Scope Mounting Myths - BUSTED!

[@ThePatriotParadox]

LMAO, as a Marine "vet" (whom usually takes the brunt most the time) when you said "I'm not a Navy SEAL, so I don't like to talk about myself" I laughed and hit that like button!

[@GotChrist60]

I concur from BUD/S 111. NAVSPECHOLLYWOOD needs to shut up, be humble and quiet. Way too much youtubing. Great video...

[@yahusrevus]

In MY opinion, your 20 MOA rail explanation was "perfect". I found it both understandable a accurate (no pun intended). Hopefully, it helped a lot of people out as I think it may be one of the most misunderstood concepts I see in optics mounting.

[@heatherrigby7371]

Hi and I want to say that I have a great deal of respect for your Knowledge and Experience. I have recently purchased a brand new wheeler scope leveling tool. My Father a mechanic by trade that could build houses or do pretty much anything that required intelligence and ambition, taught me a very valuable lesson about buying and testing levels (in fact I remember feeling uncomfortable while he was telling the hardware store owner that he only had one level in the store that was actually level and plum. I would have been about 6 yrs old). The way you prove That a level is actually level is to find a surface that is very very close to level and flat that has position repeatability (lines and edges that are perpendicular to each other). Place the level on the surface and pay an extreme amount of attention to the bubbles position left to right and swing the level 180 degrees to the exact same spot and see if the level bubble placement lands in the exact same spot (If the bubble has shifted the level has error in it my friend). I hope that you double check your levels and then I can tell you how to make them work accurately even though they have error. Thanks for the Brilliant content and information. Thanks again Donnie

[@BootStrapTurnerVideography]

Found this 6 months later than when you posted it, but timely information for a new build. Most appreciated!

[@TheMotorcycleBoss]

"I don't like to talk about myself".... proceeds to talk about himself lol. Just poking at you. Great content bro.

[@rebel1988yota]

After listening to the first three to four minutes......this is the first thought I had. LOL The problem with youtube....is folks don't just get to the point. I don't have all day to listen to you all.....just want to learn something and move on. Good video once you got to the point.

[@alphasolutions2325]

I was considering mounting my Leupold Mk-5 to a slightly canted Sig Cross in order to create a custom fit to the most natural/comfortable cheek weld.... Your education on the MOA rail likely saved me a lot of future frustration....

[@diamondheat9]

I watched hours and hours of videos and Brownell just released a video saying the same info in this video. That set me on the right path and now I discovered this video. Planning to mount my scope next week

[@kellyreid8230]

Slightly canted Sig Cross? Do you mean your natural rifle positioning? Thanks

[@carlosdaniels9515]

The fact that you're aware of your shortcomings is all that I needed to hear . SUBSCRIBED.

[@zacharyolds1639]

Snag a few stabila levels for the next one

[@Aztal]

So I am a Tool and Die maker, Hitting .0001 of an inch on a CNC is much harder to do than you think, there is also the fitup between the male and female screws, on top of the other surfaces that need to be machined, each one of those things has a tolerance and they stack. A bubble level isn't super precise in the world of machining either, they make specialty machinist levels that are far more accurate. I am not arguing that this isn't the best way to do it, because that is outside my wheelhouse, I don't level scopes professionally, even if this is the best way of doing it though, there will be error.

[@paramounttactical]

I don’t disagree with any of that but with multimillion dollar companies that have decent QC processes in place, the surfaces are flat, level and parallel within a tolerance more than adequate to level the scope. And you’re right bubble levels are not that accurate and that is what you use to level. My point is the surfaces are WAY more accurate than the levels. To properly level a scope we need to get within less than 1 degree. The accuracy of the surfaces even with all tolerances and imperfections stacked will not hold us back from achieving that. Thanks for watching and I appreciate your thoughtful input and experience! -Gary

[@Aztal]

@@paramounttactical yes sir, keep up the great information!

[@a.c.e.7568]

Excellent and very straight forward! Personally, I love the math involved as this level is a walk in the park. I am really enjoying getting back into being on the range. Being someone that ran an electrical standards lab (defense), I always question my measurements.

