tips or tricks for getting your scope dead square

Sit the rifle in a typical bench rest set up with the fore end in a vice (not too tight, just holding it firm). You can check that the rifle is sitting correctly by placing a spirit level (small boat level) on the scope mounting rail if you're lucky enough to have a Sako with a flat topped rail.

Get a sheet of ply, or a wall that you can put a long line on with a 6ft level (the longer the better) and place that about 15m in front of the rifle.

Mount the scope and adjust the rotation of the scope to ensure that the horizontal cross hair is over or parallel to the line on the board.

This is definately not the most accurate method but it does the job for me.

Good luck,

DC
 
Last edited:
guys, zero the rifle, then use a plumb line on a target 100 yrds works well, now increase your elevation about 30 MOA (30 inch) and take a shot, the bullet should strike on the line 30 inch high, if its left or right then your scope is not in line with the action and any dialed in elevation would also pull the shot left or right, if off line rotate the scope re zero and start again.

This way once it is correct a shot taken at range will move in line with the action/ elevation on the scope.


Hope it helps Nigel
 
I clamp the action in a Work mate. Fit the bases and then put a piece of plate glass across the tops of the rings and check with spirit level. I use a bit of 1/4 plate glass 4x12" free from the local glaziers.

I then fit scope and aligne the reticule against a plumb line.

Normally sorts problem.

Sometimes when you fit the bases they may be out of square/level so swap them around. Burris rings with plastic inserts are excellent and resolve such problems. Well worth the expense.

D
 
While I agree that all of the above methods will work, aren't you making a bit hard work of it? Just hold the rifle at arms length and look both ways through the scope, it is fairly clear when the reticle is vertical above the bore. I also agree that a good gunshop should be able to do it for you but many make a complete hash of it, I saw one rifle the other day with the windage turret on the top and the elevation on the left! I started taking the mickey, asking if that was a special type of scope as I had never seen one like it before and the guy in the shop said that some are just like that but it doesn't really matter either way! JC
 
Look from the muzzle with the butt resting on the floor, very easy to see if the reticule is straight.


PS – I suppose I should remind you to make sure the rifle is unloaded when doing this:D
 
Back
Top