How To Properly Level Your Rifle Optic

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[@IMPACTSHOOTING]

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[@johnseptien3138]

As you can read in the comments below, you can not trust that the vertical turret is in direct alignment with the erector tube and might not be tracking in line with the vertical center axis of the bore. Hence the comments regarding the "plumb bob". The long line method on paper at 100 yards or I use a projected laser line on my shop roll-up door at 50' and check my tracking to make sure the "reticle" is exactly vertical to the bore. I have had at least four "not inexpensive" scopes that did not track with the turret being level.

[@TierNoneOperator]

I use a laser on the wall, mount the rifle securely in a vice, point the back of the scope towards the laser, shine a flashlight through the front of the scope, turn the diopter out until a clear reticle appears on the wall, set the rifle to level, set the scope to level, adjust the bubble level on scope to reticle and rifle. Done and done.

[@davidsalsedo]

Spot on! Only a tall target test will be needed to verify erector/turret adjustment, Accuracy

[@TierNoneOperator]

I have actually started not being so concerned about leveling the rifle to the scope. As long as the reticle is plumb to the world, I have found that the miniscule offset can be easily compensated for with windage adjustment when zeroing. I have several scopes that I move from rifle to rifle, which I actually did this process on when they were not mounted to a rifle at all. The reticle is perfectly true to the scope bubble level, and therefore as long as I check the bubble before shooting it is plumb to the world and shots are accurate.

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

@@TierNoneOperatorMyth. If you reticle does not bisect your bore, you will always induce a windage error when dialing elevation. Everybody who argues to the contrary shows charts and graphs and MS Paint demos but never actually shows live fire. That’s telling.

[@wildchld-]

Use a deck of playing cards between the scope and the rail NO levels needed! @impactshooting I also use 2 cards for each scope ring torque to 10 inch lbs pull the cards and do your final torque. Pull the cards from under the scope re-torque the rings. DONE!

[@michaelcerrone1482]

I use the same technique, but with a shim pack. Your idea is great, being that not everyone has shims, like a lot of milwright/machinist do. Awesome idea!

[@francoisdavel1786]

Piet, the turret on my vortex is not entirely level and changes depending on how far I have turned it. I have found this on other scopes as well. A better method would be to find a level spot to put the scope on (the bottom of the turret section is flat). Then turn the turret until it is level. Now you can use your method. Once done, you have to verify that the reticle is 100% vertical by hanging a weight on a bright string, leveling the rifle again, and checking if the reticle is aligned with the string. Then you need to do a tall target test to ensure that internals of the scope is aligned as well. If not, you need to send your scope back to the manufacturer. It does not matter which brand or price of scope you buy, doing it like this is the ONLY way to make sure the scope is mounted properly AND that it has no internal alignment issues. There could be variation in alignment no matter what you buy. Ignore this at your own peril. You will miss left or right at long distance in zero wind and not understand why.

[@nathanbailey9153]

The flat base at the bottom of the scope is the only place you can trust. The turrets are almost NEVER true or in line.

[@severianz]

Appreciate the basic stuff. Saves those of us new to long distance a lot of time and frustration 👍

[@oif3vetk9]

I use my send it level (attached to the receiver rail of course), put the rifle in a lead sled (of sorts) put that on a portable camping table in my garage then sight in on my neighbor's garage across the street. Line up the vertical crosshair and the edge of the corner of his garage. Once I have it lined up I torque it down. Double check with a level. For me it works every time.

[@wizzle0979]

Academy had the leveling base on sale and I picked it up. Found out I have two vortex scopes that the crosshair is off center of the scope by about 5-10 degrees. I've sent an email off to vortex.

[@justinadcock3184]

Hey Pete, I've been watching your videos for about 2 months now. I didn't realize you had less than a million subscribers. You'll definitely get there just keep it up. Since I've started watching you and Backfire I purchased a Tika 308 CTR, put it into an MDT chassis, with an atlas bipod, Area419 brake and topped it with a vortex optic. I would love a video talking about proper shooting form and technique while prone.

[@edwardabrams4972]

I have the wheeler level kit and it works great for any of my rifles!

[@JefF-rv7gp]

I have the same Wheeler kit, works like a champ

[@wilhelmhaupt267]

According to some (NF) you are suppose to use the bottom of the turret housing not the turret. I've always done it like this but I've seen a small difference on some scopes.

[@markthibault8579]

There's a NSSF video with Ryan Cleckner where he shows the trick of using a ruler to align the bottom of turret housing with the top of the picatinny scope rail. I've used this trick with good success. However, it doesn't replace the necessity to have a bubble level that's slaved to the actual reticle to know when the reticle is actually level with the horizon before breaking a long-range shot. Then again, maybe I've got this all wrong...

[@T0MASS1]

Agree, I had the exact same problem with NF. The turret was level with the rifle and I looked down the scope and felt like I has having a stroke hahah.

[@ProjectLapse]

Thanks man!, just setting up my first PRS rifle at the moment and wanted to make sure i got this perfect!

