How to Level a Rifle Scope Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide

Having trouble with shot accuracy or consistency, no matter how correct your aiming fundamentals are, might be a sign that your equipment is at fault, as your rifle scope may not be properly level.

In this case, you must return to your workbench and level your rifle scope the right way.

This guide will cover the steps needed to perform two essential methods that can give you the perfect scope and reticle level: the bubble level method and the plumb bob method.

Follow the instructions below for scope leveling made easy as I discuss everything you need to know when leveling your rifle scope.

What Does “Leveling a Scope” Mean?

Scope leveling is the process of ensuring that both the scope and the reticle are perfectly aligned with the ground and the vertical axis of the firearm.

Leveling a scope will help you achieve balance and precision with your rifle, ensuring your aim is true and not canted. This is why utilizing a gun level tool will likely increase your ability to perform accurate and consistent shooting.

Creating that flat spot is vital, especially when zeroing your weapon. Any tilt or misalignment can throw off your shots, making shooting success a matter of chance rather than skill.

Moreover, scope leveling also plays a pivotal role in adjusting elevation and windage. When your equipment is leveled, these adjustments work precisely as intended, allowing you to make the shots that count.

What Do You Need to Level a Scope? (Plumb Bob Method)

The plumb bob method is a way to level a scope using a plumb bob, a weight suspended from a string hanging vertically. This will act as your scope-leveling tool.

With this method, you are essentially using gravity to reveal a perfectly vertical line. The “plumb line” it reveals is used as a reference point to determine whether the scope is level or not.

NOTE: If the vertical stadia of the crosshairs/reticle does not perfectly align with this plumb line, then the scope is not level and needs to be adjusted.

Using this scope leveling tool is best for shooters who want to ensure their reticle is totally level using simple gravity.

You need to gather a few materials and tools for this process.

• Rifle
• Scope
• Level surface
• Wall a few paces from your chosen surface
• Sturdy string in contrasting colors to the wall
• Plumb bob or any heavy object you can tie to the end of a string
• Gun cradle or vise
• Torque wrench

If you find that your suspended string keeps swaying or proves to be unreliable, you can use a chalk line alternative. A chalk line is a thin string coated in chalk used to mark a straight line, which can be used as a reference.

You can also watch this video for a tutorial to help you out:

FUN FACT: This type of method has similarly been used since ancient Egypt.

How to Level a Scope (Plumb Bob Method)

The plumb bob is the oldest technique for leveling a scope and is widely considered the most dependable way of leveling a rifle scope.

That said, it is fairly time and tool-intensive to do. This tedious method may not be the easiest to perform, but I think it is worth it when you see how level your scope can get.

When asked how to level a rifle scope using a plumb bob, I almost always recommend the steps listed below.

Step 1. Establish a Solid Foundation

First, ensure your gun is unloaded and positioned to avoid putting anything in the line of fire.

Then, ensure that the surface where you will mount your gun is level.

I personally like to perform the bubble level method on the rifle itself before using the plumb bob method to ensure that my foundation is reliably leveled for the next stage of the process.

Once the rifle is level, secure the rifle to prevent any shifting.

Step 2. Set Up the Plumb Bob

Setting up the plumb bob correctly is essential when leveling a scope as it establishes a precise vertical reference line, aiding in the scope’s perfect reticle alignment.

To achieve this, start by determining an appropriate distance to hang the plumb bob from your gun, typically across a yard or garage.

Next, hang the plumb bob from the string and ensure it is perpendicular to the ground.

Creating a vertical reference line is the key to this method’s success, so ensure the plumb line falls in the center of t