DYI .... BenchRest bubble level ( Rifle mounted )

[Motorhead]

Always liked doodads and gadgets with one in particular being useful for bench or even field work.
Yup the trick little scope rail mounted bubble levels 
Such as these:
 


The nicer machined metal one up top sells for near $80  ... plastic bottom one near $35

That's just nuts for something that should be much cheaper IMO 

SO ... went to hardware store and picked up a $3.00 plastic level that contained 3 bubbles, took it to the band saw cutting apart to extract them.
Short piece of 1/2" Delrin rod drilling one end on the lathe, a smile cut on the mill  makes the main part.
1 recycled .22RF scope ring with saddle area cut off and a single 4-40 screw and we get a rifle bubble level on the cheap  ... with 2 extra bubbles for

Times are tough .... money saved is a GOOD thing !!

Scott

[Rescue35]

Making doodads is what is so much fun about having a home machine shop.

[glassman98]

Scott, here is a few I have make with my drill press and band saw. Craig

[dryanw]

Glassman, that silver one is sweet. Really nice work.

[Rickey]

They are nice.  But like you said the cost is over the top.  I just used 2 and rubber bands to hold the in place to center my scope.

[Gixxer340]

Making your own is definitely part of the fun but here is one for $17 that is all metal and works quite well.

https://www.pyramydair.com/product/hawke-sport-optics-bubble-level-fits-9-11mm-dovetails?a=4240

[KGatLC]

       Why do you use a bubble level? I don't shoot bench or FT so was just wondering.

[Motorhead]

       Why do you use a bubble level? I don't shoot bench or FT so was just wondering.

It helps orient your rifle / eye in eliminating or at least lessening barrel/scope cant.
When the center line of your optics and center line of barrels bore are NOT on the perfect vertical plane, shots POI can and will wander either side.

[KGatLC]

        Thanks Motorhead.

[dwalk]

       Why do you use a bubble level? I don't shoot bench or FT so was just wondering.

the farther "Out of level" your scope/rifle is, the more you will miss at longer distances; at 20 yds if you're off 1" from center...more than likely, you'll be off 2" at 40 yards...4" at 60 yds, etc...

[JMJ in NC]

Easy to make.

Old set of rings, dollar store torpedo level. This one is mounted on a SHCS and threads into the mount.





JMJ

[Gertrude]

Here is another design that I thought would be easy to make a DIY similar version.
Sure, it's cheap enough just to buy,.. but the DIY puts some fun and a bit of pride into it also.
I may try to do something along these lines.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251014571864?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649


I also kind of like this for a non permanent mounted style

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Two-Rifle-Scope-Magnetic-Levels-One-Fine-Tuning-Circle-Level-/171015532676?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d151f084

[Tater]

Jim, is your phone mounted to your gun rest?

[JMJ in NC]

My iPod, gen 2. I use the chair gun app. I got a RAM mount cheap and mounted it for easy access.

JMJ

[Tater]

Very cool set up.

[PBguns]

Making your own is definitely part of the fun but here is one for $17 that is all metal and works quite well.

Same $18 anti-cant is also on amazon (prime too)!