[@biglemms]

Well done keeping yourself on the right side of the logarithm and yet doing a good video.

[@davidsalsedo]

Hello Piet, Please do a next step video with the bubble level on the scope to confirm your horizontal hold and a tall target test to verify your work. Love the video and your channel!

[@molonlabe8126]

Once again, your videos are helping ! Thanks Piet !

[@donalddepew9605]

I have one of those Wheeler Scope leveler tools. But a sharpie, a plumb bob, a laser level, and a white shop wall is more precise. A good gun servicing vise helps also. As well as a flashlight. Great Video though!

[@greg9486]

love the video Pete even the basic stuff keep up the good work

[@kimkoller1523]

Fix it stix has a level jack that makes the flat bottom of scope parallel to rail mount. super easy without any leveling.

[@MrKenguru007]

fantastic video, and thanks for the links to those useful tools

[@robertmattern2078]

I level off the bottom of the turret housing and then verify with a plumb Bob. Using the top of the scope cap is an unreliable method. I also use a feeler gauge to make sure my scope rings are evenly spaced then using the X method screw my rings down. I use a Starrett model number 135 machinists level for all of my leveling.

[@cavediver74]

Piet, I enjoyed the format. I am using the same system but found value in confirming my correct use. Thanks!

[@TheHonestlySneakyGamer]

I used a Digital Angle Gauge, can set a zero point off the picatiny rail, and then make sure it matches on top of the scope, with a 0.1degree tolerance

[@snakeoiler2921]

Checking in from Pennsylvania USA 🇺🇸

[@Johnsormani]

I see a lot of suggestions here about using a laser on the wall. I just want to say that a laser has its own system error which can be as much as 1 degree +/- x %, so check your laser cross level,with a plumb bob A good analog bubble level can be pretty accurate when the bubble is close to the check marks, so the human brain can detect the small difference. Unfortunately that space is a little wider with the wheeler kit, so it’s harder to tell precisely if it’s level but it can be done

[@syednoori3799]

That’s something i love to watch and learn, keep bringing such videos man👍🏻❤️

[@winstonjones7519]

Subscribed. You make great videos!

[@peterstone7901]

I appreciate your content and insight.

[@JM10344]

Hey, just to let you know. I did not get notified about this by KZbin. A day to two ago KZbin did ask if I wanted to be notified of this when it was posted. I clicked yes. They did not notify me.

[@loudnoises4627]

For 90% of shooters out there shooting under 900 yards, this method is more than precise. They will have no issues, granted I’m assuming they have a similar quality $3k dollar scope where the machining tolerances on the elevation turret are not terrible. If shooting over 900 yards I would simply verify with a plumb bob

[@Muschka01]

I found that the level on the top turret was not accurate as the turret was just off, using a plumb bob proved it at 50 yards.

[@vereelliott6556]

Great useful video format Piet. Keep em coming. I have read that the top turret is not always perfectly aligned to the reticle. Do you have a view on this ? 👍🏻

[@vcostor]

nice video. Makes it a little more personal.

[@martinshaw5150]

Love the vids Piet ❤

[@AZGunner-mp7yx]

Defensive edge makes the best scope leveling kit.

[@RobsKoiPond]

I just level the rifle. Then use a dewalt green lazer level illuminated on a wall and line up the reticle. Same concept as a plum line.

[@scott2228]

I might give this a try. Makes sense. But I’ll need to buy a cross level. Hopefully the Harbor Freight Bauer brand works good enough.

[@jamessammann9183]

This is how i.do.my.guns works great

[@DN-kz7xl]

I found the smaller wheeler block can be adjusted. If turned 180° it my not be level. One should at least check it on a accurate level to make sure it shows level when turned 180°.

[@ronzi83]

Yea, good video. Make more like this DIY/how to...

[@USAACbrat]

As a final check mount the rifle and ck it with a plumb bob. Try it

[@howardschwartz1462]

I use the same wheeler levels and procedure that you do but then I shine a light through the optic at a plumbline to verify that I have an absolutely perfectly straight reticle with no cant

[@SixOFord]

One thing I do when I level mine, I level side to side and front to back. That way, if your level on top of the scope isnt square with the scope the result will still be the same. I hope that makes sense.

[@fvdmaat3853]

Checking in form the Netherlands, Nice video

[@dmc3199]

Canadian guy checking in 😊 as always some great stuff.

[@jamesdailey2476]

Funny I just ordered the bubble levels off amazon yesterday.

[@trevormcguff1697]

Just ordered wheeler level. I have been using the Arisaka scope level wedge. Any comments on what's better, I assume bubble level.

[@jacovandenheever4318]

Waar kan ek van daai impact scope stickers (decals) kry.

[@williamsweet7511]

can you have pistolas in S.A.? How about semi auto rifles? Thanks for the Channel and the fun videos.

[@markthibault8579]

Assuming that you have a quality scope that tracks properly, my understanding is that the only thing that really matters is that the reticle itself is level with the horizon. This is normally verified using a bubble level (or equivalent) that's level with the reticle mounted on the scope. So, in theory and if you have a 0-cant scope base, the rifle could be canted 45 degrees relative to the reticle, but, as long as the reticle is level with the horizon, the shot will not be affected by cant. Or, have I got this completely wrong?

