Reticle leveling system

A reticle leveling system can include a firearm mount having a base mount, track, scope saddle, and light projector. The system can further include a tripod and an alignment grid. The firearm mount can attach to an elongated portion of a firearm, such as a barrel or picatinny rail. The base mount and track can secure the firearm mount to the elongated portion of the firearm, and the scope saddle can align on top of the scope, thereby creating connection points on both the elongated portion and the scope. The light projector can shine light through the front of the scope, thereby causing scope reticle to project out of the eyepiece. The projected image of the reticle can be shown on the alignment grid, which can be attached to the top of the tripod, and the alignment grid can include cross-hatching to illustrate whether the reticle is properly aligned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to firearm maintenance aids, and more particularly, relates to tools for leveling and aligning scopes on a firearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Scopes are used on firearms to aid in aiming the firearm and in some cases, to magnify a target. Proper aim is critical to ensure an accurate shot is taken. A standard scope includes windage and elevation adjustments, an aiming reticle, an ocular lens on a first end of the scope into which a user looks, an objective lens on a second end of the scope, scope rings to connect to the scope to the firearm, and magnification and quick focus rings on the first end of the scope. To aim the gun, the target is aligned with the front sight and the front sight is aligned within the notch of the rear sight.

If the gun is not properly sighted, the user's aim will be inaccurate. Further, in some cases, individuals may desire a different type of sight and may therefore need to replace the sight that is currently on their gun. Therefore, there are times when a gun sight will need to be adjusted or replaced, and a device is needed that can facilitate these activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to firearm maintenance aids, and more particularly, relates to tools for leveling and aligning scopes on a firearm. In an illustrative but non-limiting example, the disclosure provides a reticle leveling system that can include a base mount structured and configured to mount to a firearm; a track removably attached to the base mount, the track having a level; a scope saddle that is vertically adjustable on the track; and a light projector attached to the scope saddle.

In some examples, a back of the track can be attached to a front end of the base mount. Further a back of the scope saddle may be attached to the front of the track, and the light projector can attach to the scope saddle through an opening in the track. In some cases, the light projector can align with a front of a scope of the firearm and project an image of the reticle out through an eyepiece of the scope.

In some examples, the base mount may be mounted to an elongated portion of the firearm in front of a scope of the firearm using at least one pair of magnets located on an underside of the base mount. Further, the elongated portion of the firearm may be a barrel of the firearm, and a pair of magnets may be located on opposing sides of the barrel. More specifically, the base mount can include two pairs of magnets located on the underside of the base mount, the first pair being located at a first end of the base mount and the second pair being located at a second, opposite end of the base mount. Alternatively, the base mount may be mounted to an elongated portion of the firearm in front of a scope of the firearm using a side clamp screw, and the side clamp screw can be structured and configured to tighten the base mount onto the elongated portion of the firearm.

In some examples, the track can be removably attached to the base mount using slidable track guides on either side of the base mount. And in some cases, the scope saddle can slide vertically up and down the track. More specifically, the scope saddle can include a scope saddle mount having angled surfaces that engage an outer diameter of a scope of the firearm. Further, the scope saddle also includes a scope saddle faceplate that is flush with a front face of the scope. The base mount may additionally include a rear height adjustment screw that enables a rear end of the base mount to vertically adjust to ensure the scope saddle faceplate can be made flush with the front face of the scope.

In some examples, the reticle leveling system further includes a tripod; and an alignment grid attached to a top of the tripod, wherein the light projector can align with a front of a scope of the firearm and project an image of the reticle out through an eyepiece of the scope, and wherein the alignment grid can be in horizontal alignment with the scope of the firearm. In some cases, the alignment grid can include cross-hatching in a color other than red.

In another illustrative but non-limiting example, the disclosure provides a reticle leveling system that can include a base mount structured and configured to mount to an elongated portion of a firearm; a track removably attached to a front end of the base mount, the track having a level; a scope saddle that is slidingly adjustable along a vertical portion of the track and that engages an outer diameter of a scope of the firearm; and a light projector attached to the scope saddle through an opening in the track.