[@Wk-is8eh]

I've found that using a flat steel ruler is even easier than using the wheeler levels. Just get the scope somewhat snug in the rings so it will only rotate with some force applied to it, then rest one edge of the ruler on your pic rail while lifting the other edge to contact the flat bottom of your scope tube. It's super fast and as long as you use a good quality ruler like a Starrett your scope will be perfectly level.

[@paramounttactical]

🤔 pretty smart. I can’t think of a reason that wouldn’t work for mounting in rings. Probably wouldn’t work on most mounts given they don’t typically have flats below turret housing but for rings it’s quite brilliant. Thanks for sharing and watching! I might have to do a video on that and I’ll be sure to give you credit. This channel is meant to be a community and sharing info like this is what makes us all better! Thanks, Gary

[@martyhare9819]

Gary, I just recently discovered your videos/channel and am favorably impressed - not only with the information you present, but perhaps especially with the quality of your presentation. This is yet another excellent instructional video and is very valuable to those of us intent on “getting it right”. Hooo-ah!

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks Marty, that means a lot! I’m glad you found us and appreciate your kind words. Hope to see you in the comments often. Join us on Fridays for our livestreams! -Gary

[@zestaff]

@@paramounttactical Can only agree here !! Many thanks for your insights!

[@heyjohnson5535]

I legit was writing a comment on your how to video that my gun would crack a groundhog out to 400 yards no problem but past that im way off and i had no clue what was going on until i watched your how to video for mounting and your long target. I never had a target explained the way u did in that video which opened my eyes. Since i was a kid we always checked to make sure everything was zeroed a inch high at 100 but never once did i see a long target used the way u explained. Im pumped i believe u have changed my game 100%. Every scope ive had put on in the last 30 years is about to get long targeted. But honetly we always used 2nd fp i been using ffp for last couple years on my newer guns and im loving them. With this information it will sure clean up my groundhog percentage past 600. It always took 3 or 4 to get on target if it didnt run by then just assumed it was wind out at distance but now i understand thank u. This just kinda cemented everything from the part 1 and part 2 videos. So glad i humbled myself into watching them. Really appriciate u taking the time to explain all of this to us for free. I bought your scope mounting kit a couple scopes ago but i never watched part 2 til recently. Prob be trying the long target out tmrw if i can find them somewhere if not ill make one but regardless this is happening tmrw. After i set my scope up tonight.

[@davidsalsedo]

Great presentation. I think that a canted scope poses problems as detailed in the scope erector illustration even with a zero rail/base but only at noticeable distance when substantially elevating. Bravo on the excellent presentation.

[@ShaggyPWN]

Thanks for all these videos, very informative! I'm a former US Army Sapper myself, so I know CQB well enough. Precision long range shooting? Not so much. I've got alot to learn, and it's great to be able to hear it from a subject matter expert.

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks for your service and thanks for watching! 👊🇺🇸-Gary

[@Alfs_Armory]

Essayons

[@ShaggyPWN]

Essayons!

[@williamwebb442]

Great video, my takeaway, always verify my mounting work and the scope quality by shooting a turret tracking test no matter what mounting method is used. With your mounting method, I might be tempted to attach the ant-cant bubble while the scope is off the rifle sitting square on it’s bottom turret housing on a level surface if it balanced well.

[@paramounttactical]

Couldn’t have said it better! Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@dougkahler7152]

Dude I thought I knew a lot about mounting scopes ! Your videos have shown me I’m ignorant and need you to come to SD and teach me! I love your videos. Your last video on mounting scopes is exactly how I’ve been mounting them for years. But now after this video I realize I know very little. I’d love you to come to my area and give a class for a few days and mount scopes for long range work. Then let’s shoot them and prove out you concepts. I need more of your knowledge please.

[@frankcesaro6778]

Much respect for a great video. Its not often that I come across a video that's truly useful. Ive been shooting and hunting for over 40 years and have seen many changes in the industry over that time. You provided one of the best informative and instructional videos I have every viewed. It shows that you enjoy what you do. Thanks for your service and last like you I dont like trolls who know less than nothing and act like clowns. Just keyboard warriors hiding behind a computer screen where they dont have to answer for their actions.

