The Impact of Canting: Why Leveling Matters
Accuracy is the cornerstone of successful shooting. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a competitive marksman, or a recreational shooter, maximizing your precision is paramount. One critical component in achieving this is ensuring your scope is perfectly aligned with your rifle. This is where a scope level comes into play. Understanding how to mount a scope level correctly can make the difference between a near miss and a direct hit. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you can achieve optimal accuracy with every shot.
Before diving into the step-by-step process of how to mount a scope level, it’s important to understand *why* it’s so vital. The term “canting” refers to the tilting of your rifle relative to the horizontal plane. When you cant your rifle, the scope’s reticle (the crosshairs) is no longer perfectly aligned with the vertical and horizontal axes. This misalignment introduces errors into your bullet’s trajectory, especially at longer ranges.
Gravity acts on the bullet, causing it to drop. Canting changes the way gravity affects the bullet’s path. Even a slight cant can lead to significant deviations downrange. This is why accurately mounting a scope level is essential. By utilizing a scope level, you’re ensuring your rifle is level with the earth, allowing the bullet to follow its intended path with minimal influence from cant. This meticulous approach to setup is what separates good shooters from great shooters.
Gathering the Necessary Tools and Supplies
The first step in learning how to mount a scope level involves gathering the correct tools and supplies. Using the right equipment is key to a successful and accurate outcome. Here’s a comprehensive list:
- Scope Level: This is the star of the show. Scope levels come in various designs, including ring-mounted and rail-mounted. The choice often depends on your specific scope and rifle setup. The key feature is a bubble or some sort of visual indicator of level.
- Rifle and Scope: Obviously! Make sure you have the scope you intend to use and the rifle it will be mounted on.
- Torque Wrench: This is a must-have tool for precise tightening of scope rings and bases. It ensures you apply the correct amount of force, preventing damage to the scope or rings, and avoiding movement after you mount it. Look for one with the appropriate bits (e.g., Torx, hex) to fit your rings.
- Allen Wrenches or Screwdrivers: You’ll likely need these for adjusting screws on your scope rings, bases, or the scope level itself. Ensure you have a comprehensive set of sizes.
- Leveling Device: This is essential for ensuring your rifle is perfectly level *before* you attach the scope and level. You can use:
- Bubble Level: A standard bubble level is a reliable option.
- Laser Level: A laser level can project a perfectly level line, which you can use to reference.
- Plumb Bob: A plumb bob can be used to align the scope vertically.
- Small Level (Optional): A smaller level can be useful for double-checking your work.
- Cleaning Supplies (Optional): It’s a good idea to clean the scope and ring/rail contact surfaces to ensure a secure and stable mount. Rubbing alcohol or a similar solvent can be helpful.
Having the right tools will make the process smoother and will increase the chances of success.
Preparing for a Successful Mount
Before you begin attaching anything, it’s important to prepare your rifle and scope. This pre-mount stage is an important part of learning how to mount a scope level.
Begin by carefully inspecting the rifle and scope for any pre-existing damage. Check the scope for any visible issues with the lenses, adjustments, or body. Inspect the rifle’s receiver and rail for damage or wear. Any damage can affect the accuracy of the final setup, or even cause the scope to fail, so it’s always better to ensure your gear is in good working condition.
Next, clean the scope and the scope rings or the rail system on your rifle. Dust and debris on these contact surfaces can hinder a secure fit. Clean the contact points with a soft cloth and a suitable cleaning agent, such as rubbing alcohol. This ensures that the scope rings or rail seat properly against the scope tube and receiver rail.
Now, securely support your rifle. Place it in a stable position. A gun vise or a solid rest is ideal. The goal is to prevent movement during the mounting process. This is especially important while leveling the rifle and installing the scope level. Any unwanted movement can introduce inaccuracies.
Finally, take a moment to familiarize yourself with your scope level. Understand how it works and how the bubble or indicator functions. Read the instructions that came with your scope level. This familiarity will help you use it effectively.
Choosing and Handling Your Scope Level
Choosing the right type of scope level can make a difference in the ease of installation and its functionality. There are two main types:
- Ring-Mounted Scope Levels: These levels attach to the scope rings, often clamped or screwed to them. They are a good option if you do not have much space on your rail system.
- Rail-Mounted Scope Levels: These levels attach directly to the Picatinny rail or other mounting rail on your rifle. They offer a more direct and robust attachment.
Each type has its pros and cons. Ring-mounted levels are often less expensive and easier to install. Rail-mounted levels offer more secure attachments and are less prone to accidental dislodging.
Consider the available space on your rifle’s rail system and the type of scope rings you use when choosing your scope level.
Selecting the right level is crucial for accuracy.