In another illustrative but non-limiting example, the disclosure provides a method for leveling a scope of a firearm, the method including the steps of attaching a track to a base mount; securing the base mount to an elongated portion of the firearm; sliding a scope saddle along the track until the scope saddle engages an outer diameter of the scope of the firearm; and activating a light projector that is attached to the scope saddle and aligned with a front of the scope of the firearm to project an image of a scope reticle out through an eyepiece of the scope. The light projector may include a light projector focus and a ribbed collar, wherein the ribbed collar can attach to the scope saddle, and wherein the angle of light from the light projector can be adjusted by pushing, pulling, and rotating the light projector focus.

In some cases, the method further includes the steps of leveling the firearm using a level attached to a top of the track; attaching an alignment grid to a top of a tripod; leveling the alignment grid using a second level attached to a top of the alignment grid; aligning the image of the scope reticle on the alignment grid; and rotating the scope to match reticle lines of the scope reticle with graph lines on the alignment grid.

In some cases, the elongated portion of a firearm can be a barrel and a bottom of the base mount can include at least one pair of magnets to secure the base mount to the barrel. In other cases, the elongated portion of a firearm can be a rail and the base mount can include a side clamp screw that pulls together two opposing sides of the base mount to secure the base mount to the rail.

The above summary is not intended to describe each and every example or every implementation of the disclosure. The description that follows more particularly exemplifies various illustrative embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to firearm maintenance aids, and more particularly, relates to tools for leveling and aligning scopes on a firearm. Various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals may be used to represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the systems and methods disclosed herein. Examples of construction, dimensions, and materials may be illustrated for the various elements, those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that may be utilized. Any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the systems and methods. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover applications or embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

FIGS.1,7, and13are perspective back views of examples of firearm mounts of a reticle leveling system. Firearm mount100, as illustrated inFIG.1, can include base mount102, track104, scope saddle106, and light projector108. Firearm mount200, as illustrated inFIG.7, can include base mount202, track104, scope saddle106, and light projector108. Firearm mount700, as illustrated inFIG.13, can include base mount702, track704, scope saddle706, and light projector708. Track104can attach to base mount102or202, which can engage with an elongated portion of a firearm in front of firearm scope500,600, as illustrated inFIGS.4-5and10-11. Similarly, track704can attach to base mount702, which can engage with an elongated portion of a firearm in front of firearm scope800, as illustrated inFIG.14. Scope saddle106can be vertically adjustable on track104and can include a scope saddle mount, which can have angled surfaces that engage with an outer diameter of scope500,600, as illustrated inFIGS.5and11.

Additional views of the reticle leveling system are provided.FIG.2is a perspective front view of firearm mount100.FIG.3is an exploded view of firearm mount100.FIG.4is a perspective back view of firearm mount100engaged with a firearm.FIG.5is a perspective front view of firearm mount100engaged with a firearm.FIG.6is a side view of the reticle leveling system having firearm mount100engaged with a firearm and in use.FIG.8is a perspective front view of firearm mount200.FIG.9is an exploded view of firearm mount200.FIG.10is a perspective back view of firearm mount200engaged with a firearm.FIG.11is a perspective front view of firearm mount200engaged with a firearm.FIG.12is a side view of the reticle leveling system having firearm mount200engaged with a firearm and in use.FIG.14is a side view of the reticle leveling system having firearm mount700engaged with a firearm and in use.FIG.15is a perspective front view of tripod300and alignment grid400.FIG.16is a front view of alignment grid400.

Firearm mount100,200,700can generally be comprised of rigid materials such that the firearm mount cannot be folded, bent, or otherwise forced out of shape. Examples of materials used for firearm mount100,200,700include, but are not limited to, metal (for example, aluminum, steel, iron, brass, copper, etc.), plastic (for example, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, other thermoplastic polymers, etc.), high durometer rubber, and combinations thereof.

As mentioned above, the reticle leveling system can include a firearm mount having a base mount, track, scope saddle, and light projector. Additionally, the reticle leveling system can include a tripod and an alignment grid. Generally, the firearm mount can attach to an elongated portion of a firearm, such as a barrel or picatinny rail, on a front side of a scope of the firearm. The base mount and track are structured and configured to secure the firearm mount to the elongated portion of the firearm, and the scope saddle is structured and configured to align on top of the scope, thereby creating connection points on both the elongated portion and the scope. The light projector is structured and configured to shine a light through the front of the scope, thereby causing the reticle of the scope to project out of the eyepiece of the scope. The projected image of the reticle can be shown on the alignment grid, which can be attached to the top of the tripod, and the alignment grid can include cross-hatching to illustrate whether the reticle is properly aligned or not.

The firearm mount of the reticle leveling system can be compatible with multiple types of firearms. More specifically, the base mount of the firearm mount may be interchangeable with the remaining components of the firearm mount such that a first base mount is structured and configured to engage with a barrel and a second base mount is structured and configured to engage with a picatinny rail. The remaining components of the firearm mount (the track, scope saddle, and light projector) and reticle leveling system (the tripod and alignment grid) may remain consistent between embodiments and, therefore, be compatible with both the first base mount and the second base mount. Throughout this disclosure, unless otherwise noted, examples provided of the firearm mount are applicable to embodiments using either base mount.

Therefore, in one embodiment, the reticle leveling system includes firearm mount100, tripod300, and alignment grid400, as illustrated inFIG.6. In another embodiment, the reticle leveling system includes firearm mount200, tripod300, and alignment grid400, as illustrated inFIG.12. In yet another embodiment, the reticle leveling system includes firearm mount700, tripod300, and alignment grid400.

Firearm mount100, as mentioned above, can include base mount102, track104, scope saddle106, and light projector108. Similarly, firearm mount200can include base mount202, track104, scope saddle106, and light projector108, and firearm mount700can include base mount702, track704, scope saddle706, and light projector708. Base mount102,202,702can be structured and configured to mount to a firearm. Track104(or704) can be removably attached to base mount102,202(or702) and can include a level. Scope saddle106can be vertically adjustable on track104, and light projector108can be attached to the scope saddle. Alternatively, scope saddle706can be vertically adjustable on track704, and light projector708can be attached to base mount702. Generally, the rear of the various components of the firearm mount are positioned nearer to the front of the firearm while the front of each component is positioned closer to the scope of the firearm.

Base mount102may be elongated and roughly rectangular in shape, as illustrated inFIGS.1-2. A rear portion of base mount102may include rear magnet housing110having magnets112aand rear height adjustment screw114connected to the rear magnet housing. Base mount102may also include track guides116near a front portion that include embedded magnets112b.

Rear magnet housing110can be located underneath base mount102and can house magnets112a, as illustrated inFIG.2. In some embodiments, rear magnet housing110can have two sides that extend downward from base mount102and that each house magnet112aat or near their bottommost ends. Further, the two sides can splay out from each other as they extend downward such that the tops of the two sides are closer to each other than the bottoms of the two sides. In this manner, the two sides create an engagement section, or saddle, for base mount102to engage with the elongated portion of the firearm. For example, if base mount102is being mounted to a barrel, the interior faces of the two sides of rear magnet housing110can straddle and make contact with opposing sides of the barrel, as illustrated inFIG.4. Since firearm barrels are typically comprised of a metal (i.e., magnetic) material, magnets112aat or near the bottommost ends of the sides of rear magnet housing110can engage with the barrel, therefore securing base mount102on top of the barrel of the firearm. Similarly, magnets112bat near the bottommost ends of track guides116of base mount102can engage with the barrel, helping to secure the base mount on top of the barrel of the firearm.

Rear height adjustment screw114may be perpendicular to and run through elongated base mount102and connect on its bottommost end to rear magnet housing110. Adjustment screw114can be threaded, and adjustment screw receiver118of base mount102can be threaded. Bottom end of adjustment screw114may be fixed in place in rear magnet housing110. Therefore, when adjustment screw114is turned in one direction, it can cause base mount102to translate along the adjustment screw, which lifts the rear portion of the base mount up. When adjustment screw114is turned in an opposite direction, it can cause base mount102to translate along the adjustment screw in the opposite direction, which pulls the rear portion of the base mount down until it makes complete contact with the elongated portion of the firearm. At this point, the rear portion of base mount102reaches its lowest point.

As mentioned above, base mount102may also include track guides116. Track guides116, as illustrated inFIGS.1-2, can be located on opposite sides of base mount102and can have openings that engage with track104through, for example, a sliding mechanism. More specifically, and as explained in more detail below, the right and left sides of track104may include front and rear rails120,122, respectively, having gutter124in between the two rails. Additionally, each track guide116may include vertical slot126that is sized to fit rear rails122such that when the rail engages with the vertical slot, it is secured in place via a friction fit. Therefore, in use, the rear left and rear right rails122of track104can slide into vertical slots126of left and right track guides116, respectively, as illustrated inFIGS.1-2.

In some embodiments, to more securely attach track104to base mount102, the base mount may include track attachment screw128. Track attachment screw128can be horizontally and threadedly engaged with both base mount102and track104. More specifically, base mount102can include a horizontal, threaded hole in its front portion, and track can include a horizontal, threaded hole that runs from its back to its front. The horizontal, threaded hole of base mount102can align with the corresponding horizontal, threaded hole in track104when the base mount and the track are slidingly engaged, as described above and illustrated inFIG.1. To fixedly secure base mount102and track104together after they are slidingly engaged, track attachment screw128can be inserted into the threaded hole of the base mount and into the threaded hole of the track, thereby locking the two components together.

Base mount202may be roughly rectangular or square in shape, as illustrated inFIGS.7-8. The sides of base mount202may be separate components and may include aligned side clamp screw holes204that are structured and configured to engage with side clamp screw206, thereby fixing the two sides together. Bottom of base mount202may include hooked edges208that engage with the rail of a picatinny mount. Base mount202may also include track guides210near a front portion of the base mount and horizontally engaged track attachment screw212that is structured and configured to attach track104to the base mount.

In some embodiments, the sides of base mount202may be separate pieces that are structured and configured to attach to each other through the use of side clamp screw206and side pins214. More specifically, the sides can be movable relative to each other so as to adjustably increase or decrease the distance between them. In some cases, both sides are movable. In other cases, a first side may be moveable relative to a second side, and the second side can either be a single molded piece with the front of base mount202, as illustrated inFIG.9, or it can be fixedly attached to the front of the base mount.

To secure the two sides of base mount202together, first side216can include one or more side pins214that are permanently affixed to an interior face of the first side and that engage with side pin holes218in an interior face of second side220. In some embodiments, resistors222(for example, springs) may be paired with side pins214so as to resist a decrease in space when first side216moves towards second side220. In this manner, when first side216is released, resistors222may push the first side further away from second side220. To move first side216and second side220closer together, the first and second sides can have aligned side clamp screw holes204through which side clamp screw206is inserted and tightened. In some cases, side clamp screw holes204in both first and second sides216,220may be threaded. In other cases, only one side (for example, second side220) may be threaded so as to allow the other side (for example, first side216) to move more freely with side clamp screw206. The ability to adjustably increase or decrease the distance between first side216and second side220enables base mount202to securely engage with the elongated portion of the firearm using a clamping mechanism. For example, if base mount202is being mounted to a picatinny rail, side clamp screw204can first be loosened to allow first side216and second side220to span the width of the picatinny rail and can then be tightened to secure the base mount to the picatinny rail, as illustrated inFIG.10.

To further secure base mount202to the elongated portion of the firearm, the bottom of base mount may include hooked edges208, as illustrated inFIG.7. More specifically, since picatinny rails include mounting platforms having a raised platform with inward angled outer edges, hooked edges208can be structured and configured to hook around, and secure underneath, the raised platform, as illustrated inFIG.10. Therefore, hooked edges208may be shaped like a hook such that they include a bottommost portion that extends inward toward a center of base mount202. In this manner, the space between the topmost portions of left and right hooked edges208is wider than the space between the bottommost portions. In some cases, hooked edges208are part of first side116and second side220. Therefore, when first side216is tightened toward second side220, hooked edges208can slide into the open space on a picatinny rail created by the inward angled outer edges of the raised platform.

Similar to base mount102, base mount202may also include track guides210. Track guides210, as illustrated inFIGS.7-8, can be located on opposite sides of base mount202and can have openings that engage with track104through, for example, a sliding mechanism. As mentioned above, the right and left sides of track104may include front and back rails120,122having gutter124in between the two rails. And similar to base mount102, each track guide210of base mount202may include vertical slot224that is sized to fit rear rails122such that when the rail engages with the vertical slot, it is secured in place via a friction fit. Therefore, in use, the rear left and rear right rails122of track104can slide into vertical slots224of left and right track guides210, respectively, as illustrated inFIGS.7-8.

In some embodiments, to more securely attach track104to base mount202, the base mount may include track attachment screw212. Track attachment screw212can be horizontally and threadedly engaged with both base mount202and track104. More specifically, base mount202can include a horizontal, threaded hole in its front portion or along its top portion and into its front portion, and track104can include a horizontal, threaded hole that runs from its back to its front. The horizontal, threaded hole of base mount202can align with the corresponding horizontal, threaded hole in track104when the base mount and the track are slidingly engaged, as described above. To fixedly secure base mount202and track104together after they are slidingly engaged, track attachment screw212can be inserted into the threaded hole of the base mount and into the threaded hole of the track, thereby locking the two components together.

In addition to base mount102or202, firearm mount100,200can include track104. As illustrated inFIGS.1-3and7-9, track104can be roughly rectangular and, in some embodiments, the track can include level130on or near a top portion, opening132along a middle portion, and front rails120and back rails122along the right and left sides of track104, wherein the right and left sides each have gutter124in between the front and back rails. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.13, firearm mount700can include base mount702and track704, and the track can be roughly rectangular and can include level730on or near a top portion and opening732along a middle portion.

Level130of track104, and level730of track704, can be positioned horizontally along a top portion of the track such that when the base mount and the level are mounted to an elongated portion of a firearm, the level can be referenced to ensure the device is properly positioned to assist with leveling the scope of the firearm. In some embodiments, the level is a standard bubble level that is tubular, transparent, incompletely filled with a liquid so as to allow for an air bubble to be trapped, and containing two circumferential lines that indicate when the level is on a flat surface by having the air bubble aligned between them. Level130or730may be positioned on top of track104or704or it may be secured in level housing134or734on the back or front of the track and near the track's top portion, as illustrated inFIGS.1,7, and13.

Opening132of track104can be a longitudinal (for example, rectangular) gap having a width that is at least as wide as light projector108and narrower than at least a portion of scope saddle106, as illustrated inFIGS.1and7. The length or height of opening132can be approximately, or slightly less than, the distance from the horizontal, threaded hole of track104to the bottommost part of level130or level housing134, as illustrated inFIGS.4and10. The purpose of opening132is to allow light projector108to move with scope saddle106when the scope saddle is vertically adjusted to settle on scope500,600. More specifically, light projector108can be attached to a rear portion of scope saddle106by inserting through opening132. To allow for various scope heights, opening132enables scope saddle106and light projector108to remain coupled as the scope saddle moves up and down along track104.

In some embodiments, opening732of track704can be a longitudinal gap having a width that is narrower than at least a portion of scope saddle706and that can be either wider or narrower than light projector708, as illustrated inFIG.13. The length or height of opening732can be the majority, or entirety, of the height of track704. The purpose of opening732is to allow light from light projector708to shine through track704and into scope800. More specifically, light projector708can be attached to base mount702and can face toward track704such that when the light projector is activated, light from the light projector shines through opening732in the track.

As mentioned above, track104can removably attach to the base mount. For example, a rear of track104can attach to a front end of the base mount via slidable track guides that can be located on either side of the base mount. When attaching to a barrel, track104can attach to track guides116of base mount102. When attaching to a picatinny rail, track104can attach to track guides210of base mount202. In either version, track attachment screw128,212can further secure track104to the base mount.

More specifically, and as described above, to attach track104to the base mount, the track may include front rails120and rear rails122along the left and right sides of the track, as illustrated inFIGS.1and7. The rails120,122may project outward from the sides of track104such that they may be right and left extensions of the rear and front faces of the track. The rails120,122may extend along a portion of the length of track104or they may extend along the entirety of the track's length. For example, front rails120, which engage with scope saddle106, may extend from the top of the track to the bottom of opening132, and rear rails122, which engage with the base mount, may be approximately the height of the base mount starting from the bottom of the track. Alternatively, front rails120and rear rails122may extend from the top of track104all the way to the bottom. To prevent scope saddle106from sliding off the bottom of front rail120, the front rail may include stopper136. In some embodiments, the configuration of front rails120and rear rails122creates gutter124in between the two rails. Gutter124allows for the track guides and the sides of scope saddle mount138to wrap around rails120,122for a more secure attachment. Once attached, base mount102and track104may be positioned perpendicular to each other.

As mentioned above, in addition to base mount102or202and track104, firearm mount100,200can be further comprised of scope saddle106. Scope saddle106can have scope saddle mount138for interaction with the top of scope500,600of a firearm. Scope saddle106can also have scope saddle faceplate140for interaction with the front of scope500,500. Used together, scope saddle mount138and scope saddle faceplate140can help align firearm mount100,200on firearm for leveling scope500,600. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.13, firearm mount700can include base mount702, track704, and scope saddle706. Scope saddle706can have a scope saddle mount for interaction with the top of scope800of a firearm and can also have a connector for mounting to track704.

In some embodiments, scope saddle mount138can be a block having a flat top, perpendicular sides, and a triangular cutout on its bottom portion, as illustrated inFIGS.2and8, wherein the apex of the triangular cutout can be the closest portion of the cutout to the flat top and can be centered on the scope saddle mount, and angled, interior faces142of the cutout can have ribs or grip points for engagement with scope500,600of the firearm. The rear face of scope saddle mount138can have engagement hooks144with openings or slots for connecting to the front rail of track104. Therefore, a back of scope saddle106can attach to a front of track104. More specifically, as with the track guide, scope saddle mount138can include openings on opposite sides of the scope saddle mount for engaging with track104through, for example, a sliding mechanism. These openings can be vertical slots146that are sized to fit front rail120of track104such that when a front rail engages with a vertical slot, it is secured in place via a friction fit. Therefore, in use, the front left and front right rails of track104can slide into vertical slots146of left and right engagement hooks144of scope saddle mount138, respectively, as illustrated inFIGS.1and7. This configuration enables scope saddle106to be vertically adjustable on track104such that, when base mount102or202is attached to the elongated portion of firearm, the scope saddle can slide from an upper position to a lower position until it comes in contact with scope500,600of the firearm, as illustrated inFIGS.5and11.

As mentioned above, scope saddle106can also include scope saddle faceplate140, which can connect between front track104and back of scope saddle mount138. Scope saddle faceplate140can be relatively flat and can extend downward from scope saddle mount138such that it covers a lower portion of track104than the scope saddle mount does. Additionally, faceplate140can include an engagement keyhole through a center portion of the faceplate that runs from front to rear. The engagement keyhole can align with opening132in track104and is where light projector108can attach to scope saddle faceplate140. In some embodiments, scope saddle faceplate140can have a flat front face, such that when angled, interior faces142of the cutout of scope saddle mount138are in contact and engaged with scope500,600of the firearm, the scope saddle faceplate can make flush contact with the front lens of the scope.

Light projector108of firearm mount100,200can be approximately cylindrical and can include light projector focus148and ribbed collar150. Light projector focus148can both produce a light, for example, with a light bulb, as well as control the light through electronics and a focusing mechanism. For example, light projector focus148can have an on/off control to turn the light on and off and can have controls/settings to make the light brighter or dimmer. In this manner, light projector108can shine and control a light through the front of scope800and out through the back where the eyepiece is attached, thereby projecting an image of scope reticle out from the eyepiece of the firearm. Additionally, in some embodiments, light projector focus148can be rechargeable using a micro-USB cable. In addition to producing the light, light projector focus148can also focus the light through physical means such as pulling, pushing, and rotating the housing of the light projector focus.

To connect light projector focus148securely to scope saddle106, light projector108can connect to ribbed collar150using insertion means. More specifically, an interior circumference of ribbed collar150may be substantially similar but slightly larger than the exterior circumference of light projector focus148so that when the light projector focus is inserted into the ribbed collar, a friction fit is created. In another embodiment, the interior of ribbed collar150may be threaded and the exterior of the front portion of light projector focus148may be similarly threaded so as to enable a threaded connection between the ribbed collar and the light projector focus.

In some embodiments, as mentioned above, ribbed collar150of light projector108can attach to the engagement keyhole of scope saddle106through opening132in track104. Connection may be a twist lock, such that ribbed collar150has keyed projections that extend out from its circumference and the engagement keyhole may have projection keyholes through which the keyed projections can pass. Ribbed collar150can then be twisted so that the keyed projections rotate past projection keyholes and onto a ledge, thereby locking the light projector108onto scope saddle106by preventing keyed projections from unintentionally reversing direction out and away from the scope saddle.

In some embodiments, light projector708can mount directly to base mount702, as illustrated inFIG.14, and can project light through track704and into the front of scope800and out through the back where the eyepiece is attached, thereby projecting an image of scope reticle out from the eyepiece of the firearm. As illustrated inFIG.13, light projector708may attach to a rear part of base mount702and wrap up and around so that it faces toward a front of the base mount and scope800of the firearm. Base mount702may, therefore, house the electronics for controlling light projector708and may include the on/off switch.

Firearm mount, comprised of a base mount, track, scope saddle, and light projector, which can be connected to each other in the various, above-described manners, can connect to the elongated portion of a firearm such as, but not limited to, a barrel or picatinny rail. Once the firearm mount is connected, the light projector can be activated, thereby shining light through the scope of the firearm in the reverse direction (i.e., from the front of the scope out through the back where the eyepiece is attached), as illustrated inFIGS.6,12, and14. While the light can be shone on any perpendicular surface, in some embodiments, an associated tripod and alignment grid can be used for additional precision leveling.

More specifically, alignment grid400can be attached to a top of tripod300, as illustrated inFIG.15, and the tripod can be placed on the same flat work surface as the firearm to allow for consistency on leveling platforms. Alignment grid400can be oriented to face the eyepiece of the firearm and can be vertically adjusted so that it maintains the same height as the scope and eyepiece of the firearm.

In some embodiments, tripod300can include legs302and mounting receiver304, as illustrated inFIG.15. Legs302can be telescoping legs to allow for variations in height of the firearm since it can be mounted to vises and/or working tools of different dimensions. The adjustability of legs302can also help level mounting receiver304so that it does not tilt in any one direction. Mounting receiver304can be ball joint306with male connector308and side mounted set screw310for adjusting the ball joint, and the ball joint can comprise a ball in a ball housing, wherein the ball housing mostly or completely encompasses the ball. To hold the ball in place within the ball housing, side mounted set screw310can insert through the housing and apply pressure directly against the ball within the ball housing. Therefore, the housing may have a threaded hole so that side mounted set screw310, which can also be threaded, can effectively lock in place. Projecting from a surface of the ball out from the ball housing may be male connector308, which may be a screw or other threaded or partially threaded protrusion. It is male connector308that can engage with alignment grid400.

Alignment grid400can be rectangular with front and back flat faces402, and either or both faces can include a cross-hatching pattern, as illustrated inFIG.16. The cross-hatching pattern on front and/or back flat faces402of alignment grid400can be colored, for example red or any other non-black color, to differentiate the grid from the reticle projection, which is typically black. Alignment grid400can also include level404and female connector406, as illustrated inFIG.16, that can be compatible with male connector308of tripod300. Level404can be located at a top portion of alignment grid400either on the top surface of the alignment grid or connected on a face of the alignment grid near the top surface, and female connector406can be located at bottom of alignment grid400. To be compatible with male connector308if the connector is a threaded screw or other type of threaded or partially threaded projection, female connector406may have internal threading.

Therefore, when male connector of tripod300and female connector406of alignment grid400are threadedly connected, the alignment grid can be leveled through adjustment of ball joint306and the accuracy of the level can be confirmed through the use of level404. More specifically, side mounted set screw310can be loosened to allow movement of ball joint306and alignment grid400(due to the connection between male connector308and female connector406). Alignment grid400can be moved forward, backward, or twisted until front or back flat face402is level and facing the firearm. Side mounted set screw310can then be tightened to lock ball joint306and alignment grid400in place. Prior to leveling alignment grid400, and as mentioned above, tripod legs302can be extended or retracted to position alignment grid400within the light projected from light projector108. Therefore, between the height adjustment of tripod legs302and the leveling features such as ball joint306of mounting receiver304and level404, the combined tripod300and alignment grid400can be positioned directly behind firearm and in the stream of light from light projector108.

In an example use case, an individual can attach track104to base mount102or202by sliding the left and right rear track rails122into vertical slots126or224of the base mount. Base mount102or202can then be secured to an elongated portion of a firearm in front of firearm scope500,600. For example, base mount102can be secured to a barrel using a magnetized engagement between the barrel and pairs of magnets112a,112bin rear magnet housing and track guides. In another example, base mount202can be secured to a picatinny rail using a mechanical engagement between side clamp screw206and the picatinny rail, wherein the side clamp screw pulls together two opposing sides of the base mount to secure the base mount to the rail. In some embodiments, prior to or after securing base mount102or202to the firearm, the firearm can be leveled using level130attached to a top of track104. Once base mount102or202is secured to the firearm, scope saddle106can be lowered along track104until angled, interior faces142of scope saddle mount138engage an outer diameter of scope500,600of the firearm, thereby aligning light projector108with the front of the scope. The individual can then activate light projector108, which may be attached to scope saddle106and aligned with a front of scope500,600of the firearm, in order to project an image of a scope reticle out through an eyepiece of the scope. In some embodiments, light projector108can include light projector focus148and ribbed collar150, wherein the ribbed collar attaches to scope saddle106and wherein the angle of light projected through the eyepiece of scope500,600can be adjusted by pushing, pulling, and rotating the light projector focus.

To set up the rest of the reticle leveling system, the individual can attach alignment grid400to a top of tripod300and level the alignment grid by referencing level404near a top of the alignment grid and using the features described above. In addition to leveling alignment grid400, the individual can align the image of the scope reticle on front or back flat face402of the alignment grid and rotate the scope to match the reticle lines of the scope with the graph lines on the face. More specifically, the reticle lines of the scope are aligned with the graph lines on front or back flat face402when they overlay each other. Once the reticle lines of the scope are aligned with the graph lines on front or back flat face402, the individual can tighten the scope rings and lock the leveled scope in place.

Persons of ordinary skill in arts relevant to this disclosure and subject matter hereof will recognize that embodiments may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described by example or otherwise contemplated herein. Embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of ways in which various features may be combined and/or arranged. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted. Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended. Furthermore, it is intended also to include features of a claim in any other independent claim even if this claim is not directly made dependent to the independent claim.