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Thread: how to square up a scope

  1. #1
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    how to square up a scope


    Whats the best way to get the crosshairs square to the bore?

    I bought the wheeler magnetic level kit but I'm not sure it works well. My vortex seems cant'd. I bought the bubble level to mount to the scope and I cant get it to match the wheeler levels.

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    Basic Member Hotolds442's Avatar
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    What I do is this:
    1. Set a target at 25 yards, with a heavy magic marker line both horizontal and vertical, made level with a carpenters level. You can also use electrical tape if you can get it straight enough
    2. Attach the bottom half of your rings to the scope base. Set the rifle in the sandbags, or a gun vise.
    3. Set the scope in the rings and aim it at the lines on your target.
    4. Find a flat spot on the rifle and place a good quality level there. Level the rifle from left to right.
    5. Set the scope in the bottom part of the rings and level the turret the same way you did the rifle.
    6. Align the recticle to the lines on the target.
    4. Attach the top part of the rings and confirm alignment.

    Pretty simple, and not exact, but it'll get you closer than just eyeballing.
    Last edited by Hotolds442; 04-03-2014 at 03:19 AM.
    Originally Posted by keeki
    Guess it doesn't really matter. If ya cant afford $15, you won't be buying much anyways

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    Im using warne rings. They are slit down the center(vertically)

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    Basic Member Hotolds442's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by limige View Post
    Im using warne rings. They are slit down the center(vertically)
    Naturally.......

    Ive used feeler gauges between the rail and the bottom of the turret before to align them on an Xp100
    Last edited by Hotolds442; 04-03-2014 at 03:35 AM.
    Originally Posted by keeki
    Guess it doesn't really matter. If ya cant afford $15, you won't be buying much anyways

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    Basic Member glassbeaver's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hotolds442 View Post
    Naturally.......

    Ive used feeler gauges between the rail and the bottom of the turret before to align them on an Xp100
    This... I use playing cards though. Then just box it for piece of mind

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    I go prone with my rifle on a bipod. Level the rifle, then look at a weighted string I have hanging in the backyard. As long as the rifle is level, and the vertical crosshair splits the string, it HAS to be level. Simple...as long as it isn't windy outside.
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    Ok but how are you leveling the rifle? The tiny magnetic level in my kit doesn't make me feel confident I'm level.

    I previously did it with feelers but when I got to straighten out the level attached to the scope I cant get it level. Not sure if the problem is the vortex level or the vortex scope crosshairs. Ive heard they have issues squaring the reticle.

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    Quote Originally Posted by limige View Post
    Ok but how are you leveling the rifle? The tiny magnetic level in my kit doesn't make me feel confident I'm level.

    I previously did it with feelers but when I got to straighten out the level attached to the scope I cant get it level. Not sure if the problem is the vortex level or the vortex scope crosshairs. Ive heard they have issues squaring the reticle.
    Your scope mounted level doesn't mean squat if the rifle ACTION wasn't level when you installed it.

    It's very simple with a tool I made. I simply attached a small level to an old piece of cleaning rod. Slide that rod into a slot on your base. Adjust rifle as necessary until level.
    Now your action is level. Rotate scope to split the string and you're golden.

    Now with the rifle and scope square, you can add the scope mounted level if you like. I used one for awhile to see I was properly setup on the firing line during matches. The ground is NEVER level at a range.

    I can't post a pic of it, but if you PM or e-mail me an address, I'll gladly send you a pic. My system is fool proof, and so easy a caveman could do it. And....it costs zero $$$ to make.
    Last edited by Texas Solo; 04-10-2014 at 02:03 PM.
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    No I understand. I need to pickup a small level I can trust and do something along that lines I think. Work from there maybe lay a machinist scale on the base to work from.

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    this may help. I figured out how to post a pic :)
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    [COLOR=#ff0000]Hello to all you nice folks at NSA :)[/COLOR]

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Texas Solo View Post


    this may help. I figured out how to post a pic :)
    did you?

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    Yes, I did. It may have been too large for the mods. Let's try this:

    Last edited by Texas Solo; 04-11-2014 at 09:13 AM.
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    I still use the old " how's that look to ya" method.

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    Yobuck that causes problems trying to shoot long range. The cheap pods I have aren't cut so the guy. Sits level which complicates matters. Which is why I wanted the bubble level on the scope but the scope and the levels aren't adding up so I want to start and step one and double check each piece.

    Probably won't have time until Sunday.

  16. #16
    Basic Member Silvercrow1's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Texas Solo View Post
    Yes, I did. It may have been too large for the mods. Let's try this:

    Thanks for posting that! EXCELLENT idea! I too, have a magnetic set of levels, but found it hard on some guns to find a flat spot on the action to mount that level.
    Brian
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