Scope bubble level?

[garandman]

Anyone use one of those scope bubble level thingies?

There seems to be two kinds - a scope ring set up, and one that attaches to teh picatinny rail.

Do they work? Or are they junk / needless?

 

[SporterII]

I would offer that the eye can get the rifle fairly level. For extra long shots, every bit helps.
my .02, if a level is well placed and easy to use, it is not junk and if you like using it, not needless.

 

[Shoalwater]

They do help at long range, it's amazing how little cant it takes to miss at long range.

 

[islandermyk]

Consistency is key, and this tool helps keep you and the rifle straight.

 

[fw707]

They do help at long range, it's amazing how little cant it takes to miss at long range.

Yes.
The Holland level works great for me.

 

[Ledzep]

Scope-mounted level is what you want.

I used to think I could eyeball it. After trying out my first level I found out I was consistently canting the rifle to the right. That explained a lot of my long-range wind/miss issues.

 

[garandman]

Scope-mounted level is what you want.

.

Are you saying that scope mounted is better than rail mounted? Wouldn't either identify any cant?

 

[hk dave]

A rail mounted level would only identify cant properly provide the reticle is plumb to the rail.

With a scope mounted level it would always be plumb despite what rail the scope is on or how many times the scope was unmounted.

Are you saying that scope mounted is better than rail mounted? Wouldn't either identify any cant?

 

[geometro]

I went with the rail mounted one on whim because they can be bought very inexpensively (tack it onto an existing order since usually shipping will cost more than the level itself) to see what kind of aid it offers. If it doesn't work out as well as one thinks, it's not a huge investment. If it is a aid, great, keep it and you're not out a lot of money. Or you can step up to an Accuracy First level and give/loan out your rail mounted level to somebody local you know that is getting into the sport to try.

 

[Ledzep]

Are you saying that scope mounted is better than rail mounted? Wouldn't either identify any cant?

Both will work if set up properly. I like scope-mounted levels because once you adjust it to a particular scope, that's it for life. For example, I got a 3-18x44 Mk6 before I got my rifle from C. Dixon, so I put it on an old 308 build. I properly set up the level on the scope, and ran the scope through some paces to make sure it tracked etc.. Now when I want to mount it on my .260 when it shows up, I just swap it over and I'm done. I know the scope will be level when level says so.

Had it been a picatinny level, I would have to level it, then spin my scope until the two matched up. THEN, once I swapped the scope to other rifle, I would have to repeat this process. So is it a HUGE deal? no. Just my preference I guess.

I absolutely don't trust any level that pivots or swivels. Again personal preference.

 

[BillyGoatMachine]

Check out the Flatline ops anti cant levels. Kind of on the expensive side, but they are really nice and fold away when not in use so they are less susceptible to damage if packing around.

 

[Quarter Horse]

The higher mount on the scope tube would cause me to lift my head to see. With a rail mount, I just open my left eye. To get the alignment dead on, use a plumbline for the scope and shim the rail mount if necessary.

 

[TexasMade]

I use them for every long distance set up I have. They for sure help!

 

[tobedell]

My shooting partner showed me how to use feeler guages to align my scope parallel with my rail for plumb (bottom of turret to top of rail) flat to flat. The level's that I tried to use, distracted me and gave false readings. It's true you need to be plumb for long range but I have had better results from my eye than an attachment.
Add on's will not replace experience behind the gun.