Building a scope testing rig

[tucansam]

Wanting to build a scope testing rig that I can use to test the tracking on the various scopes I own, and future purchases. Have seen some of the posts (some here) showing wooden clamp-down styles. Have also seen some pic rail tripod adapters.

Two main questions: considering I would want the platform to be 100% stable, I assume the collective would frown on the idea of a tripod mount, even with a super expensive, fancy tripod. If this assumption is incorrect, what tripod would be recommended for the purpose?

Secondarily, although every thread I see tests at 100 yards or meters, is there any reason it couldn't be done at a closer distance? I have 20y available in my yard, and if I could make a testing target that was sufficiently detailed, to make up for the otherwise tiny reticle movement at such a short distance, any reason why tracking couldn't be tested without having to cart a bunch of stuff out to the range?

Thanks

 

[Raptor005]

Are you planning on testing the scopes while mounted on your rifle, or while it is not mounted? Things to consider that will impact your testing:
- Make sure the reticle is level with the target (both must be synced up with each other)
- Distance doesn't make a huge distance, but you must have a target calibrated for that specific distance
- Nothing will be perfect

Awesome way to test scopes to eliminate most factors:
- Take an I-Beam and cement it to the ground
- Mount a pic rail to the I-Beam (I would recommend glass bedding it also)
- Precisely measure 100 yards/meters (based on preference)
- Setup calibrated target for distance

Now, for those of us that don't have access to do that...
Simply get a decent bench rest vice for your rifle that you can bring to the range. It's not much extra gear and will definitely work fine.

 

[bogeybrown]

If you go to the Riflescopes forum, at the top among the stickies is Killswitch Engage 's scope tracking tests. He built a test rig out of I-Beam as mentioned above. His has levels and leveling feet, and I can't remember what else on it. Pretty badass setup