There are several ways to mount and level a scope. Some are more complex than others. The most common method is to level the action, and then level the vertical reticle of the scope with a plumb bob.
Here are a few tools that are commonly used:
A torque wrench that allows you to choose the exact inches per pound of torque being applied
One or more levels
A plumb bob or line marked on a wall using a level
A bipod or some sort of gun rest to hold the airgun firmly in place
If you are using adjustable scope mounts we suggest optically centering your scope (for either holdover or dialing) prior to mounting.
*Always ensure that your airgun is unloaded, and follow all standard safety procedures.
The process below goes into great detail, but in reality it's quite simple.
1. Gather your airgun, magazine (if applicable), tools, scope, mounts, and bipod or gun rest.
2. Secure your airgun in the rest or connect the bipod.
3. If you are using a Wheeler (or similar) leveling kit that connects to the barrel; mount it now as it will be easier now than after the scope is mounted.
4. Make sure the rings/mounts that you've chosen have enough clearance over the rail, barrel, and magazine (if applicable).
5. Temporarily install the rings in a position that looks good on your rail.
6. Temporarily install the scope within the rings (snug enough that it won't swivel on its own, loose enough that you can manually move the scope forward and back).
7. Turn the magnification on the scope all the way up (if applicable) as that is where the eye relief is most sensitive.
8. Shoulder the rifle and move the scope forward or backward until you have a full picture of the reticle (adjust the position of your rings on your rail if necessary). Note that the rings should never be pushed up against the ocular or objective bell. Use a pencil to lightly mark the position of the scope within the rings.
9. Tighten the rings onto the rail, according to the manufacturer specs.
10. Hang the plumb bob.
11. Secure the airgun in the rest (or bipod) and point the airgun in the direction of the plumb bob.
12. Use the level(s) to level the action.
13. Rotate the scope within the rings until the vertical reticle lines up with the string of the plumb bob. This is easiest to do indoors without any wind
14. Tighten the rings onto the scope in an X pattern. First snug, then recheck the alignment with the plumb bob, then tighten all the way. *Always tighten the mounts according to the manufacturers specs. Over-tightening can damage the scope and affect how the scope internals operate.
Next you'll want to Zero your scope!
While there are many different methods to zero your scope, here are a few helpful videos:
Here are a few tools that are commonly used:
A torque wrench that allows you to choose the exact inches per pound of torque being applied
One or more levels
A plumb bob or line marked on a wall using a level
A bipod or some sort of gun rest to hold the airgun firmly in place
If you are using adjustable scope mounts we suggest optically centering your scope (for either holdover or dialing) prior to mounting.
*Always ensure that your airgun is unloaded, and follow all standard safety procedures.
The process below goes into great detail, but in reality it's quite simple.
1. Gather your airgun, magazine (if applicable), tools, scope, mounts, and bipod or gun rest.
2. Secure your airgun in the rest or connect the bipod.
3. If you are using a Wheeler (or similar) leveling kit that connects to the barrel; mount it now as it will be easier now than after the scope is mounted.
4. Make sure the rings/mounts that you've chosen have enough clearance over the rail, barrel, and magazine (if applicable).
5. Temporarily install the rings in a position that looks good on your rail.
6. Temporarily install the scope within the rings (snug enough that it won't swivel on its own, loose enough that you can manually move the scope forward and back).
7. Turn the magnification on the scope all the way up (if applicable) as that is where the eye relief is most sensitive.
8. Shoulder the rifle and move the scope forward or backward until you have a full picture of the reticle (adjust the position of your rings on your rail if necessary). Note that the rings should never be pushed up against the ocular or objective bell. Use a pencil to lightly mark the position of the scope within the rings.
9. Tighten the rings onto the rail, according to the manufacturer specs.
10. Hang the plumb bob.
11. Secure the airgun in the rest (or bipod) and point the airgun in the direction of the plumb bob.
12. Use the level(s) to level the action.
13. Rotate the scope within the rings until the vertical reticle lines up with the string of the plumb bob. This is easiest to do indoors without any wind
14. Tighten the rings onto the scope in an X pattern. First snug, then recheck the alignment with the plumb bob, then tighten all the way. *Always tighten the mounts according to the manufacturers specs. Over-tightening can damage the scope and affect how the scope internals operate.
Next you'll want to Zero your scope!
While there are many different methods to zero your scope, here are a few helpful videos: