Precision Rifle Scope Mounting & Leveling

This video demonstrates my simple scope mounting procedure, including how I set up a scope level. The scope used in the demo is a Bushnell Elite Tactical XRS II, which I'll be reviewing while using it on my new PRS competition rifle. The scope level is the tube-mounted Accuracy 1st ceramic ball level.
For more information on the Accuracy 1st ACD, check out these reviews:
panhandleprecis...
• Accuracy 1st Scope Lev...

[@andresfeliperamosromero3060]

Haven't had a chance to test if it holds zero, but mounts just fine and has nice clear glass. Centered vertically true to a plumb line with the crosshairs which is always a plus!It's a great kzbin.infoUgkxc4K63Fd5LglDMObu7-Bgapxp_ef0W8hE scope. There's no parallax adjustment or focus ring, so may be limited to 3-7x, have to see how it is on the range. Also be aware that the rings are "look through" so you can still use irons, but they are really tall if you only intend to use the optics. On a 22LR no biggie since I'm not shooting competitions or worried about a hard cheek press. Will boresight and range test, if all goes well, I'll leave it at that!

[@ArkansasBadBoy]

Glad to see that mounting right next to the turret housing is not anything to worry about. I had to do the same thing to get the proper eye relief on my recent build and was a little bothered by it.

[@AlbinGwiazda]

Hello, thank you very much for this lesson. Greetings from Poland

[@johnstewart8849]

Really helpful....my first scope arrives tomorrow.

[@brttchpmn]

I like the pink noise when torque is achieved.

[@jdean1851]

Thanks from Lewis county!

[@teammosin9999]

Great video! Thanks!

[@alanw2235]

Use an Turn and Bank indicator! lol j/k... Thanks for the video, good stuff. (Two thumbs up)

[@cheekyrick9529]

Quick hint from my surveying background. When you check a level of something with a bubble or angle finder, flip it 180 degrees and see if it agrees both ways. If it doesn't, you have error in your bubble, and will need to halve the error. I use a suunto clinometer to do my scopes.

[@Krysis219]

I use a starrett 98 level.

[@joe9611]

Bubble errors are the worst

[@bznbrian]

Exactly! There's almost zero chance that little bar thing is spot on. There's another video where the guy shines a light backward through the scope exposing the vertical line to a plum line on a wall. I haven't tried it yet but it seems to me that it's a way better method. As long as the scope and the scope level are tight, the relationship between the scope and the rifle isn't so important.

[@pams2270]

I'd like to make a suggestion, set up your rifle in a gun vise, level the rifle by using a level on the top of the rifle where it's flat, set you scope base , place the scope in the rings, on a wall put a piece of paper with a vertical and horizontal line intersecting one another look through the scope and line up the reticles to the reticle on the wall, then set your rings. You'll figure out the rest as you go along. BTW... it's NEVER failed me. It's a drawn out process but it works perfect. And the best part is, you'll never have to worry about any imperfections in the outside of the scope, the turrets, or anything else. It's full proof guys.

[@jamespruitt8965]

I've seen some use a string with a weight on the end and they try to line the elevation subtension line up with it against a wall

[@brentcarson9634]

Just use a plumb line hanging off a wall or tree. Match the scope's vertical reticle with the plumb line after ensuring the action is absolutely level. I used to have endless problems letting gunsmiths mount my scopes because they wouldn't take the time to do it properly, since most of it is just grunt labor. But I've never had a problem in 20 years since I started doing it myself. I use Uncle Mike's Guntite which is similar to Loctite 242, however, only Guntite is designed for a lubricant environment. But blue Loctite 243 is slightly stronger than 242, and it is designed to function around lubricants. Gunwriter Layne Simpson uses Loctite 222 which is designed for small scope mounting screws, whereas Guntite, Loctite 242 & 243 are designed for larger action screws. However, Larry Pottterfield (the owner of Midway) mounts the 6-48 screws on his bases with Loctite 242, in Midway's scope mounting videos. Although Guntite is labelled for 1/4" to 3/4" action size screws, it seems to work just fine on the smaller 6-48 & 8-40 scope mounting screws.

[@ottokittel709]

just because a person call themselves a gun smith does not mean they can hang your 3k precision scope with a dam. seem today it garbage in garbage out workmanship. taken many rifle out to the plumb bob to check the cross hair vertical and way off.

