Getting your rifle and scope to work together starts with a perfectly level setup. Learning how to level a scope on a rifle is the most important step for long-range accuracy. If your scope is canted, even slightly, your point of impact will shift as you adjust for distance. This guide walks you through a simple, reliable method to get your scope mounted straight, ensuring your adjustments are true.
A level scope makes sure your vertical crosshair represents true vertical. When you dial for elevation or windage, you want those changes to happen along a perfectly plumb line. A tilted scope throws everything off, causing missed shots and frustration. The good news is, with some basic tools and patience, you can do this yourself.
How to Level a Scope on a Rifle
Before you start, gather your tools. You don’t need a machine shop, but a few specific items will make the job much easier. Having everything ready before you start prevents mistakes.
What You’ll Need:
* A rifle vise or sturdy gun rest (essential for stability)
* A set of scope mounting rings and a base
* Torque wrench or screwdriver with bits (proper torque is critical)
* A set of scope leveling kits (or a small bubble level)
* A plumb line (string with a weight) or a vertical surface you know is straight
* Some cleaning supplies for the mounting surfaces
First, make sure your rifle’s action is clean and free of any oil or debris where the base will attach. Even a small piece of grit can cause canting. Mount the rail or base to the rifle using the manufacturer’s recommended torque settings. Do not over-tighten, as this can damage the threads or warp the base.
Preparing the Scope in the Rings
Now, place the bottom halves of your scope rings onto the base and finger-tighten them. Do not fully tighten them yet. You need them to be able to move slightly for the next steps. Lay your scope into the rings, aligning it roughly where you want it for proper eye relief. Eye relief is the distance your eye needs to be from the scope to see a full picture. Move the scope forward or back until you find the sweet spot, then lightly snug the top rings to hold it in place, but again, not fully tight.
The Two-Level Method
This is the most trusted technique for achieving a level scope. It involves leveling the rifle first, then leveling the scope to it.
1. Level the Rifle Action: Place your rifle securely in the vise. Use a small bubble level on a flat part of the rifle’s action. The top of the receiver or the flat portion of the picatinny rail are good spots. Adjust the rifle in the vise until this surface is perfectly level. This is your foundation—if this is off, everything else will be to.
2. Level the Scope Turret: Next, place a small leveling wedge or a level specifically designed for scope turrets on top of the elevation turret (the cap on top for adjusting up and down). The turret cap should be a machined flat surface. Carefully rotate the entire scope in the loose rings until the level on the turret reads perfectly level. This aligns the scope’s internal reticle to the now-level rifle.
Using a Plumb Line for Final Verification
For an extra check, use a plumb line. Hang a string with a weight about 20-30 yards away against a neutral background. Secure your leveled rifle in the vise so it’s aiming directly at the line. Look through the scope. Your vertical crosshair should align perfectly with the plumb line from top to bottom. If it doesn’t, you need to make tiny rotational adjustments to the scope in the rings until it does. This visual confirmation is very reliable.
Tightening and Final Checks
Once everything is aligned, it’s time to secure everything. This must be done carefully to avoid shifting the scope.
* Follow a Pattern: Tighten the ring screws gradually and in a criss-cross pattern, just like tightening lug nuts on a car wheel. This applies even pressure.
* Use a Torque Wrench: This is non-negotiable for a good mount. Over-tightening can crush your scope tube, while under-tightening can let it shift under recoil. Refer to your ring manufacturer’s specs, but a common range is 15-20 inch-pounds for the ring screws.
* Re-check: After everything is torqued to spec, look at the plumb line again and check your levels. Sometimes, tightening can cause a slight shift. If it has, you’ll need to loosen and start the leveling process from the begining.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced shooters can make errors during this process. Being aware of them helps you avoid frustration.
Rushing the job. This is a precision task that cannot be hurried. Set aside at least an hour.
Using the wrong surfaces to level. Do not level off the stock, the barrel, or the top of the windage turret. These are not guaranteed to be true to the action.
Overtightening screws. This is the fastest way to ruin a good scope or strip screw holes. A torque wrench is a wise investment.
Ignoring eye relief. Getting the scope level but positioned wrong for your face will make shooting uncomfortable and inconsistent.
Maintaining Your Zero
After you’ve successfully leveled and mounted your scope, you’ll need to zero it at the range. A good level job makes zeroing faster and more predictable. Remember to periodically check the tightness of your mount screws, especially after the first few range trips, as they can settle. A drop of removable thread-locker can help, but check the manufacturers instructions first.
Taking the time to level your scope correctly builds confidence in your equipment. When you make a windage adjustment, you’ll know the bullet will move truly left or right. When you dial for a long shot, you’ll know the elevation change is precise. It’s the bedrock of accurate shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a level scope so important?
A canted scope causes aiming errors that get worse with distance. Your elevation adjustments will actually push your bullet impact diagonally, making long-range shooting very unreliable.
Can I level a scope without special tools?
While you can attempt it with improvised levels, it’s much harder to be accurate. A rifle vise and a set of small levels are inexpensive and make the process foolproof. Trying to hold everything by hand often leads to mistakes.
Should I level the rifle using the scope rail?
Yes, the rail or the flat top of the receiver is the best place. These are machined surfaces that are parallel to the bore’s centerline. Avoid using the stock or barrel, as they are not always perfectly aligned.
How often should I check my scope’s level?
You should check it whenever you remount the scope or if the rifle suffers a hard impact. It’s also a good idea to include a quick check during your annual maintenance routine. A stable mount should hold its level for a long time.
What if my scope still seems off after leveling it?
Double-check that your rifle’s action is truly level in the vise. That’s the most common source of error. Also, ensure you’re using the flat part of the elevation turret for your scope level. If problems persist, consider having a professional gunsmith take a look at your setup.