verticle reticle issue....

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pass-thru

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I have mounted several scopes in the last few months very good results....and one issue that leaves me scratching my head.

I bought the wheeler scope mounting kit. I heard the "level level level" kit is junk, and tend to agree, it will only fit the action of one of my rifles anyway. The gouge I got was that having the top of the scope level with the chamber does not mean the reticle is aligned with the bore, which is what assures proper reticle alignment. For that I was advised that this EXD instrument is the ticket:

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=6097 ... INSTRUMENT

My dilema is this. I have a model 70, and when I use the EXD to adjust the reticle, and then peer through the scope with my cheek weld, it appears the reticle is canted, which I can adjust my shifting my grip on the rifle. It just looks a little off. And the "level level level" indicates the chamber and scope are not level when the EXD indicates it's properly aligned. One of the two is way off.

Which do I trust....the level level level and my look through the scope, or the EXD?
 
I think people put to much emphasis on leveling the scope.

For years I mounted numerous scopes just by looking through till it looked level and calling it good. Then I went through a phase where it had to be level with a gauge. For the average hunting scope, I don't think it makes one bit of difference in the two. Most shots in a hunting situation just aren't far enough that it will matter.

Shooting at distances of 300yds. and beyond is where leveling a scope exactly comes into play. Also having some type of level on your gun so that you don't cant cant your rifle is helpful at long range.
 
I want mine exactly level. If they are not then the adjustments will not track true. They will track to one side or the other.

I clamp my rifles in vice or other device to hold it steady and if the action permits or has a level spot, I use a level and make sure the cross hairs are level.

I will check everything several times to make sure everything is level. I do not want a scope that tracks to one side or the other, mine must track correct or I do not want it.

Just me, but it must be correct.
 
I am with you CDW. Perfect level takes a number of variables out of the equation if you are looking for one hole accuracy. I read the following about the EXD device on TheHighRoad.com - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=18737
Personally I use the Wheeler system and have had great experience with Rem 700, Savage 110's, Marlin 336 and Ruger No. 1 rifles and scope mounts. Where I found the receiver piece was not exact I could find a flat spot on the receiver sufficient to insure a plumb/level rifle.
Read the link above, there are some good suggestions for alternatives.
 
Buccaneer said:
I read the following about the EXD device on TheHighRoad.com - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=18737
Click to expand...

I think that review misses the point. If your scope and rifle are level, but the cross hair is misaligned with the windage/elevation knobs...then you have a level scope that is vertically misaligned, and a level and doorjam won't fix that.
 
I believe the test is to be sure the gun is level, then adjust the VERTICAL CROSSHAIR with the physical vertical line, like the door frame. (My door frames in my old house aren't always perfectly vertical, though.) The scope knobs and scope body aren't measured for level the reticle is.
 
After fooling around with more tonight I've come to two conclusions....

-the barrel and the chamber, for whatever reason, are not level on the same plane (at least not as measured by the wheeler level)

- the level level level is a POS

The rifle shoots well so I'm not going to worry about it.
 
pass-thru said:
After fooling around with more tonight I've come to two conclusions....

-the barrel and the chamber, for whatever reason, are not level on the same plane (at least not as measured by the wheeler level)

- the level level level is a POS

The rifle shoots well so I'm not going to worry about it.
Click to expand...

Blast away and don't sweat it.

I just eye ball it against a straight edge such as a door jam or wall corner. Never have like the level kits and eithet way for what ever reason I cant seem to get both reticles lined up right ,one always seems off,but they still shoot just fine.
 
I always hold the rifle and then use a plumb line and line up the vertical post in the scope. Not everyone holds the rifle perfectly verticle. I cant my rifle just a tad to the left if my stock doesn't have a cheek piece.
 
Another possibility is the crosshairs in the scope itself are not aligned with the turrets. Trip back to the factory if that's the case. Another possibility is the reciever wasn't tapped perfectly square- more common on Rem 700's than other rifles.

I've been quite pleased with the level-level-level system for my Rem 700's.
 

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