Scope levels

[Jesim1]

Try this for a work bench to hold your gun:

https://www.philipmorrisdirect.co.uk...582466738aeb5d

And try these for setting up your scope, I got 10 of a similar spec and measured them all against each other and an iPhone's in built spirit level, then I kept 6 which were all agreeing, and binned the others as they were out - it's worth it at this price

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Picture-Han...y%2C44&sr=1-12

You can always find a small flat bit to get your scope levelled, even on a 97

[I. J.]

[4end]

Quite correct. Scope levels are a complete waste of time and money. If you believe you can set up a scope to be true to level and plumb you are sadly mistaken. The reasons being is that the small levels are so inaccurate and too short to give a meaningful reading off any of the narrow surface areas found on a gun. Those that fit around a scope are even worse as to set them correctly you need a datum and there is not one. If there is a need to 'level' a scope, align the vertical cross hair with a plumbline or the corner of a building. In doing this, it can only tell you that the crosshair is vertical and not that the gun is level across its axis asthe scope has revolved slightly in the scope cradle and the rifle is not necessarily level, no datum, no good.

[I. J.]

[Bluenicoli]

Thanks very much for all the input. And the level based puns! I totally get what's been said about the accuracy of smaller levels etc but I'd still like to give it a go. There is a flat spot on the stock at the back of the action so would use this as a level point. As for my door frames my house is 120 odd years old so I'm thinking they might not be true! Will have a look at those recommendations and see how I get on. Cheers all

[Portzy]

One thing to try is, if you have a perfectly level worktop or bench then using a carpenters square lined up with the recoil pad screws can sometimes be an option.

Another is by using a piece of flat bar, say 1/8th or 1/4 inch by a foot or so, and balancing this on your known flat on the rifle. This allows you to use a slightly larger, and closer to accurate, level. You just extend the flat bar as a counter balance against the level.

Finally, when you know your rifle is level it's best to set the scope using a plumb line.

Not very scientific I know but it gets you close enough for the real world.

[Adam77K]

Quite correct. Scope levels are a complete waste of time and money. If you believe you can set up a scope to be true to level and plumb you are sadly mistaken. The reasons being is that the small levels are so inaccurate and too short to give a meaningful reading off any of the narrow surface areas found on a gun. Those that fit around a scope are even worse as to set them correctly you need a datum and there is not one. If there is a need to 'level' a scope, align the vertical cross hair with a plumbline or the corner of a building. In doing this, it can only tell you that the crosshair is vertical and not that the gun is level across its axis asthe scope has revolved slightly in the scope cradle and the rifle is not necessarily level, no datum, no good.

Au contraire. The only datum which matters is the scope tube above the bore. This is why I use one of these.
https://www.brownells.co.uk/EXD-ENGI...CLE-INSTRUMENT

Then I set one of the levels that fit around the tube to agree with the instrument.

The narrow block self centres on the barrel (or action of a springer). The wide block self centres on the end of the objective lens

[Travis299]

Hang a line or small diameter rope from a tree limb, with a medium weight, out 20/30 meters and this will give you a perfectly vertical reference for your scope. Align your scope using bags on a table and some folks use the center line of the butt pad or any other flat surface on the rifle to position the rifle level in a vertical position. You are now able to align your scope to your vertical reference line/rope. Position your scope and tighten screws/bolts in a round robin fashion to the manufactures specs which are usually 15/18 in/lbs.

My personal opinion is that this adjustment is NOT that critical with pellet rifles and only comes into play with PB past 400/600 meters.

[Jesim1]

I’m surprised at some of these responses to be honest, many seem to completely miss the point that a bubble level not only gives you a good help in getting your rifle and scope level - although I agree it’s not perfect (happy to get a perfect workable solution from the doubters mind ) - but it also gives you consistency shot to shot, which is better than no measure of consistency is it not

I guess all those companies like Tier One and Daystate etc are wrong to put these in there products, and those on this thread know far better?

Who would have thought it

James

[I. J.]

Didn't the HFT lads ban spirit leveles for several years because they were an advantage?

[4end]

I’m surprised at some of these responses to be honest, many seem to completely miss the point that a bubble level not only gives you a good help in getting your rifle and scope level - although I agree it’s not perfect (happy to get a perfect workable solution from the doubters mind ) - but it also gives you consistency shot to shot, which is better than no measure of consistency is it not

I guess all those companies like Tier One and Daystate etc are wrong to put these in there products, and those on this thread know far better?

Who would have thought it

James

If you think you know far better, fine, but I think you know very little to nothing about levelling. The first consideration in a level is, is it accurate and does it have a kitemark and comply with the current British Standards for levels, if they dont, and I am sure that will be the case with these cheap examples then they are worthless. Scope levels made by the companies you mention are like fishing floats, many made to catch the angler who is daft enough to buy them rather than the fish. It does not matter how many levels you affix to a gun, there is no way of knowing the gun is truly sat level in the stock so anything attached to the gun or scope will potentially give a point of reference but not one that is truly level.

[Tonynw1]

Try this for a work bench to hold your gun:

https://www.philipmorrisdirect.co.uk...582466738aeb5d

And try these for setting up your scope, I got 10 of a similar spec and measured them all against each other and an iPhone's in built spirit level, then I kept 6 which were all agreeing, and binned the others as they were out - it's worth it at this price

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Picture-Han...y%2C44&sr=1-12

You can always find a small flat bit to get your scope levelled, even on a 97

What scope is that on the wolverine r????

[Jesim1]

What scope is that on the wolverine r????

That's a Bushnell Nitro 6-24x50 : https://www.opticswarehouse.co.uk/bu...a-rifle-scopes

[gsxrman]

I have always set the scope up using a plumb line.
Very accurate if used correctly.
I never use a level on my scopes, but only because i dont feel the need.
On the other habnd though I see so many shooters canting the rifle, so a level would help them.
A "cant" at fixed range is fine but if you shoot a varying ranges then a "cant" is bad for accuracy.
Depends on the individual, if they help then use them.