Scope Cant

[jpistolero02]

I used the feeler gauge method for mounting the scope on my new rifle. Everything seemed fine until I started shooting out further. The other day it was almost dead calm and I was having to correct about 1.5 MOA left at 575 yards to hit the target. This morning I fired these shots at 100 yards and it appears to confirm what I was seeing. I fired 3 rounds and then dialed up 15 MOA and fired 2 keeping the same POA. I didn't have a level to draw a line at the time. Tonight I hung a piece of string and had to tweak the scope just a hair. It feels odd now but I guess it's level. Should I just test again and adjust based on what I see on target?

 

[SmugTuna]

Forgive my ignorance, new guy here, what is the feeler gauge method?

 

[jpistolero02]

You basically take just the right amount of feeler gauges to fit between the bottom of the scope and top of the rail. When you tighten down it keeps everything level. I also installed an anti-cant device leveled to the scope. It appears I could have just been holding canted to the right.

 

[MoBoost]

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...opes/227286-leveling-scope-feeler-gauges.html

 

[idahoorion]

Jp

"I guess"? If you don't know it's level, and you already know it wasn't, how much confidence are you going to dial or hold that windage with? a bit of time now will pay dividends in less frustration later. Don't ask why I know this.

Idahoorion

 

[sagillman]

can you tell if you scope base or action is canted?

 

[The_FNG]

It feels odd because now you have the crosshairs level with gravity with the way YOU hold your rifle. Using a plum bob is the best way to level the scope to your style.

 

[nfoley]

It appears you may have tracking issues with your scope, but did you verify with a level that group was off center? I would do a more extensive tracking test on the scope.

Also, when you say "it feels odd" do you mean you feel like you have to cant the rifle in such a way as it feels unnatural to get the crosshairs level? Or do you mean the rifle feels natural, but the crosshairs seem canted?
I ask this because I stopped using the feeler gauge method - doing so I'm always having to muscle the rifle to get the crosshairs level. Instead I shoulder the rifle prone so it feels natural, then level the scope with a plumb line. When I used to use feeler gauges to level the scope to the rifle, the slight tension I placed on the rifle to maintain level crosshairs translated to frustrating groups past about 500 yards. To put it another way the scope is set to gravity but mounted to my natural cant.

 

[aur0ra145]

You can use a deck of cards too.

 

[[email protected]]

I just use a level. It turned out my bubble was not "level" and my scope was actually dialing straight up. I like using a level because you can correct it in the field and have a good reference of where it needs to be of you need to re mount it.


Where my scope ended up being level.


I think it's hugely important to do this test at 100 yards before you take it any further, it can really screw up up to have your scope not dialing straight. Hope this helps.

 

[Pinecone]

1) When you shoot your scope may not be level with the world. Level with the rifle is not important, level with the world IS.

2) Your scope may have tracking problems.

Check 1 first, then if that doesn't help, then send the scope back.

 

[jpistolero02]

I say "guess" because I thought it was level before. I have leveled the rifle and matched the plumb line so it "should" be level. I will shoot it to find out. When I say it feels odd, it feels like it's tilted left now because I think I was tilting it right before. I think that it would be natural to feel weird if i was holding it wrong before. Thanks for the help guys!