[@steves9285]

I use a plum line and shine a flash light threw the scope and line up the retical with the plum, If i had a level like the one on the vid I would do it that way also, love the vids and keep them coming, I look forward to seeing them

[@jameshoyt75]

I shine a light through the scope...rarely threw it

[@kristianmccannell]

@@jameshoyt75 I shine a flash light threw the scope all the time

[@johnwagnon9632]

That will get your scope vertical, but how do you get your rifle exactly vertical? Just get the scope leveling kit genius!

[@9mydragon]

@@johnwagnon9632 rifle doesn't necessarily need to be perfectly level if your scope is leveled to the fall of gravity. Plenty of people purposefully cant their rifle.

[@wilfdarr]

@@johnwagnon9632 Unless you regularly shoot off the weak hand, there's absolutely no reason to level the rifle: set the rifle so it's in the most stable position for you and then level your scope to that.

[@1967Twotone]

Excellent description. Thanks! You can use a rubber band or a foam ear plug (unused) to hold the level in place against the bottom flat of the scope while you adjust.

[@edcreasia8961]

Check out the Arisaka leveling system. It uses the sliding method to butt up against the bottom of the scope were all the guts of the scope are. Very easy method and pretty much hands free.

[@a300fe1]

Great video. Can you give us the dimensions of the “Level Stick” you had made? Handy tool. I promise we won’t make a big deal about you not using a NF scope.

[@thejayvodlexperience7856]

that is an excellent tip about leveling the scope off the bottom, thanks!

[@dankrier6300]

FYI...Nightforce said lapping their rings voids the warranty.

[@gusbiv8282]

Awesome video. One piece of advice for an old Army Avionics guy, be sure to reset your torque wrenches to zero to keep from changing the calibration. We had to have EVERY torque wrench, driver, etc., calibrated every 6 months max, some needed calibrated every 3 months due to aviation critical use. I was also our Apache Battalion's calibration co-ordinator doing the actual calibrations on those and about 60% of depot level aviation equipment, you'd be amazed how some can get beaten to death and never change while others taken perfect care of change accuracy just sitting on the shelf.

[@alexpearson8481]

Agreed. Overlooked details. I was told to dial back the torque to zero, then add just a touch for storage. I could be wrong but that’s what I’ve always done.

[@13YELL]

Not "to zero" but "to the LOWEST" value. This is important as you shouldn't feel the wrench winding to a stop, that would put stress on the system. I work on aircrafts as well, you'd be surprised how many of my colleagues get this wrong.

[@jimkemp566]

Thank you, I truly enjoyed watching and listening to you explain all of this. I do not shoot any type of competition, but I like getting things correct, or as close as I can. Aim small, miss small!

[@fourtenfifty]

I must've watched 20 different videos on "expert" scope installs. Most are backyard hacks that have no idea what they're doing. It is indeed refreshing to see someone do it the right way and explain why it's done the way it was done. Especially liked the end where you mention using a plumb line to verify correct tracking. Well done. Your videos are great.

[@retirednobaddays456]

To set the scope-level I use a bubble level to get the tube and rings close then take it to the range to use a plumb line to finish the job. It’s best if the wind us under 5mph. At the 50yd line I hang a plumb line with a 1.5 lb or 3 lb weight about 6 foot off the ground, with the weight suspended inside a cardboard box with 14” sides to keep the weight from being affected by any wind. Match the scope vertical line with the plumb line and tighten the screws on the rings. With the screws tighten and the vertical line matching the plumb line attach the scope-level to the tube in the position that gives the most accurate reading of the bubble. For my eyes I found that I can sometimes get better more repeatable results if the bubble is just touching the black line on the right side.

[@cotajesus90]

Kurt Hollanitsch the video shows him incorrectly installing it by not lapping the rings and to top it off has the wrong height of ring for his rifle because its touching the barrel! if anyone that does precision shooting knows anything is the scope must never touch or be so close to the barrel that the recoil of the rifle makes them touch, thats a good way of breaking things. do your research before commenting.

