I know there are some folks here just getting started and building on a budget. I wanted to pass something along I discovered today on a Ruger American in 223 I was setting the scope up on for my father in law. I put my level on the factory installed rail and leveled the rifle. After installing the scope and rings I put a bipod on it and went to site it in. When I shoulderd the rifle the crosshairs were canted. I checked the bipod to insure both legs were collapsed completely. All was good. Being a budget rifle I figured maybe the sling stud was off center or maybe the hole for the sling attachment wasn't perpendicular to the stock. Nope that wasn't it. Long story short it turns out the factory rail was built backwards. The hole spacing for the rail mount is the same front and back on the American. However, the top of the action is not an equidistant arc centered on the mounting screw holes. I was able to flip the rail 180 degrees and everything leveled out. Judging by the relief cuts on one end of the rail it was intended for the relief cuts to face the back of the rifle to allow bolt clearance when cycling the action. They aren't actually needed but they mimic the lines along the back of the action. Just thought I would pass this along and maybe save somebody else some frustration. Pictures attached for reference.
