My Fixture For Checking Reticle Adjustment Status & Re-Centering

[gapi]

Back in the early1990's when I was starting my gun collections I often swapped, replaced, upgraded, and traded Scopes.
Always wanting to start with the scope reticles factory centered I never liked the mirror method. I loath holding a scope down onto a mirror trying to maintain a good eye box view and moving the turrets. 
So I turned out this fixture on the mill that allows me roll the scope while focused on a small object, the further away the better, I like 100 yds.
I start with the scope positioned as it would be on the rifle and secure it with a cloth covered ponytail band to keep a fumble from launching it to the floor.
I place the cross hairs on an object, in my case a distant mailbox flag and roll it.
I adjust the turrets until the cross hairs are stationary.
I have it dovetailed and 1/4-20 threaded for tripod mounting.

I have had this in process of a patent for some time now and its a murderous procedure. I thought I would share here for those with the resources to make their own.


       

[Roadworthy]

It looks much cleaner than my wooden V block thing.  Thanks for sharing.

[Monkeydad1969]

Very nice, Allen.  Thanks for sharing.

Joe

[jus Tom]

VERY cool !!  But being "milling machine challenged" I'll need to stick to the mirror method.

[VillageSniper]

A nice setup for sure.  I have used the mirror method and have spun a few on some slick plastic as well.  I read that the mirror method is really only viable with a first surface mirror, but I am not an expert.  How have mechanical centers and optical centers compared with your setup?  How many clicks difference have you seen in a nice scope vs a cheaper one?

Vs

[gapi]

I have only tried the mirror method once. One that day one mirror would not co-operate so that must be you surface count mirror eh? On the other it was just harder than it should be (for me) to do. Hold it, and your head still, crank and and so on. Not my cup-o-tea.
Back in the 1990's, maybe now, Leupold had a tech article up describing the rolling method and I went from there.

How many clicks difference have you seen in a nice scope vs a cheaper one?

I'm not sure what you mean but its according to how much the previous windage and  elevation had to be adjusted compensate for the receiver-to-barrel bore relationship.

[VillageSniper]

Sorry for the confusion.  I was referring to any observed differences between mechanical and optical center that you may have noticed. Some guys count the clicks and divide by two,  finding mechanical center;  others, like you, are finding optical center by spinning the scope, and making click adjustments.  I just wanted to ask if you had observed any significant differences between the two methods, in terms of where the turrets may end up being adjusted to. 

Vs

[gapi]

I hear you now,

I have not studied it that depth. Back in the 90's when I started doing it this way I never bothered with anything else.
Lots more folks just slap it on there, shoot and twist until happy.