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Posted: 3/23/2010 10:19:50 AM EDT
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I'm looking to level a scope reticle and I'd like to get a tool, both to aid in ease of use and for uniformity. Any suggestions?
Also, I saw a tool of sorts awhile back - it consisted of two tiny pieces of aluminum cut diagonally and attached so that they slid on each other while keeping level surfaces on the top and bottom. This "tool" went between the mounting base of the scope and the bottom of the scope turret. It adjusted so that the scope would rest flatly on the top of it, while the bottom rested on the scope mount. This kept the scope level during mounting, provided that the reticle was true to the bottom of the turret. I cannot find the maker/manufacturer/name of this tool. Does anyone know what I'm referring to? Thanks and regards... |
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The Wheeler Level Level Level?
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=529349 |
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Feeler gauges. http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/DSN/wwwjhwilliamstoolgroupcom/Commerce/productimages/mn1_000899.jpg And how does one use one of these, exactly? |
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Feeler gauges. http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/DSN/wwwjhwilliamstoolgroupcom/Commerce/productimages/mn1_000899.jpg And how does one use one of these, exactly? Well, normally you would use one single blade to determine clearance between two parts. 
For what we are talking about though, just flip the whole pack out of the handle, and then start putting blades away untill you have a stack that fits perfectly between the scope and mount. Since the blades vary in thickness down to the thousandth, you should be able to get the right size pack together fairly easily. Put the stack of feelers between the scope and mount, push the scope down into the mount and the blades will form a perfectly flat stack between them. Tighten rings, good to go. Depending on how large a set you get, the entire pack can vary in thickness from 1/4" to about 1/2", should be thick enough to work for most scopes and one piece mounts. If not, throw a machinists rule under em to make up the difference. Available at auto parts stores, hardware stores, etc, so no need to pay shipping, and they are cheap. |
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+1 on feeler gauges. Cheap, easy and it works.
To add what the what was said, typically there is a flat bottom to the turret housing of the scope. Gauge between there and the rail, looking for just enough thickness to feel a slight pressure so you know there is contact. Bam, everything is squared up. Wish it was that easy for a hunting rifle. |
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This is what I use. Attaches to the rail and I use another small level on the top turret.
http://swfa.com/B-Square-Weaver-Bubble-Bore-Level-P8160.aspx |
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Feeler gauges. http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/DSN/wwwjhwilliamstoolgroupcom/Commerce/productimages/mn1_000899.jpg This |
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FEELER GAUGES DO NOT ALWAYS WORK
For a nice high end optic that has rigorous QC testing like nightforce, it will work every time. My Burris 1-4 and Triijicon TR24 were BOTH OFF. Normally this would be an appropriate time to send them in for repair/replacement, but since neither of them have target turrets and are meant for "set it and forget it", I figured who really cares. Using the feeler gauge method, they were both noticably off. All of my AR's have free float tubes that I level to the receiver. During install, I tinker with them until the rail shows the same reading as the receiver. When I mount my scope, I hang a plumb bob line. Crank the scope down as low as it will go. Level the rifle in a rest by placing the level on the free float tube infront of the optic, and then line up the reticle to the plumb bob line. This can take some time seeing as how everytime you touch the scope, you need to relevel the rifle, but after a few tries you will get it perfect. Its also key to know that your eyes view optics differently. After leveling my TR24 (triangle/post), if I view it through my right eye, it will appear to be canted ever so slightly in one direction. If I view it through the other, it will appear slightly canted in the opposite direction. This is a case of "gotta trust the equipment" and just give your OCD a rest 
Even with my nightforce optics, I still confirm them using the level and plumb bob line. |
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This is what I use. Attaches to the rail and I use another small level on the top turret. http://swfa.com/B-Square-Weaver-Bubble-Bore-Level-P8160.aspx Hopefully you didnt trust that level and confirmed it with another one before you used it as a reference. I have one of those levels, and it needs to be shimmed to get spot on. Only way to install it properly is to have an accurate level on the reciever and shim it until they read the same. |
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This is what I use. Attaches to the rail and I use another small level on the top turret. http://swfa.com/B-Square-Weaver-Bubble-Bore-Level-P8160.aspx Hopefully you didnt trust that level and confirmed it with another one before you used it as a reference. I have one of those levels, and it needs to be shimmed to get spot on. Only way to install it properly is to have an accurate level on the reciever and shim it until they read the same. I always place a level on the receiver also. Double check everything. I have used this many times and every time I attached it to a rail the level on the rail matched up. I was quite surprised that it is so repeatable. Dolomite_Supafly: Where did you pick up those small levels. I am always looking for something like that and never saw any before. |
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Dolomite_Supafly: Where did you pick up those small levels. I am always looking for something like that and never saw any before. Link to vials Item # 3338A14 Acrylic Unmounted Square Level Vial 13/32" Square X 1-9/64" Length They have a few different sizes and are cheap at $2.20 each. They help out with a lot more than just leveling scopes also. Dolomite |
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Anybody try one of Schryver's scope leveling bars?
http://www.schryvergunsales.com/Nightforce%20Optics.htm |
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Dolomite_Supafly: Where did you pick up those small levels. I am always looking for something like that and never saw any before. Link to vials Item # 3338A14 Acrylic Unmounted Square Level Vial 13/32" Square X 1-9/64" Length They have a few different sizes and are cheap at $2.20 each. They help out with a lot more than just leveling scopes also. Dolomite Thanks again Dolomite. I just ordered a dozen of these levels. I have been looking for a product like this for years. 
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Dolomite_Supafly: Where did you pick up those small levels. I am always looking for something like that and never saw any before. Link to vials Item # 3338A14 Acrylic Unmounted Square Level Vial 13/32" Square X 1-9/64" Length They have a few different sizes and are cheap at $2.20 each. They help out with a lot more than just leveling scopes also. Dolomite Thanks again Dolomite. I just ordered a dozen of these levels. I have been looking for a product like this for years. Glad I can help. I actually have used them for other things around the house as well. Because of their small size they can be used for a lot more than just leveling scopes. Dolomite |
Second on the level and plumb bob....a bob is ALWAYS square. So long as you can assure your receiver is level/square, align the verticle and you are good to go. I have heard of a few scopes showing out of square horizontal reticle portions, but not the vertical.
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Dolomite_Supafly: Where did you pick up those small levels. I am always looking for something like that and never saw any before. Link to vials Item # 3338A14 Acrylic Unmounted Square Level Vial 13/32" Square X 1-9/64" Length They have a few different sizes and are cheap at $2.20 each. They help out with a lot more than just leveling scopes also. Dolomite Thanks again Dolomite. I just ordered a dozen of these levels. I have been looking for a product like this for years. I ordered over the weekend and they received my order on 3-29. Ups delivered them on 3/30. Good service. Nice addition to the parts bin. |
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McMaster Carr is amazing in how fast they ship. Every order I have ever placed, which has been a lot, has made it to my house by the third business day. I have even ordered on a Moday morning and received my order on Tuesday.
They are so fast I often wonder if they have a psychic on their payroll that reads my mind or maybe have my wife working for them as a spy .
Something else that amazes me is the fact McMaster Carr has as many items as they do, they have had everything I have ever thought about buying as well as stuff I never even knew about like those little levels. Dolomite |
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I lay a heavy straight edge horizontally behind and against the rear of the scope, and sitting on top of the flat surface at the back of the AR receiver.
Backing my eye off a ways, I simply eye the horizontal cross hair for paralellism with the top edge of the horizontal straight edge. I don't know of a way to get it any more accurate. |
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