A question for you guys.

Not counting spirt levels and other gadgets,
what methods do you use when mounting a scope to make sure the cross hairs are verticle and horizontal and not canted?
Bakes

I tie a string to a crescent wrench and hang it from a nail so it dangles straight down (I don't have a plumb bob).

I line up the vertical reticle with the string, and the horizontal takes care of itself.

George

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Shoot straight, shoot often, but by all means, use enough gun!

I've mounted dozens of scopes and tried lots of methods. Finally broke down and bought a $14 Segway scope leveler. Saved me a lot of frustration and time.
Couple of things I consider necessary when you mount a scope: Some sort of degreasing cleaner (acetone, alcohol etc), a good set of gunsmith quality screwdrivers, Loctite 242, some powdered resin like baseball pitchers use, a pair of ring alignment rods, and a ring lapping kit. I never really though I needed the latter. Then I did a few and saw the difference...

Bakes

I have a large cross hair laid out with a level at the back of my shop. I place the gun in a padded vise and level it. Then it is a simple matter to level the scope cross hairs to the cross hairs at the back of the shop.

Later I leveled the gun and scope that way then placed my bore collimator in the barrel, set the collimator to the scope, then epoxied a small bubble level to the bore collimator.

Now I can level the gun, bore sight and set the cross hairs straight all in one operation.

For a hobbiest I would agree with George and hang a plumb bob, level the gun and line up on that.

I have always been picky about this, used various levels and plumb bobs. My partner put his on out of straight, on purpose, to get his wrist angle more comfortable. Turns out to make about a half-inch difference at 100 yards, which grows to 1.5 inches at 300 yards. Not sure it is a critical issue as he does not ordinarily shoot further than that. I will continue to do mine straight but have stopped bugging him about his...

Tom

I made a little jig which is essentially a piece of plastic with a thin slot cut in it, the bottom of the piece has a curve cut into it so it centers on the barrel, and another piece that slides up, which also has a concave curve cut into it so it centers on the scope. Have a screw with a wing nut to hold it together. Just put it on the objective end of the scope and turn it until the recticule is parallel with the line.

I also used to take a piece of coathanger and put it in the muzzle with an end bent at 90 degrees so it stood up vertically. Wrap some tape around the other end so it stays in the muzzle, then center your vertical crosshair on it.

No matter how you do it, clamping it in a vise really helps!

When you've done it to your satisfaction beware changing it if it appears to be out of horizontal. Wearing glasses or viewing through clear scope covers can sometimes make a difference. Leave it for a while and then remount the gun. Often the problem will have gone away.

I'll agree with the segway leveler suggestion as being a very nifty arraingment.I have no doubts that the other suggestions work and I've jury rigged a number of things and gotten fairly decent results but that little gadget is quick,simple and easy.In fact it's so simple that it's almost comical.If I'd had one years ago,it may have kept me from cussing so much.

I have a Segway and a plum bob etc. and when I,m about done I take the damn thing out of the vise and point it out the door until its level for me the way I hold it, then tighten it up and check it again until its right....or my arms give out.

I found out a long time ago the only way to get everything square to world is to eye ball it....I have a Doctor that brings me all his new guns to get the scopes square, I guess we hold a gun the same...

they always change when you tighten them up you know!!):

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

I use the "trial & error" method. I've tried most of the methods referred to, and found that when it appears level as I hold the rifle for shooting, I'm most comfortable. I've never tried to quantify the possible error, but haven't noticed a problem either. This usually requires half a dozen attempts to get right. good luck and may all your screws stay tight.

Thanks for your replies fella's
Now as I'm allways looking to add ot the gadget draw, where would I get one of these segway thingy's?
Bakes

Bakes,

www.midwayusa.com usually has them.

Don

I level the cross hairs to the receiver or scope base. Redfield bases, for instance, have a flat on them. If all else fails use the magazine rails for a flat spot. I do not throw the rifle to my shoulder and see how it looks, then adjust. If I am canting the rifle the crosshair will be tilted. I want to avoid canting it so I make it plumb with the receiver. If the rifle or mount permits I put a piece of flat steel or keystock on the flat of the base or a flat spot on the receiver to determine what is level. For flat sided receivers use a try-square. The level with the receiver idea also works great when mounting scopes for others. You can go round and round on what is level, yet the guys is holding the rifle cock eyed.

Not counting spirt levels and other gadgets,
what methods do you use when mounting a scope to make sure the cross hairs are verticle and horizontal and not canted?
Bakes[/B][/QUOTE]