[@retirednobaddays456]

@@cotajesus90, your right you don't want the scope to contact the barrel and you do want to get the rings aligned. Look at 18 minutes into the video and you can see daylight under the scope also look at the video on the review of the Bushnell Elite and you can see the scope does not make contact. If you mount matched rings to a 1913 rail they will not require lapping. If you have the rods to check them it would be a good thing to do. If you find that their off call the ring manufacture and they will send you a new set. I think I would first take the rods to a precision machine shop to check the rods on a toolmakers flat just make sure you don't have problem with the rods.

[@George-nx5lo]

exactly finally accurate info

[@elijahmonn3757]

I like the video. I have set up scopes on the past similarity. The small bubble level glued onto the flat aluminium is genius. I was wondering too, if the scope was touching the barrel. It looks very close. But I’m sure this guy knows better than that . Great and informative video. Cheers Brent

[@bobbertee5945]

Sam, u have a great way of explaining things, so glad I came across your channel.

[@BBQDad463]

This video was very well done. Clear, concise, informative. Plenty of common sense. Thanks for making this video.

[@j.rob.5943]

Nice. Last step (for me) is to verify the reticle is plumb when the scope mounted level says it is. Hang plumb line on wall, shine flashlight through objective to check.

[@edcreasia8961]

I use the Arisaka leveling system. Bought it from Amazon. Best and simplest leveling device I have found.

[@user-zy7mk3ly8b]

Mounting a scope so the ring contacts the turret housing is a mistake, using a cantilever scope mount would solve this.

[@ShowboatHK]

I thought I needed like 7 different scope mounting kits from Brownells and Midway. Huh! Who knew!

[@rmm2424]

I level the gun then use a hanging plumb bob at 50 yards to level the reticle.

[@somedumwhite]

I've been thinking about using a 4' level down range. Simple, stupid. Thanks for confirming lol

[@braniganrobertsonlaw]

Outstanding video. Thank you.

[@alingram5541]

Have you checked that your levels are level??? Most are not. Put it on any flat surface and see where the bubble is, turn the level 180 degrees, should be the same reading.

[@5RWill]

Had a look these last febuary Sam fantastic scopes for sure. Glass is up there with the Gen II razor, ATACR, etc. The DMR II Pro is sure to shake things up as it's the DMR II with ED glass just like the XRS II will be interesting to see if they keep it at $1599. I recently picked up a Mark 5HD and am thoroughly impressed by Leupold thus far. Glass is extremely nice. I hope you do a second video i'd like to see how you set everything up to do the tracking test and plumline.

[@RT6Speed]

I really appreciate your videos. Most of my shooting is 100-300 yards working on the feral hog problem in my area. I just ordered a Vortex scope to mount on my 30-06 and your video certainly presents some good information.

[@pams2270]

Your gonna love that vortex Wes. I have the gen 2 and it's awsome!

[@kicknsystm]

Thoroughly appreciate this. I'm digging my rifles out now, whether they're correct or not I want to be double sure.

[@BushcraftJones]

Thank you for this video Sam. I leveled the scope on all my three rifles yesterday after making a makeshift tool based on the idea you had there with the steel. Even my first gun which was fitted by a gunsmith back then was "way" off in terms of leveling.

[@toddb930]

Nice video! Thanks for putting it together. One thing you might want to mention is the nead to have some space between the ring halfs. I'm sure you watch for this but some people may not think about it. I bore sight the same way as you described. It works great for me.

[@cogunlover5550]

Wow that's crazy. Can't believe I have installing scopes incorrectly. I have been going off the turret screw and have been wondering why my scope looks canted. Now I know why. Where can I get one of those long levels? They should sell those!!

[@johnnelson4625]

But just wanting to make a small point. A minute amount of locktite is just a step of precaution. No harm, no foul if using blue removable. A vital step in my break barrel air rifles in my opinion. I really enjoyed your video and instruction.

[@jeffreydohl6036]

Nice. That makes so much sense. I like it. Now how do we get one of those really nice tool steel levels? Jeff

[@dafellmd]

Sam, YOU need to start offering them for sale. It seems you have a lot of buyers waiting.

[@vaughnprecision]

Hey Sam, do you ever verify the vertical reticle on a plum line.? I’ve discovered a few scopes over the years weren’t 100% level once checked against the plum line. I have a permanent one mounted on my back deck now and check all the customers rifles against it.

