Rifle Scopes why no indexing mark on scope to level?

[hoguer]

why has no scope manufacturer designed a alignment system that is incorporated into the scope itself? many of the upper end scope manufacturers today also produce their own brand of rings, so why not a indexing line on the bottom of the scope tube that you can align to a matching line on the rings? some of the nicer bases like the Spuhr use the wedge system to align the reticle, which is using the scope body, so it must be close enough tolerances to get the reticle level, so why wouldn't a line or notch on the scope itself work as well?. it seems so simple yet effective I just dont know why noone is making anything like it.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: why no indexing mark on scope to level?

That would be all good and well *if* the bases were perfectly aligned with the top of the receiver which would sit perfectly level in the stock that had a perfectly level bottom/bipod stud. With tolerance stacking you gotta do what you've gotta do and its the end point that matters. All that REALLY matters if that the reticle is level with the world.

 

[hoguer]

Re: why no indexing mark on scope to level?

I completely agree, but every day on this site, someone asks about how to level a scope and 1000 people jump on the feeler gauge method that they wedge between the top of their rail and scope, or the Spuhr mount method. those are both not compensating for all of those variables, yet most people are using it? how is a indexing line less precise?

 

[tmpohuski7]

Re: why no indexing mark on scope to level?

I use the feeler gauge method but,no matter which method you use you still need to check it with a plum bob at your zero range.

 

[hoguer]

Re: why no indexing mark on scope to level?

so a indexing mark would be a feasible alternative to get your scope to 95%+ level then finish at the range? it would cost next to nothing to incorporate into the scope and rings and save a extra step in the mounting process.

 

[Ratbert]

Re: why no indexing mark on scope to level?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ffhogue</div><div class="ubbcode-body">why has no scope manufacturer designed a alignment system that is incorporated into the scope itself? </div></div>


You can get USOs with bubble levels built into the ocular housing.

 

[hamstur]

Re: why no indexing mark on scope to level?

Aside from the stacked tolerances, there are too many ring optons. E.g., I run five 34mm tube scopes ... 3 in Badger Ordnance, 2 in Seekins. Seekins top/bottom are cut near center while Badger are cut above center.

It would only work if everything was standardized and uniform. E.g., every fax machine, printer, word processing program, etc you buy is indexed for 8.5"x11" cause standard paper is paper. However, not all rings & scopes are equal like that.

FWIW if index marks were available, I would still use levels.

 

[hoguer]

Re: why no indexing mark on scope to level?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hamstur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Aside from the stacked tolerances, there are too many ring optons. E.g., I run five 34mm tube scopes ... 3 in Badger Ordnance, 2 in Seekins. Seekins top/bottom are cut near center while Badger are cut above center.
</div></div>

like I said, I'm referring to scope manufacturers that produce their own rings. as in nf, IOR, vortex, uso,etc.

I actually love IORs internal level. it is the first innovation in recent years that responds to my question. why is noone else providing a tool like this?

 

[hoguer]

Re: why no indexing mark on scope to level?

and yes I know there are tons of external bubble levels available, but they still have to be leveled on a level scope so it does not speed up mounting time any.

 

[hotbrass]

Re: why no indexing mark on scope to level?

Konus is not in the same class, or near it, but they have put a bubble level "Built-in anti-canting bubble system"
in some of their scopes for a few years.

 

[SPAK]

Re: why no indexing mark on scope to level?

Just because everything outside on the scope may be square, doesn't ensure that your reticle inside is moving square to your turrets. In a perfect world, your turret, scope housing and reticle will all be in perfect alignment and will track perfectly.

You still need to test using a box test or plumb bob to make sure your reticle/turrets are tracking square.