SCOPE LEVELING WITH FLASHLIGHT

The author starts by placing a spirit level on the gun to level the gun itself. That will achieve a proper scope-to-bore alignment if the gun and scope rings are mechanically perfect across about a half dozen potential sources of error.

However if you have a trustworthy boresight laser, you could fire it up and rotate the scope until the reticle’s shadow sits on top of the laser dot and that should give a pretty confident alignment.
 
Last edited:
This flashlight or the mirror method both combined with using a weighted plumb line to match the reticle to true vertical with gravity works well to attach a permanent bubble level to the scope tube. No matter what gun the scope is moved to, or it's orientation on the rail, the scope will always be truly vertical according to the bubble.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PNEUMATIC
Agree with NervousTrig, leveling on that part of the stock is probably not right. I use a Wheeler Engineering scope level that sits and centers on the barrel and scope objective simultaneously. When that reads level, I know I'm leveling in the plane formed by the barrel and scope centerlines.

It would be interesting to also click elevation up and down while the flashlight is projecting the crosshairs to see if it tracks dead vertical also. I don't do much clicking with my airguns but I have other toys where that would be worth verifying without the fuss of shooting a tall target.
 
Agree with NervousTrig, leveling on that part of the stock is probably not right. I use a Wheeler Engineering scope level that sits and centers on the barrel and scope objective simultaneously. When that reads level, I know I'm leveling in the plane formed by the barrel and scope centerlines.

It would be interesting to also click elevation up and down while the flashlight is projecting the crosshairs to see if it tracks dead vertical also. I don't do much clicking with my airguns but I have other toys where that would be worth verifying without the fuss of shooting a tall target.
I do this to make sure the bubble level's that I attach to the scope tube atre true with vertical adjustment tracking. The internal's don't always track true from what I've read, but I have not found one to be off yet either.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PNEUMATIC
There was a post(s) about how to mount a scope that explained all of the reasons why this video isn't the best way.

It was within the last 3 months I believe. I can't find it... so in the interest of serving the OP and others who may come here looking how to mount a scope properly, could someone please find that post or make a post/reply here that explains how to do it?

I would try to explain it, but I would probably muck it up! (smile)

All my best!

Kerry
 
heres how i do it.......
this way will align your crosshairs to your bore.


best method ever that ive ever used to align a scope to the bore is the mirror method.

it perfectly aligns the crosshairs with the bore.

get a mirror,
set it up at say 5yds,
set your scope to 10 yds (or when its focused in the mirror)

look through the scope at your reflection in the mirror (a steady gun rest helps)

loosen the scope ring screws and rotate the scope till the vertical crosshair intersects the center of the bore when the crosshairs are centered on the scope objective.

"bam" your crosshairs are now aligned with the bore

snug your ring screws and recheck,
repeat till perfect :cool:


then use a plumb line to get a vertical line,
move the gun till the vertical crosshair lines up with the string adjust and and lock down your scope level,

now everything is lined up and if you miss its your own fault LOL
 
heres how i do it.......
this way will align your crosshairs to your bore.


best method ever that ive ever used to align a scope to the bore is the mirror method.

it perfectly aligns the crosshairs with the bore.

get a mirror,
set it up at say 5yds,
set your scope to 10 yds (or when its focused in the mirror)

look through the scope at your reflection in the mirror (a steady gun rest helps)

loosen the scope ring screws and rotate the scope till the vertical crosshair intersects the center of the bore when the crosshairs are centered on the scope objective.

"bam" your crosshairs are now aligned with the bore

snug your ring screws and recheck,
repeat till perfect :cool:


then use a plumb line to get a vertical line,
move the gun till the vertical crosshair lines up with the string adjust and and lock down your scope level,

now everything is lined up and if you miss its your own fault LOL
Thanks! Perfect!

All my best!

Kerry

p.s.

As an aside, the Athlon Argos BTR 8-34 I have mounted on my Akela looks canted if you look at it from the front or rear. However, I know it is centered on the bore axis/scope because I used this method. I also know the bubble level is also correct because of using this method.

How do I know? Without wind, I can shoot out to 96 yards with precision. If there is wind... well... (chuckle)

Thanks again for the post/reply starlingassn! You nailed it! Exactly what I was looking for!
 
