Rifle Scopes Canted reticle

[CxAgent]

The scope is a Nikon FX1000 6 - 24 MOA illuminated.
The way it was monyrd was, I used a level on the top rail to level the gun. Used the same level on the top turret to level the scope. Then used a flat piece of metal against the bottom of the scope to verify everything was in level. Looknig through the scope I can see the reticle is canted. When I level the reticle the scope is rotated 2.5 degrees down to the right.

I would suspect the reticle is not in line with the erector assembly. I suspect this could give me issues when dialing. I have not tested this yet. Will this create issues? Should I just contact Nikon and ask for return?

 

[patriot07]

Yes it can create issues. Test it first with a 4' level set out in the yard or any straight board. If it's canted, you need to get it fixed so that it's straight or it will create issues when you start reaching out at distance.

 

[021411]

I never level the scope using the turret cap. I’ve seen them being off. I’m in the camp of leveling the rifle first and then leveling the reticle with a plumb line.

 

[CxAgent]

I will have time Wednesday to get out and hang a line. Seems to be the best way to verify.

 

[CxAgent]

I hung a 3' level and ensured it was plumb. Set the rifle up with a level on the top rail and aligned the reticle to the level 75 yards away. Reticle was off. Level the reticle to the 3' level and tightened down. So it appears the issue was with me not the reticle. Even now knowing it is level / plumb when I look through it it appears canted. I will just trust in the levels and accept my eyes may not be as good as they once were.

One thing I did notice trying to align the reticle to the side of the level is just how cheek pressure will effect the rifle. I do not notice this much aiming at the target but trying to align two parallel lines and keep them still was a pain in the ass. Would definitely explain some horizontal spread in my groups.

 

[Olen_4504]

a perfectly level reticle appears canted to most people. not uncommon

try switching your face to the other side of the rifle - now it looks canted the other way.

 

[demolitionman]

I placed a vertical line on the wall in my garage. I will then take my rifle into the garage shine a flashlight through my scope so I can see it on the wall and I line my reticle up with my vertical line on the wall as long as my rifle is level and my reticle matches the vertical line Perfectly I know I’m good. I could care less if the turret is a Iittle crooked....

Another thing I’ve done often; Is I’ll lay prone With a level rifle I will aim at my daughters Tire swing rope When there is no wind it is essentially just a plumbline and I’ll level the reticle off of that. I guess it doesn’t need to be said of coarse that I live out in the middle of nowhere.

 

[Alabusa]

+1 on most reticle will look canted when someone looks thru the scope.

 

[jd5521]

Use a Badger dead level and a plumb line.