[@PanhandlePrecision]

Yes, when I don't have 18" of snow in the way.:-)

[@chuckbrosdal4811]

Don't you read what he said about using a plum line?

[@kentayres1819]

Vaughn Precision i

[@cwcata]

lemme back in its friggin freezing out here!!! *meow*

[@robertmillen2967]

Well I mounted up a scope, use the top of the turret even tho I new better after watching this video, key word “I new better”, I was looking though the scope and I felt that I had the rifle level but the cross hairs seem to be off, got out levels and compared the top of the turret to the bottom of the scope and yep right there it is proof you were right and I new better then to do it the wrong way!!! Thanks Btw there are a lot of KZbin videos mounting scopes the WRONG way.

[@freedomisgolf5816]

Wow great info what’s your opinion on Bushnell as I’m new to long range shooting and don’t want to waist money on scopes please

[@PanhandlePrecision]

I love the XRS II! My son and I are both running them now. No problems at all with around 5000 rounds downrange. panhandleprecision.com/bushnell-xrs-ii-long-range-field-review/

[@dafellmd]

Freedom, if you want feedback re scopes for LR shooting, read the LongRangeHunting forum online for a while.

[@ZZ-uf4zv]

Man, I would really like to have one of those flat bar levels...

[@geddstock]

It’s a very very easy thing to make yourself

[@ceez33167]

i do use loctite, but i also use lesser quality rings. nightforce is a little out of my budget.

[@dustinsmith4068]

Ceez33 nothing wrong with that. I bet it still shoots nice and straight.

[@AntiPattern328]

I have always set the level on top of the turret and scratched my head when I got the gun out to shoot and the scope was definitely not level with the gun.... Had no idea the bottom of the scope was flat like that. Thanks

[@georgeholt8929]

There is a new tool that mounts on the rail that has a elevator on it that you raise so it touches the bottom of the turret, it keeps the turret from turning as you tighten the ring screws.

[@srs4767]

Say What???? A Nightforce guy forever, and on every gun... Never in a million years did I expect to see Bushnell going on your comp gun of all things...?????

[@JPsaysno]

Loving this channel. Subscribed!

[@deniscleaver7544]

Thanks loads for this info on leveling off the bottom of the scope adjustment housing. I have heard of this many years ago, but never thought too much about it due to using low rings which did not give much space between the base and the receiver bottom. I recently purchased a CZ .22LR Mod. 457 match rifle, and installed a Nikon Rimfire scope and installed a medium set of Leopold rings, and this method works just fine. Total success!

[@tomburbridge1114]

Very nice and informative video. Good job Panhandle Precision !! Jeff D try looking up a Starrett 135 (2 .5 inch )or 135B ( 3.5 inch ) pocket bubble level or a machinists parallel ( most often come in sets or in matched pair) of appropriate size and you can build your own both are found on eBay. Let me know if this helps anyone.

[@ottokittel709]

Last step is put a plum bob out 25- 50 yards and crank up scope to highest power and check to see it your vertical cross hair is perfectly vertical to the earths gravity, check also your buble level is in sync also. I am willing to bet your method is close, but NOT perfect ! I have used many methods, but the plum bob does not lie, but crappy bubbles levels are not accurate enough for 1000 yard perfection !

[@nellaikswokub139]

shouldn't you be torquing those ring screws to the scope's (Burris) specs and not the ring's (Nightforce) specs? Or perhaps they are the same

[@Image-X]

Great video. I have the Fat Torque Screwdriver as well. You should not store it with tension on it though. Set it to zero in lbs before putting it back in case.

[@appalachiangunman9589]

I agree with you on the ring spacing, I have seen some scopes with picatinny rails where they mounted the scope with both rings almost all the way against the turrets, which I don’t think anyone should do if they can help it.

[@dula4552]

Never thought of leveling from the bottom of the scope! But after seeing it i 100% get it, great to know as i'd just been using the turrets to square off! Brilliant video all round!

[@stevepeters1833]

My new Vortex Diamondback Scope has irregular protrusions on bottom of turret housing so this leveling method will not work for me. 😞

[@bw6715]

Have you try the Tough Tactical Tools Scope Leveler Combo for Rifle Scope Mounting and Leveling Scopes Mounted in One-Piece Mounts or Scope Rings i love them.

