Rifle Scopes Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

[Savage_Jake]

I received my new Millet TRS-1 .1/mil scope today. I went through the usual motions of setting up an optic. Leveled rifle, made sure base was level, and same with rings.

I set the scope in the rings and snugged them just tight enough to where I could still make adjustments to scope. I set my level on the elevation knob and made sure scope was level.

When I looked through the scope, the reticle looked canted to the left. As I turned the scope so that it looked level, I noticed that the scope was then canted to the right. I started to freak out and thought that I had received a defective scope.

So, I level the scope. I use the straight string on the wall technique. I level the reticle with the string and sure enough it looks canted to the left.

Now, the string doesnt lie. I even checked it with a level to insure it is straight. I then lift the butt of rifle and peer through the scope and it looks straight. But as soon a I move to a shooting position, the reticle looks canted.

I even set the scope on a block sitting on the table, made sure it was level, scope as well, peered through the scope and it the reticle is straight as can be.

Here is a pic of the scope, rifle, and base all leveled. Can someone please tell me why I am seeing a canted reticle when everything is leveled?

It looks canted to right due to my inability to take a perfectly leveled pic.

 

[Topstrap]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

I've never owned a high end scope, heck they don't make one for our short sticks but maybe not all scopes elevation turrents or knobs are level with the internals?

I really don't get too concerned until after I do a verticle tracking check and if it's tracking true thru it's full vertical travel and the crosshairs are straight and plumb then I'd not worry if your level don't sit on top of the turrent level.

Since you say it's not level when you get into a shooting position then maybe adding an anticant device that is set to match your level when setting up will help you with holding the gun level. Might have to adjust shooting position or stock to make gun fit you and also be level.

Topstrap

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

Many MFRs have an "acceptable" amount of tolerance for their reticles, all you can do is contact Millet and see if they are willing to swap it. It may track correctly, but a reticle that isnt level will make holdovers with the reticle less than accurate. Sorry if thats not what you want to hear.

Kirk R

 

[chadg]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

maybe its the level.......

 

[Savage_Jake]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

Well you can see in the pic that with the level on the elevation knob, the reticle is straight. But as soon as I get into a shooting postion, the reticle looks canted.

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

If the reticle is level with the plumb string AND the bubble level on the turret, it appears to be level. I have experienced the same thing, but the plumb and level wont lie.....

Kirk R

 

[Savage_Jake]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 467</div><div class="ubbcode-body">maybe its the level....... </div></div>

Thats just the thing. You can see in the pic that it is level. But as soon as I get into a shooting postion, its canted to the left.

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Savage_Jake</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 467</div><div class="ubbcode-body">maybe its the level....... </div></div>

Thats just the thing. You can see in the pic that it is level. But as soon as I get into a shooting postion, its canted to the left. </div></div>

Its called "taco neck"

 

[Savage_Jake]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

<span style="font-weight: bold">taco neck syndrome
buy taco neck syndrome mugs, tshirts and magnetsA permenent crook in the neck (usually tending to stick at a 45 degree angle to the left or right) due to the over-eating abuse of hardshells tacos. The unnaturual exertions placed on the neck due to the "crunchy taco eating bend" develop into taco neck syndrome.

Reports have shown that cases of taco neck syndrome have been developing more and more frequently in instances of use with Taco Bell's new crunch wrap supreme, as well. </span>


I almost spit chardonnay all over my laptop.

 

[ryans_90]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

ok so I am having the same problem savage_jake is having, I have a new dpms .308 and a zeiss with tactical turrets. 1st I put my rifle in a vice and made sure my rifle was level across the rail. Then mounted the 1 piece scope rings from burris and placed the scopes in the rings, but leaving it loose enough to adjust. I then leveled the scope across the turrets, and tightened the rings down. When I got into the shooting position it looked canted to the left. So I got a piece of paper and put perfectly level horizontal and vertical lines on it in the shape of a cross about 50 yards out. When I line up my crosshairs they line up perfectly with the level cross on the paper, but they still look canted to me. If anyone can explain this I would certainly appreciate it, I am afraid that if left in the level position, when shooting I will try to adjust for the cant I see and actually throw my level off.

 

[PLeighton]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

Links:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1613415

Lowlight's How To Guide

 

[ryans_90]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

Thanks for the good info, but it's not a leveling problem. I'm sure my gun, scope, and crosshairs are all level. I just want to know why it still looks canted, even though it is level in every aspect.

 

[chadg]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

The only thing i can think of is it could be your shouldering posistion when you go prone.....Only known fix for that is a adj.butt piece....

 

[Helidriver]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

Try going into your normal shooting position then have a buddy set the level on the scope. If you know the scope and rifle is level on the bench and it shows a cant while shouldered it's you not the scope. Also check the string.

