How to properly zero the rifle to your hold

[GhengisAhn175]

I've always just used a bubble level to zero my rifle as it lays then Put my scope on and zero the scope.

In this configuration I notice after shooting I'll have to re level my bubble level slightly (it's never fully off) and it's due to how the rifle has shifted on my body.

I know frank put out out a video a while back about zeroing the rifle to your natural hold but I'm wondering how do you do so with consistency? Wondering if there is a method to go off of

ive never had major issues but figured I should do it right now that I got my scope off and getting things worked on

 

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they make bubble levels that clamp to your scope.

i would level the rifle, and level the scope to match the rifle, but leave your rings lose.

then get into position, and have a buddy rotate the scope until its level in your hold, then tighten the rings.

 

[GhengisAhn175]

My question is how to get the rifle "level to your hold" and make it repeatable.

I can dry fire it a few times and it'll shift but it's not consistent

 

[Nik H]

I could be completely off base here but I level my hold against a tall target after the scope is mounted level to the rifle.

I match the vertical reticle line against the tall target line. You can do it with a plumb bob as well. I have a buddy rotate my scope when I am in position until the vertical portion of the reticle matches the line on the tall target. After this is done, rings are torqued down and the level which is bolted to the scope body is adjusted so it shows level. I find it repeats pretty well. The bubble levels are not perfect.

Frank talked about this method in his video but I cant remember exactly since it was some time ago.

 

[...]

My question is how to get the rifle "level to your hold" and make it repeatable.

I can dry fire it a few times and it'll shift but it's not consistent

You use the bubble level that is still clamped to your scope.

When you are in position, just glance breifly at the level.....of youve shifted slightly, adjust for it.

 

[Sheldon N]

My question is how to get the rifle "level to your hold" and make it repeatable.

I can dry fire it a few times and it'll shift but it's not consistent

I would say that if your hold is not repeating in a consistent fashion then I wouldn't adjust your rifle to a different angle than the scope.

Now if every time the past year you laid down to shoot prone you found yourself having to tweak the rifle clockwise a tiny bit (or whichever direction) to level up the bubble then you should adjust the rifle to offset the level scope to your natural hold. However if you haven't noticed any pattern in your rifle leveling during your previous shooting then I'd say you don't need to make any adjustments.

 

[Dag34]

Also, if you have an adjustable butt plate you can just adjust that to your hold. That should allow the the rifle to remain mechanically centered, as well as easily adaptable to alternate positions and other shooters.

 

[cav has been]

Mr Ahn, I also have to constantly tweak my hold to agree with a rail mtd. level. If you use a scope mtd. level, hold rifle in natural position,true reticle with tall target,adjust scope level to jibe with reticle, tighten everything.