[@qh4007]

Mounted My Arken EP5 and followed your video. Went to range and at 100 yrds. After zero averaged sub .5 MIN. ON Every grouping. Using Budget build Axis 2 precision. I will always mount my scopes with your method from now on. Ive shot this 6.5 creedmoor to 1120yrds at a 30" gong.

[@paramounttactical]

That makes me happy to hear man! 👊🇺🇸 I appreciate you sharing! -Gary

[@qh4007]

I've now shot this rifle to 170​@paraounttactical

[@qh4007]

​@@paramounttacticalive now sot this rifle too 1760 I did have to solidify my pic rail reset scope like you said before that

[@MasterEngraverTV]

I love being proven wrong. It’s a chance to learn something new and possibly improve my methods. I criticized you for using turrets in a previous video. I’m glad you took time to respond and steer me towards this follow-up. I spent time to make a special flat bar with an accurate bubble level glued on one end specifically to measure off the bottom of scope body rather than the cap. I did I because I’ve seen caps that were not level depending on orientation. Bear in mind this observation goes back to older scopes. (And likely cheaper hunting scopes) Based on the fact that you, without doubt, have mounted far more scopes than I have and have a better data set, I may change my methods. It’s darn sure faster off the turret. From here out I’ll save the flat bar for a final verification. Proof is in the pudding. If it works it works. I suppose the main takeaway is to fully understand what we are trying to achieve and use every method at our disposal to both mount and verify our work. Thanks again for the content, for calling me out, and thanks even more for taking the time to do this. I’m 55 and headstrong but not so much that I can’t change my mind based on observation or new information. If a day goes by that I don’t learn something new, then that was a wasted day.

[@mikelastpass689]

There's a lot to take in & I appreciate you taking the time to explain it all. What I discovered recently is a jig you slide between the rail & bottom of the scope& when fully forward creates a perfectly level scope. It's all about geometry (in my mind anyway😁) Not sure if you've seen or had chance to use one.

[@stevehommes3087]

New here. I was actually researching new scopes for my crossbow and came about your channel. I watched the one on leveling the gun and mounting the scope to be level to the gun. Being a lifetime engineer this makes total sense. Thanks for sharing your experience in our armed forces and thank you for your service! Keep up the great videos to help us all become better marksmen/markswomen, both on the range, self-defense, and ethical harvesting of our game.

[@paramounttactical]

Glad you found us Steve! Welcome to the Paramount family! We look forward to seeing you in the comments often. Make sure to join us live on Fridays! If you ever have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me either on here or via email. Thanks, Gary

[@nic22m]

How satisfying it was to finally have someone addressing these Myths! Most people “know” stuff without understanding the why and how behind… Specially the canted scope on the rifle, like Hodnett said “it must be level to the world” but again, understand why and how makes you realize the added variant of a moa rail in the equation. Just discovered your channel! You got me subscribed and will definitely be looking forward for your content! Ps. Here the saying is, how do you know if a guy is a sniper… don’t worry he will tell you! 😂 Nice video! Cheers! 🇨🇦

[@stevenbossler9950]

1st off …. Thank You For Your Service Brother 2nd … I am a long range shooter as well and I agree on 100% of everything you discussed in your video. Nice Job!!

[@turq57nomad]

“I’m not a seal, I don’t like to talk about myself” hahahahahha!

[@paramounttactical]

I threw that in for you Chuck. Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@mattedwards4533]

I like your video. You covered setting up a scope well. Straight and level and you have no problems.

[@lylegalloway8203]

Great information, so many people don't know you can place a small piece of a mirror on the front of their scope [this will give a reflection of the reticle] to check the reticle inside the scope, this will tell if the reticle is centered up-down -left-right..