[@WaschyNumber1]

Nice video 👍 I'm new to scope mounting, how do I determ the right hight scopes rings to buy for a air rifle and air Pistol also for Red Dot sights? 🤔 Would for leveling a flat steel piece and a digital protractor work too, by putting the steel under the scope and than the protractor with magnets on it for leveling? 🤔 If you understand what I mean 🤔

[@charleshetrick3152]

The reticle above all else should be level. Clamp down the rifle and level it by way of measuring from the picatinny rail. Attack and secure the bottom half of the scope rings. If you wanna lap the rings do so now. Install scope and top half of rings tighten lightly. Hang a plumb bob use a flashlight to project the reticle and align with the plumb Bob string. Torque down the rings.

[@tonysilverfox2828]

Great video Sam, can you do a video some time explaining how to determine picking the correct tool size (hex vs star, imperial vs metric, etc ) I’ve wrecked the odd screw over the years by getting in wrong! My wife shakes her head when she finds me setting up a plumb line on the lounge wall, rifle on the dinner table, but hey it works a treat lol

[@thehuntersight7548]

Thanks for the video, I am a little confused on the last part of bore sighting, then dialing up/dialing down to zero, then dialing down more- can you explain further? Confused

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

The flexible bipod isn't holding the gun to the set position with enough pressure to measure, and is just as likely putting a slight pressure toward moving the gun back to the first position. Just working with the self-made level up against the scope underside is enough to move some guns off the set position. A simple gun vice can be made from three short 2 × 4 lengths, two bolts, which would be hand tightened, two corresponding nuts, etc. Good system otherwise tho. Thanks.

[@alanrandall3024]

What are the dimensions of the bar stock that was used to make your bubble level? I also enjoyed the video and look forward to checking other of yours out.

[@deniscleaver7544]

Excellent advise and explained so as to understand the complete user methods involved in scope mounting and adjustment. Thanks loads.

[@jwmatt]

A lot of good information. Why no lapping? Or at least check the "centering" of the rings. It's very important in scope setup.

[@k992-o6r]

tbh somebody tells me I need a mf 7/64 wrench, imma just grab a whetstone and shave 1/64 off a 1/8 wrench

[@briancraft2160]

Great video. Sadly, most of us will not have access to a level mounted on tool steel like your friend made for you. I was hopeful that you would have also showed how to do it best with a normal level as you did have a normal level on your bench in the beginning. Guess I will have to keep searching for a video.

[@2000acuracer]

we should also turn just the bubble level device several times and check reading to check its integrity

[@tonybennett4922]

Absolutely brilliant. Clear and concise, no nonsense. Very well done Sir 👍👍

[@michaelfisher6449]

Great information,however I will level my gun, drop a plumb Bob out in front 5 yards or so and plumb my scope to my plumb line and tighten up while checking plumb. Thanks for all the great info you provide sparking my interest in the sport.

[@charleanava]

What were the deciding factors in choosing that specific scope?

[@PanhandlePrecision]

They requested a review.

[@hardtarget2359]

Panhandle Precision Can I ask why some people are so insistent in lapping the rings before mounting the scope?

[@rushvilledude]

Great video. I have had a base come lose. And a friend had the ring screws come lose. For that reason, I use some form of adhesive on the screws. Can’t hurt and gives me that extra piece of mind. To each their own though.

[@popeye-wc2jo]

I would not spend the time mounting a scope that I didn't do everything possible to eliminate human error. I'm sorry to give a negative response to your efforts but not lapping in the scope to the rings is unexpectable. This only takes a few minutes to do the process and for the life of the set up it is a no brainer. This is only my opinion and in no way am I trying to imply that I know better than you about this subject. Thank you for your efforts in such a fun hobby to us all.

[@RememberBannockburn1314]

Maybe I’m missing something but if you are mounting a similar scope ie target / long range and after it’s mounted you go to zero and find that to zero it , you are left with hardly any clicks , what then ?

[@lewislister7720]

I think the plumber line is key to this and level on the rifle , I've noticed my scope housing and reticle are not in union, using a bubble on the scope and bubble on the gun doesn't work. Go off the reticle and gun only

[@brettinnj]

I never thought of the turret cap being off. I just drove myself to drink setting up a Leupold. I leveled it to the receiver and then after torqueing it down I noticed the reticle was off. I finally set up a 4' level. Leveled the rifle and set the crosshair to the 4' level.

