Getting your rifle scope perfectly level is a fundamental step for long-range accuracy. If your scope is canted, even a little, your shots will drift horizontally as distance increases. This guide will show you how to level scope on rifle the right way, ensuring your crosshairs track straight up and down.
A level scope works with your rifle’s adjustments. When you dial for elevation, you want the bullet to go precisely higher, not higher and to the side. A crooked scope makes this impossible and leads to frustrating misses. The good news is that with some basic tools and patience, you can achieve a professional-level installation at home.
How to Level Scope on Rifle
Before you start, gather your tools. You will need a rifle vise or steady rest, a set of gunsmithing screwdrivers or bits, a torque wrench (highly recommended), and leveling tools. For leveling, you have options: a set of precision machinist levels, a plumb bob and string, or a dedicated scope leveling kit. Having everything ready makes the process smooth.
Step 1: Mount the Base and Rings
First, ensure your rifle’s action is level in the vise. If your rifle needs separate bases, install them following the manufacturer’s torque specifications. Next, place the bottom halves of the scope rings on the base. Don’t tighten them fully yet—just snug them enough so they stay in place but can still be adjusted. This allows for final alignment later.
Step 2: Level the Rifle Itself
This is the most critical step. If the rifle isn’t level, nothing else will be. Place a small level across the flat section of the picatinny rail or on a known flat surface of the receiver. Some shooters use levels in the action’s ejection port. Adjust the rifle in the vise until it is perfectly level. Double-check this from multiple angles. Take your time here.
Step 3: Set the Scope in the Rings
Now, carefully place your scope into the bottom ring halves. Sit the scope in the rings and loosely set the top halves in place. Thread the screws by hand a few turns to hold the scope, but leave it loose enough that you can still rotate the scope tube with gentle pressure. The eyepiece and windage turret should be roughly in the correct position for your cheek weld.
Step 4: Level the Scope to the Rifle
Here’s where you actually level the scope. You have two popular methods:
* The Double-Level Method: Place one level on the rifle’s rail (it should still be level from Step 2). Then, place a second level across the flat top of the scope’s elevation turret. Gently rotate the scope in the rings until the bubble on the scope’s level is centered. This means the scope is now level with the rifle.
* The Plumb Bob Method: Hang a plumb bob (or use a weighted string) about 10-15 feet away against a plain wall. Position your rifle in the vise so it is aiming directly at the string. Look through the scope and adjust the crosshairs until the vertical post perfectly aligns with the string. This method directly references true vertical.
Step 5: Final Tightening Sequence
Once the scope is level, it’s time to secure everything. This must be done in the correct order to avoid inducing stress or cant.
1. First, tighten the ring screws that hold the two ring halves together. Use a crisscross pattern, alternating and tightening each screw a little at a time. Use a torque wrench set to the ring manufacturer’s specification (often 15-25 in/lbs). Overtightening is a common mistake that can damage your scope.
2. After the rings are snug on the scope, finally tighten the screws that secure the rings to the base. Again, use a torque wrench and the proper spec.
Step 6: Final Verification
After tightening, check your levels or plumb bob alignment again. Sometimes, scope can shift slightly during tightening. If it’s off, you’ll need to loosen the rings slightly, re-level, and re-torque. It’s worth the extra effort to get it perfect.
Common Leveling Mistakes to Avoid
Even with careful steps, errors can creep in. Being aware of these common pitfalls will save you time and ammo.
* Relying on the Flat Top of the Turret: Not all scope turret caps are machined perfectly flat. Using a level on a uneven surface gives a false reading. If your turret cap seems uneven, use the plumb bob method instead.
* Overtightening Screws: This is the number one cause of damaged scopes and stripped screws. A torque wrench is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for proper installation.
* Ignoring Eye Relief: While focusing on level, don’t forget to set your proper eye relief. Mount the scope so when you shoulder the rifle naturally, you see a full field of view without any shadowy ring. Do this before the final torque sequence.
* Using a Bubble Level on the Scope Body: The main tube of the scope is not a reliable reference surface. Always use the flat top of the elevation turret if you’re using the double-level method.
Tools That Make the Job Easier
While you can manage with basic tools, a few investments greatly improve consistency.
* Precision Levels: A good set of small machinist levels with a v-groove for the scope tube is very helpful.
* Torque Wrench: An inch-pound torque driver or wrench is essential for proper, repeatable mounting.
* Scope Leveling Kit: These kits often include alignment bars that sit in the scope rings to level them before the scope is even placed, simplifying the process.
* Solid Rifle Vise: A stable platform is non-negotiable. It holds everything steady while you work.
Checking Your Work at the Range
The true test of your leveling job happens on the range. A simple box test can confirm your scope is tracking correctly. Fire a group at the center of a target. Then, dial up 20 MOA (or mils) of elevation and fire another group. Next, dial right 20 MOA (or mils) of windage and fire a third group. Finally, dial down 20 MOA back to your original elevation and fire a fourth group. If your groups form a perfect square or rectangle, your scope is level and tracking true. If they form a parallelogram, your scope is canted.
FAQ: Rifle Scope Leveling
Why is a level scope so important?
A level scope ensures your vertical crosshair represents true vertical. When you adjust for windage and elevation, the bullet impacts where you intend, especially at longer distances. A canted scope causes horizontal drift that gets worse with range.
Can I level a scope without special tools?
You can attempt it using the plumb bob method, which only requires a weighted string. However, a basic level for the rifle and a torque wrench for the screws are strongly recommended for a reliable, repeatable result. Without them, it’s easy to make errors.
How often should I check my scope’s level?
You should check it whenever you remount the scope, if the rifle suffers a significant impact, or if you notice unexplained horizontal drift at distance during shooting. A properly mounted scope on a stable platform should stay level indefinitely.
Is the reticle always perfectly aligned inside the scope?
In high-quality scopes, yes, the reticle should be aligned during manufacturing. However, it’s not a guarantee with all optics. The leveling process aligns the scope body (and thus its internal adjustments) to the rifle, which is what truly matters for mechanical accuracy. Using the turret cap or a plumb line is the best practice.