My Savage 10PC with a Mk4 gives me the same problem but I know it's me. My PSS doesn't do that. The only thing I can think of is the difference in how the stock feels in my shoulder causing me to cant the rifle.

 

[Hellbender]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

If you don't have a level on the rifle IN THE FIRING POSITION you are wasting your time, as you have no way to know if you are canting the rifle.

Then look at your string, IN THE FIRING POSITION, with RIFLE LEVEL, and if the X-hairs line up, you are GTG.

EDITED TO ADD: The string is past the distance where your scope is parallax free, correct? If you cannot properly adjust parallax ON THE STRING, again, you are wasting your time.

EDITED AGAIN: That looks like an expensive level you are using...... but, have you checked it on a level surface by flipping it 180 degrees, and making sure the bubble is EXACTLY the same both ways?

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

1. Millett scope.

2. Some people cant naturally.

3. Is the table level, is the floor level?

 

[Savage_Jake]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

I just did a test with my other scoped rifles using the plum bob technique. Sure enough, ALL of them are canted to the left even though they are lined up perfectly with the plum. My eyes must be tricking me. I am meeting someone at the range this week so I will have him look through them.

2 Millet TRS-1s
1 Vortex Viper
1 Nikon Buckmaster

 

[Savage_Jake]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

Just took this pic. Table, block, scope all level. Plum is level. Same off the rifle as on the rifle. Level and straight. Its not the scope.

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

When you shoot long range, do you throw groups high and wide on a consistent basis?


I'd recommend a rail-mounted level, that'll tell you when you cant.

 

[Alan Griffith]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

Jake,

I hear ya man! When I put my stuff together I have the same cant as you. B-Square picatiny mounted level bubble is what I use to ensure my rifle is level. I mount the bubble, install the rings and scope then level the rifle on the Harris bipd with Pod-Loc and line the reticle up with the hanging string across the street about 100 yds away. Every thing is true true true; until I get behind the rifle and to me, it's canted. So every shot, I have to check myself agains the level bubble.

Alan

 

[fdkay]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

Let me get this straight.

You have eliminated ALL of the variables associated with the hardware. Gun, base, table etc... all are level. Evertything is fine until you get behind the weapon and you get in shooting postiion. Once you have achieved your shooting postion, the scope appears canted, yet when you detach yourself from the weapon, place the level back on the weapon, everything is fine again, but you can't figure out what causes the canting?
I'm no physicist, but I believe that I can narrow down the cause and effect to (stand by for the suprise) YOU.


Disclaimer:
Yes, I am being sarcastic and pokng a little fun a your expense.

 

[Savage_Jake]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Let me get this straight.

You have eliminated ALL of the variables associated with the hardware. Gun, base, table etc... all are level. Evertything is fine until you get behind the weapon and you get in shooting postiion. Once you have achieved your shooting postion, the scope appears canted, yet when you detach yourself from the weapon, place the level back on the weapon, everything is fine again, but you can't figure out what causes the canting?
I'm no physicist, but I believe that I can narrow down the cause and effect to (stand by for the suprise) YOU.


Disclaimer:
Yes, I am being sarcastic and pokng a little fun a your expense.

</div></div>

No blood, No foul...

I just wanted to throw my situation out there to see if I was crazy (which technically I am

). I see I am not alone with this. GOOD TO KNOW.

Thanks for eveyones input and ideas.

 

[GrimmRoper]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

HAHAHA! That is funny!

Another way to look at it differently is to shoulder the weapon with your off hand. If the cross is still canted the same direction there might be a problem, but yep it sounds like you! HAHAHA!

Keep shooting and improve your position!

-Nate

 

[kingston]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

It's the cheap level... You used it to level the rifle right? Google "checking a level for accuracy" and/or just go get a good level.

 

[Savage_Jake]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kingston</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's the cheap level... You used it to level the rifle right? Google "checking a level for accuracy" and/or just go get a good level. </div></div>


Its not the level. I used it to check things in the house that I know to be level.

 

[kingston]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

Well, let us know.

 

[AXEMAN]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

optical confusion/illusion? gotta trust the string and level though. shoot it and see if it tracks right maybe?

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

This post illuminates the reason we use levels to install scopes-what looks level to the old MKI Mod0 eyeball may not be!

Get a level for your rifle now if you plan on stretching your legs, they come in very handy.

 

[budiceale]

Re: Scope Issue....Input Needed....LONG POST

i realize i'm dragging this thread back from the dead but i just want to sat THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! i have this problem with almost every scope i own. i thought i was losing my mind. i still can't explain it but just knowing that i'm no crazier than some of the guys on here is a relief. i just put a vortex viper on my cz550 varmint 308 and after checking EVERYTHING it looks canted when i get behind it(shooting postition). i just decided to live with it so i could dial in elevation without dialing in windage also. now i need to get a scope mounted bubble level.

damn, what a relief to know there are other people out there with "crooked retina syndrome".