[@darlsbarkley3493]

brettinnj that's why spuhr mounts exist. Its fast, easy, and perfectly level.

[@brettinnj]

Nice!

[@darlsbarkley3493]

You can also buy a separate leveling wedge from spuhr or arisaka. They don't work for every scope, due to larger turrets on some scopes, but it makes things so much easier.

[@harrisonmccullough1183]

Always zero out any torque wrench after using.

[@deerphoria4314]

Nice video Sam. Is there a bubble level on the market like the one you mentioned Bob Carlock made for you in this video?

[@chuckbrosdal4811]

Great video. I install my scopes the same way. The piece of metal with the attach level is a fantastic idea.Thanks for showing that. When I finish installing the scope and everything is leveled, I line the elevation and windage reticles up with a piece of door molding or something permanent that is horizontal and vertical and make sure all reticles are as plum as possible. Again thanks.

[@trojanteamtactical7511]

Is there clearance between front of scope and the frame of your rifle? Can tell. If not, you will have a problem if the front part of the scope is touching the rifle.

[@johnwittmann8809]

Question I leveled the gun and put a 15 moa rail on. The rail level is a little off the gun level. In this case do I match the level of the scope to the 15 moa rail or to the gun level?

[@yesnothanksplease]

By far the simplest and easiest to understand tutorial for this BY FAR

[@norbertobermudez7683]

Awesome video but was the table level😂😂😂

[@00skeletor00]

I love these videos. I’ve really learned allot from you in the last while. Great how you don’t over complicate things, like so many other channels I’ve seen. Keep it up!

[@benny3oi]

Is the Redding bullet comparator worth the purchase?

[@2ndAmdDem205]

Semper Fi Devil Dog... Great job on the instructions

[@jmd8045]

Appreciate you taking the time to demonstrate this for us beginers

[@sonicx2103]

Sam very nice job,fanks to you, all very simple and clearly! 👍

[@Gnolomweb]

any reason you didn't clean the screws/scope/rings to make sure no machine oil residue was on there?

[@dennleo843]

I made the leveling tool. Works great. Thanks for sharing.

[@250-25x]

Do you concern yourself with pushing the ring base against the front of the pic rail so there is no take up, or a chance to slide forward on recoil? Thanks! great vid G>

[@PanhandlePrecision]

I push one forward, and one to the rear. I don't know that it makes a difference as far as recoil, but it provides a consistent index for taking the optic on and off the rail. I do it all the time, and never have a zero change.

[@FirearmTutorials]

Thanks for sharing that trick of of using the bottom flat part of the scope. Never thought of that.

[@0615conroy]

I use feeler gauges between the bottom of the scope and the base.

[@bobbygonzon5428]

Thanks, Sam. Appreciate the work you put in making the vids. Looking forward to more. 😎👍🏽

[@ram_bam]

Thanks for such an incredibly well done video. Definitely helps take the apprehension out of self-mounting my scope. What bipod lock are you using here?

[@PanhandlePrecision]

Rick Mottola Pod-Loc

[@coyotiess]

What muzzle Brake do you run on this weapon?

[@Rowganlife]

cant i just shim from the picatinny to the bottom of the scope?

[@geezerp1982]

where did you get that spirit level - for the base of the scope >?

[@justinmakesrepairs4535]

Great helpful video. Thanks

[@23RO]

Where can I get one of those levels ? Or atleast the piece of tool steel ?

[@markhoffman2309]

Very helpful video. Thank you

[@ChrisMesrine]

Get a cantilever mount 1.5-2” eye relief

[@quinnhardtke472]

How thick was the steel you used for the level?

[@burrco3086]

ya. thats the same way i sight mine in, look through the bore and scope. usually you do it in 3 shots @ 100. good video

[@wilfdarr]

Depends on the ballistics of your round, but I prefer the double zero method (for 223 it's 50/200). Maybe it's lack of experience but checking my zero at the close range gives me confidence I'll be on paper further out.

[@briantaylor6522]

Bob Carlock - Does he sell the tool steel / level combo?