Making Sure the Rifle is Level: The Foundation of Accuracy
Ensuring your rifle is perfectly level is the most important step in the entire process of learning how to mount a scope level. This is the foundation upon which all else is built.
Use your chosen leveling device (bubble level, laser level, or plumb bob) to verify that your rifle is perfectly level. If you’re using a bubble level, place it on a flat, machined surface on the rifle. This could be the receiver, the scope base, or the Picatinny rail. Ensure the bubble is centered between the lines. If you are using a laser level, align the laser line with a vertical surface.
If you are using a vise, check that the rifle is level within the vise. The vise itself should also be level. This might involve adjusting the vise or shimming it.
If using a plumb bob, ensure it hangs freely and aligns with a vertical line on the wall.
It’s important to note that not every surface on the rifle is perfectly level. The receiver is the most reliably level area. Be cautious of using other surfaces as a guide.
Mounting the Scope: The Crucial Steps
This section covers how to install the scope and mount it in a level way.
If you use scope rings, first, install the bottom halves of the rings onto the base of the rifle. Loosely tighten the ring base screws. Don’t tighten them completely at this stage.
Next, gently place your scope inside the scope rings. Avoid forcing the scope.
Position the scope so that it has the correct eye relief (the distance between your eye and the scope). This is best determined by getting behind the rifle and adjusting the scope position until you see a full and clear image.
Use the leveling device to adjust your scope and ensure the reticle (crosshairs) is level. This can be challenging because any canting is difficult to see from behind the rifle. When using the level on the scope, ensure that the leveling device is parallel with the vertical line on the reticle.
Once the scope is positioned with the reticle vertical, begin tightening the scope ring screws. Begin with a very low torque setting, and then alternate tightening the screws a little at a time. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications on the scope rings for the correct torque settings. Use your torque wrench to ensure the proper tightness.
Attaching and Leveling the Scope Level
Now comes the process of attaching and leveling the scope level itself. The steps vary depending on the type of level you’re using.
Installing Rail-Mounted Scope Levels:
- Attach the rail-mounted scope level to the Picatinny rail or other mounting rail on your rifle.
- Tighten the screws on the level to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications using a torque wrench.
- Ensure the level is square with the rifle.
Mounting Ring-Mounted Scope Levels:
- Position the scope level on the scope rings.
- Rotate the scope level to ensure the reticle and scope level are aligned.
- Tighten the set screws.
- Double check your work!
Verifying Alignment and Fine-Tuning
Once the scope level is mounted, it’s time to verify your setup.
Take your rifle and look through the scope at a distant, well-defined target. A straight vertical line (e.g., a telephone pole or a building corner) is ideal.
Observe the reticle (the crosshairs) in relation to the vertical line. If the reticle appears tilted relative to the vertical line, it indicates canting.
If you detect canting, adjust the scope level accordingly. Loosen the level’s set screws, and make small adjustments. Re-tighten the set screws. Repeat these steps until the reticle appears perfectly aligned with the vertical target.
Remember to ensure all screws on the scope rings, the scope base, and the scope level are properly torqued to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This will prevent movement and maintain the accuracy of your setup.
Tips and Troubleshooting: Addressing Common Challenges
Here are some tips to help you through the process:
- Problem: Ring Alignment Issues: If you’re using scope rings, ensure that the rings are aligned properly before you mount the scope. Use a ring alignment tool or lapping bar to check for any misalignment and correct it if needed.
- Problem: Difficulty Achieving a Perfect Level: If you’re struggling to get a perfectly level setup, take your time and be patient. Check your leveling devices. Make small adjustments. Sometimes, a slightly off setting is better than a forced and inaccurate level.
- Problem: Scope Level Slipping or Moving: If the scope level slips or moves, double-check the torque on the screws and ensure the mounting surfaces are clean. Consider using a thread locker on the screws, but be careful not to overtighten them.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Over-tightening Screws: Over-tightening screws can damage the scope, the rings, or the rifle. Always use a torque wrench and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Rushing the Process: Mounting a scope level requires patience and precision. Don’t rush. Take your time, and double-check your work at each step.
- Using the Wrong Tools: Using the wrong tools, or using tools in the wrong way will be a recipe for disaster. Ensure you have the right tools for the job and use them correctly.
The Goal: Maximum Accuracy
How To Mount A Scope Level correctly is an investment in your shooting accuracy. A level scope eliminates canting, leading to improved accuracy at all distances. With practice and attention to detail, you can master this skill and experience the satisfaction of precise shooting.
This guide is designed to assist you in achieving the highest level of accuracy. Remember, proper mounting techniques will help you improve your skills.
Now it’s time to practice and refine your technique. The more you work with your rifle and scope level, the better you’ll become at making those perfect shots.