Last edited:
This flashlight or the mirror method both combined with using a weighted plumb line to match the reticle to true vertical with gravity works well to attach a permanent bubble level to the scope tube. No matter what gun the scope is moved to, or it's orientation on the rail, the scope will always be truly vertical according to the bubble.
Yep. I have levels on most of my scopes. I install them before I even mount the scope in rings.
 
heres how i do it.......
this way will align your crosshairs to your bore.


best method ever that ive ever used to align a scope to the bore is the mirror method.

it perfectly aligns the crosshairs with the bore.

get a mirror,
set it up at say 5yds,
set your scope to 10 yds (or when its focused in the mirror)

look through the scope at your reflection in the mirror (a steady gun rest helps)

loosen the scope ring screws and rotate the scope till the vertical crosshair intersects the center of the bore when the crosshairs are centered on the scope objective.

"bam" your crosshairs are now aligned with the bore

snug your ring screws and recheck,
repeat till perfect :cool:


then use a plumb line to get a vertical line,
move the gun till the vertical crosshair lines up with the string adjust and and lock down your scope level,

now everything is lined up and if you miss its your own fault LOL
I’m definitely adding this to my “why I missed” excuse box 🙄
 
  • Haha
Reactions: MysticalDragon
What the heck are you talking about?

All my best!

Kerry
Look up the fixit jack. They have them at pa and there's many videos on it.

You put your scope into the rings attacked to the rifle (if it has a flat on the bottom of the scope.) Attach the jack to the rail underneath then raise the jack to the scope. It will either rotate the scope, or allow you to rotate it to perfectly level with the rail. Then you tighten the scope, verify its still level with the jack, then remove it.

I mounted 3 scopes so far with this and each were shooting same hole at 25 yards and very accurate groups at longer ranges
 
  • Like
Reactions: cavedweller
Look up the fixit jack. They have them at pa and there's many videos on it.

You put your scope into the rings attacked to the rifle (if it has a flat on the bottom of the scope.) Attach the jack to the rail underneath then raise the jack to the scope. It will either rotate the scope, or allow you to rotate it to perfectly level with the rail. Then you tighten the scope, verify its still level with the jack, then remove it.

I mounted 3 scopes so far with this and each were shooting same hole at 25 yards and very accurate groups at longer ranges
And they make the same assumptions that makes it impossible to be sure you truly have the scope aligned to the bore and the level properly aligned.

Why are you trying to sell this crap when the best way to mount a scope and level was already given and easy to do?

Geez!
 
And they make the same assumptions that makes it impossible to be sure you truly have the scope aligned to the bore and the level properly aligned.

Why are you trying to sell this crap when the best way to mount a scope and level was already given and easy to do?

Geez!
Because I've seen it work and many others see it work to and it's very easy to use. So it's hardly "crap"

I've seen errors using a level method, first hand and others experiences. Sometimes it's difficult to find a good place on the rifle or scope for the levels.

The jack provides another option and method that is easy to use and accurate. Do what works for you. But just because someone uses another effective method doesn't make it "crap"
 
Because I've seen it work and many others see it work to and it's very easy to use. So it's hardly "crap"

I've seen errors using a level method, first hand and others experiences. Sometimes it's difficult to find a good place on the rifle or scope for the levels.

The jack provides another option and method that is easy to use and accurate. Do what works for you. But just because someone uses another effective method doesn't make it "crap"
Is that you Yo/Odoyle?

I have no respect for you at this point.
 
Last edited:
  • Haha
Reactions: MysticalDragon
Is that you Yo?

I have no respect for you at this point.
Your point is?

Levels can work well IF you have the means to place them effectively. Some scopes don't allow for that due to their style, including domed caps or the raised flat blade adjustments preventing the level being attached there.

Sorry for presenting another viable option. Especially one that is often faster and just as accurate if not moreso than levels. Hopefully someone will find it helpful.
 
Your point is?

Levels can work well IF you have the means to place them effectively. Some scopes don't allow for that due to their style, including domed caps or the raised flat blade adjustments preventing the level being attached there.

Sorry for presenting another viable option. Especially one that is often faster and just as accurate if not moreso than levels. Hopefully someone will find it helpful.
Apparently, you did not read what was posted in this thread about how to accurately mount a scope and level.

The device, like many before, makes assumptions that the reticle and the base of the scope are perfectly aligned.

Not to mention the assumption that the scope mounts, the "flat" used from the top of the gun, etc. are square.

No to mention that it is an unnecessary expense to do something that can be done without those assumptions at NO cost.

READ the method posted by starlingassn. It is easy, reliable and accurate. And doesn't cost a thing, except your time.

I have never blocked anyone, but you are making me think about it.

All my best!

Kerry
 
Last edited: