Canted Optics (rail/receiver/mount)

I just got a new NC Star 3-9x42 scope for my Bulgarian 74 build and when I mounted it I noticed that due to a mounting issue the cross hairs are not level but slightly canted to the left.

I have looked the situation over and noticed a few things.

1) I used my callipers as a sort of framers square and it showed that my home built receiver on the 74 is a little out of square and contributing to the cant by about a half a millimeter. I don't understand why the receiver is wonky because both trunions and the center support are mounted properly and tight.

2) The AK style scope mount I bought from Kalinka is contributing about another millimeter to the canting problem by not being a "perfect" right angle.

I double checked these findings by using my factory PSL as a comparison. When I mount my Russian 2 x 24 scope on the PSL it is slightly off center of bore (which is apparently normal) but perfectly level with no canting. I have sighted these two in and they work together fine.

So I checked the NC Star scope attached to the Kalinka mount on my PSL and there was a slight canting.

I mounted my Russian 2x24 scope to my Bulgarian 74 and there was some very slight canting.

So my overall question is, can a scope be sighted in with the way things are according to my 74, or will I need to address/correct either or both of these issues causing the canting..?

I know from experience that a scope being mounted off center of bore is apparently no big deal. So is this extra canting issue any different..? Other than not being able to use the bullet drop ticks marked on the cross hairs of the lens, is there anything else I should be made aware of.

Not to be a dumbass . . . but I have to ask. Does your NcStar have an built in mount, or does it mount with rings. If rings, can't you just loosen the rings and turn the scope?

Not a dumb ass question at all, as a matter of fact it is usually these types of questions that solve the most complex of issues...

But to answer your question, no it is not a ring mounted scope, it is a built in quick release system. Which is really kind of redundant when you consider that I am mounting it to a "quick release" AK scope rail mounting system. But hey, I didn't design the darn thing I just bought what works together.

Any ideas on rather this will affect my sighting or zeroing..?

Not to be a dumbass . . . but I have to ask. Does your NcStar have an built in mount, or does it mount with rings. If rings, can't you just loosen the rings and turn the scope?

If it is canted it will only be on at your zero'd setting. The erector will travel
in a non vertical line. Same if the whole scope is canted to the bore. If you
roll the gun right or left the arc of the bullet is still vertical but the scope is running a slightly horizontal arc.

I was switching a cheep red dot from one rifle to the other this morning and noticed that the "locking plate" (?) was not symmetrical. I flipped it and it *looked* like it changed the cant on the optic, but seeing as how it's a red dot scope, I could not tell for sure.

Figured it out, it is the receiver not being square that is causing the problem.

I mounted the complete set up to my new Saiga and it is dead on level and perfect.

I guess I need to bend a new flat for my 74 taking my time being more careful.