We all want our scope reticles leveled so that the horizontal axis is really horizontal and the vertical axis, if extended, would run through the exact center of the barrel. Here's a technique that I believe does that with minimal effort.
This is submitted for discussion. I don't pretend to be an expert, and perhaps I am overlooking something critical here.
Before doing this, make sure the rifle is unloaded and that you follow all safety rules.
1. center the reticle (I use a point midway between the elevation and windage extremes.) I have heard that one can also do this easily by placing the scope on a mirror and lining up the reticle with the reflected reticle.
2. Mount your scope keeping it loose enough to turn in your mounts.
3. Set the forward/rearward position of your scope for your cheekweld and optimum eye relief.
4. Take the rifle with the scope to a mirror on your wall.
5. Look through your scope straight into the reflection of the scope in the mirror. You should be able to see the reflected reticle.
6. Place your scope's vertical reticle right on top of the reflected vertical reticle and keep it there.
7. Now with one hand, rotate the scope, keeping the real and reflected reticle superimposed on each other until your vertical reticle bisects the reflection of the end of the barrel.
8. If I have explained myself clearly, now your vertical reticle should be running through the center of your muzzle and the center of your scope while still superimposed on the reflected reticle.
I think now your scope would be properly aligned with your rifle.
Tighten your rings to an appropriate torque value without moving the scope and you should be good to go.
Edit: Tried this a few days ago with a 3-9 scope on 3 power worked well. This evening with a fixed 10 power scope, this method did not work so well. I think it needs a relatively low power to be effective.
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