point boresighter that somehow snuck into the picture, but is handy to get a picture of where that scope is looking.

 

[coloradokevin]

I use the Badger Ordinance Dead Level for this task on my rifles. I shoot long range, and I like to know that I have the darn thing really darn level.

 

[Klint Beastwood]

When mounting the scope initially, i set up a 3 foot blank paper target down at the 100y line, I take a carpenter level and sharpy and make a reverse L completely level horizally and vertical. I got back and level my vice and the gun in the vice and align the reticle to the Reverse L and I torque the screws down and adjust as necessary, then I put my bubble level on.
The reverse L when actually level never looks level in relation to the target down range but it’s level.

 

[MislMan]

Level the rifle how ever you want. Then use a plumb-bob (heavy bolt/washer on a string) and align the vertical crosshair with the string.

 

[imashooter]

Level the rifle how ever you want. Then use a plumb-bob (heavy bolt/washer on a string) and align the vertical crosshair with the string.

That's what I do. I use a piece of string about 1/3 the diameter of kite string with an old key fob on the end acting as a plumb-bob. Works great.

 

[22250Rem]

I've seen that plumb-bob method used and it seems to work well...... Except I had already purchased my reticle leveler before that. Otherwise the plumb-bob might be in use around here. It's a viable alternative; and cheaper than my reticle leveler. LOL.

 

[z7]

Plum bobs with a level rifle are super easy
One thing to consider, if it is a bench toy or a rifle you will shoot from one position only, consider getting behind the gun and comfortable, holding the rifle how you intend to

Then set the scope level via a plum bob

The rifle may not be perfectly level but it fits you the shooter and how you are most comfortable and the scope is level

If it is a hunting rifle or a rifle that will be used in a variety positions and shooters, then level everything up together

 

[cdb1]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JR8XB...pla-313284583886#immersive-view_1518146634784

 

[equin]

I’m in the process of mounting a scope for the first time. The plumber’s bob is a good idea, and I plan to try that.

I’m also using an iphone leveling app, two little Wheelers brand levels, and a Husky brand small 4” magnetic level I got from Home Depot:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-4-in-Magnetic-Handy-Level-246M-H/206354317

 

[Varminterror]

A line following the vertical crosshair has to pass through the center of the bore, else you’ll have adjustment drift. Doesn’t matter what the outside of the scope cap or the receiver rails say for “level,” this has to be true. Sometimes things are square and true and we can be happy with levels. Sometimes they aren’t, and we aren’t.

 

[cdb1]

A line following the vertical crosshair has to pass through the center of the bore, else you’ll have adjustment drift. Doesn’t matter what the outside of the scope cap or the receiver rails say for “level,” this has to be true. Sometimes things are square and true and we can be happy with levels. Sometimes they aren’t, and we aren’t.

Quite true. I’ve also seen receivers, bases, turrets and turret caps not be level. When that happens bubble levels don’t do much good. When that is the case I use a RETICLE-TRU ALIGNMENT DEVICE. They aren’t cheap but they work. They come in aluminum and plastic, I prefer the plastic.

https://parabola-llc.com/