Building on what @Lowlight said here https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/do-i-need-a-bubble-level.6935344/#post-7636255 and not wanting to hijack the thread I want to talk about the initial set up of a rifle and making sure you're holding it level. So assuming new rifle, bipod is snugged down, you get behind the gun. So do you first use a small rail mounted level when you address the gun to say "Okay this is what right feels like," or something else? I understand there are those more seasoned than I so I'm looking at this from a new shooter's perspective.
Making sure your rifle is level...initial set up.
- Thread starter elmuzzlebreak
- Start date
The problem with using a rail mounted level is that often when you build your natural position your rifle hold is not "exactly" level relative to your rail/rifle. I prefer a level that mounts to the scope tube, then I set up with a plumb line down range and build my position so I'm comfortable behind the rifle and align my reticle with the plumb line. Last I adjust the level to be in concert with my NPA built position and now aligned reticle. I find then that when I'm comfortable behind the rifle, the "leveling" part just takes care of itself. Just works for me, there are other approaches for sure.
How do you setup the plumb line? Are you aligning your reticle along the line, if yes, what kind of line do you use? I guess something thin like nylon or....?
Do not use rail mounted levels ever....
If you are using a level you want it mounted on the scope tube, the level should be set to the reticle, not the turrets, not the flat, the reticle.
Then, address the rifle with your natural hold, in fact, snap-in with your rifle in position with no scope on it, get comfortable behind the rifle understand how that rifle feels in your should pocket so you can address it the same way every single time.
Once that feel has been established, mount the scope on the rifle and again check the reticle that it is in line with the fall of gravity. After a short period if you find the level is always off to one side or the other you can then "fix" this issue by rotating the scope.
If every time you address the rifle on the range and you see the bubble is off to one side, you can then loosen the rings and carefully rotate the scope to correct the direction of your natural. It will more than likely be super tiny, not even really noticeable
Our bodies are not straight and square, and canting a straight and square object like the rifle increases the error 10x vs the minor cant induced by our natural hold. The body on a subconscious level (get it level) will not try to move or resist the feeling. Much of this problem is done by not even thinking about it. While the shooter is distracted with other things, the body will move stuff that you never see. So how do we combat this movement, comfort, if the body is comfortable it too will ignore the hold and not fix it for you.
We do so much without even thinking about it because of repetition. Addressing the rifle in terms of hold and body position has be equally subconscious. The better it feels the easier it is to execute.
If you are using a level you want it mounted on the scope tube, the level should be set to the reticle, not the turrets, not the flat, the reticle.
Then, address the rifle with your natural hold, in fact, snap-in with your rifle in position with no scope on it, get comfortable behind the rifle understand how that rifle feels in your should pocket so you can address it the same way every single time.
Once that feel has been established, mount the scope on the rifle and again check the reticle that it is in line with the fall of gravity. After a short period if you find the level is always off to one side or the other you can then "fix" this issue by rotating the scope.
If every time you address the rifle on the range and you see the bubble is off to one side, you can then loosen the rings and carefully rotate the scope to correct the direction of your natural. It will more than likely be super tiny, not even really noticeable
Our bodies are not straight and square, and canting a straight and square object like the rifle increases the error 10x vs the minor cant induced by our natural hold. The body on a subconscious level (get it level) will not try to move or resist the feeling. Much of this problem is done by not even thinking about it. While the shooter is distracted with other things, the body will move stuff that you never see. So how do we combat this movement, comfort, if the body is comfortable it too will ignore the hold and not fix it for you.
We do so much without even thinking about it because of repetition. Addressing the rifle in terms of hold and body position has be equally subconscious. The better it feels the easier it is to execute.
I've just used a strand of 550 gut cord with some washers tied to one end. Otherwise I use one of the iron posts of my fence and line the reticle to the edge.
I'm pretty sure it would be hard to get a proper focus that way. Like Frank said, its lining up the reticle with the fall of gravity, which is always straight. I adjust the parallax so it is nice and sharp, then line up my vertical crosshair on the hard edge.
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