[@warrenhumphrey3956]

Thanks Piet! 🤙🍻

[@robertbusato]

How do you like the IBI barrel? I live in Canada and am thinking of trying one. Thanks

[@williamsweet7511]

Have you ever leveled your rifle/scope and set up on a shooting bench and found it looked off to the eye? I've done that many times and I always end up loosening the scope and adjusting to what seems level to me. Probably a bad idea but I'm pretty accurate at distance. I shoot at a thousand yards at least once a months.

[@elch3ferino214]

Have you used the Fix-it-stix scope jack?

[@tiputipu777]

Never level ontop of the turret, always level from the bottom of the turret housing. The turret is a separate part and is not always plumb to the reticle. Ive had a steiner m7xi, two m5xi, snb pm2 and element theos. All give false cant readings if you use a bubble ontop of the turret. Its stacking tolerances. Everything is leveled to the bottom of the housing hence why spuhr as the leveling key/kit, tier one has a leveling key, fixit sticks has the scope jack etc.

[@tiputipu777]

Forgot to mention that if you dial elevation into the turret and place the level ontop again, it will show a different level than before.

[@jcormier01]

My Christmas list just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Where did you pick up the more expensive bubble level?

[@RMM--uv7uk]

Love the coded wording you are having to use. Makes it funny

[@RMM--uv7uk]

But stupid you have to do so. But at least you are making it fun.

[@christiancoronado6375]

Don't use wheeler bubble leveling kits. They are not accurate. People saying they work, have not done the 180⁰ test on them. (Place on a flat surface. See where bubble is. Then rotate 180⁰ to the exact spot you had the level the first time. Bubble should be on the same spot) If not, it's not accurate. Homedeopt empire torpedo levels are damn near perfect. But test before you buy. I went down the bubble level rabbit hole haha

[@Kr1stof1987]

Do u use any bubbellevels like a v3?

[@marcodioguardi6426]

I have a question, I zero my rifle but realize that I have to move back a little the scope for the proper eye relief at 15x. I made a mistake and adjust at 3x now at 15 I have to stretch my neck for proper relief. If I just loosen the rings a little and set back the scope and retighten the rings do I have to re-zero the rifle again?

[@IMPACTSHOOTING]

Yes, but only a click or two

[@marcodioguardi6426]

@@IMPACTSHOOTING thanks

[@gtroxlar8597]

Great video..fix-it-sticks 👍

[@mymodel6]

I put the rifle in a rigid rest and use a laser level to get the rifle/barrel and scope perfectly aligned vertically, in order to calibrate the bubble level on my rail.. Once i have a calibrated level on the gun, i use a plumb line down range to align the ret with the bubble level, that's a perfectly, vertically aligned scope.. Then with my adjustable mounts, i'll loosen the rear mount adjuster and leave the front mount tightish, fire a shot at my zero range, and with my elevation turret at zero, just lift the rear of the scope until the crosshairs are at my poi, tighten both mounts... Done. Do not rely on your turrets being level and using them to level a scope, that it bullshit...

[@snowman3219]

Why don’t the manufacturers of optics just add a witness mark on the side of the scope that lines up with the split in the rings and make our lives simple? It would be a nice touch don’t you think when your spending $3-7k on a scope.

[@PassionforRifles]

Keep talking, nice to watch your work👌🏻😎

[@mistyrkool7625]

Like this style video...

[@toledoupsguy6064]

liked the video but I do know for a fact that the elevation turret on my Vortex gen2 4.5-27 is not level.

[@DARRELLGRIFFITHS]

A plumb Bob. Then confirm with a tall target and dial up and back to zero.

[@damianmoskos2299]

Phew I'm doing it right

[@sjowners]

You level a scope by putting a set of vernier callipers under the saddle and against the rail and twist to bring the two into alignment whilst you tighten the rings. Easiest thing in the world, no need for all this. Bubble levels are junk.

[@juriehelberg9997]

👌🏻

[@leadmonkey]

Nope… bad advice… you plum the vertical stadia to gravity using a plum Bob or even a weight on a string… leveling the optic makes no difference it’s plum to gravity that matters while rifle system is level as a reference… disappointing that presenter doesn’t know or mention this kinda feels like he’s trolling us.

[@brettstewart8765]

The rifle didnt look level to me, i might be trippin 😂

[@lamarthomas6412]

Could you please send me one of your rifle to be my rifle???

[@michaeld.3063]

Wrong

[@nck4888]

Dude sounds like a lady

[@IMPACTSHOOTING]

Your comment reads like someone who needs to put others down to feel better about themselves?

[@nck4888]

@@IMPACTSHOOTING dude.. people talk crap to me all the time , toughen up, I'm only stating the obvious it's not my issue that you are sensitive to words, you could have just ignored my comment.

[@waxhawcreek1717]

Says the boy with 64 subscibers