[@paramounttactical]

You absolutely can but that only tells you so much. People also tend to adjust their guns to make the reticle plumb. Just bc your reticle is plumb in the mirror, doesn’t mean your optic is plumb to the gun, or the reticle is plumb to the optic. It all matters. How you mount a scope is ultimately irrelevant. What is important is to test and the only way to confirm all the above (or diagnose issues) is to shoot a tall target test. If you don’t confirm on a tall target, you’re just assuming you’re good. Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@hendrikkiliaan7639]

Thank you for this lecture! I never was aware of it. I followed your instructions and made the necessary corrections. I also used a bubble level that fastens to the rail.

[@cameronfleetmartinette9957]

i was already familiar with the information but, i really enjoyed the way you came across putting it out there. will be checking out more info from you for sure. thanks

[@james-heatherbailey5530]

This guy has a straight up no BS policy 😂 love it!

[@theoverwatch23-10]

I have to admit I was critical of your video. Turns out I have a scope and the turret is not level. It has a screw right in the center of the turret cap. I use levels and the plumb method combined as I am a little ocd about this topic. Awesome job my friend and awesome video.

[@buddy22801012]

Excellent video. I experienced the same problem but with a red dot mounted on the right side of a scope. The shooter next to me couldn’t manage to zero his red dot for elevation or windage. Since it was a dot there was no way to see if he was holding parallel on target since the red dot was side mounted at around 45 degrees. Every time he changed windage his height also changed. I noticed him becoming extremely annoyed. So I explained it in similar fashion.

[@TheMrMused]

Fantastic content! While most people are out there just offering opinions, Gary's out here offering opinions backed by experience and backing it with solid, logical, testable, repeatable explanations. To go beyond that 80% most people can get to, it all comes down to the details - and Gary plainly identifies and explains why those details are so important. Doesn't matter if you're shooting competitively, hunting, or just enjoying some alone time on a range while honing your proficiency.

[@paramounttactical]

Thank you. I really appreciate your kind words. I avoided the entire KZbin world for a long time because I didn’t want to be associated with the silliness that makes up 90% of the channels with firearm content. When I made the decision to do YT I wanted to be different and focus on what I believed matters and do it with integrity, not focusing on views or subscribers. Hopefully we’ll continue to grow and be successful but either way, I’ll still be able to look myself in the mirror. Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@mikewithers299]

​@paramounttactical I totally agree with your thoughts on YT and those on it. I used to think the same thing a few years ago, but thanks to guys like you and others who actually know what they're talking about, I now come to them for correct information. Thank for your service to our country and to this platform. You are a valuable asset

[@IsaiahChapter53isAboutJesus]

I'm glad you made this video because I leveled the rifle with a magwell vice with some wobble. Hence, it appears my cross hairs are very close to being verticle to plumb Bob, but mr Bob shows some error.

[@johnknorr1140]

Good video I actually thinking about remounting my scope with a rail on my Remington 700 tactical 308 and I was debating whether to go with a zero MOA or a 20 MOA very informative. I’ll try to do my best and go with your advice. Thank you.

[@paramounttactical]

@@johnknorr1140 if you do, here’s my updated complete guide to scope mounting. Part II is on the channel as well. How To Mount A Scope The Right Way - Precision Scope Mounting - Part 1 of 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXibdJaeh76fetk

[@Mechveteran011]

​@paramounttactical you posted this a year ago and you're still responding to your viewers to help them. Between the excellent quality of this video and what I just said you've quickly earned another subscriber sir. I hope all is well on your end in these troubling times, thank you for the great video

[@101evo]

Thank you for this video. I am in first grade compared to your ability's and just getting into air rifles at age 70 but your information is priceless even for me.

[@paramounttactical]

That's awesome to hear! Glad you found us! Make sure and join us on Wednesdays for our live podcast at 7pm ET. Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@billleung956]

I am impressed with your level of competency and knowledge, and communication skill.

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks Bill, and thanks for watching! -Gary

[@dionegz40]

Thank you, I would have been lost without this video!

[@CarlMitchell-oy3ly]

Sound, solid advice. Thanks for your time.

[@claudiadavis2655]

I should’ve watched the whole video before commenting because you touched on exactly what I was trying to say, and I have seen over the years

[@bobjones5624]

Never heard of the scope internals like you explained SF - FANTASTIC💥‼️‼️‼️💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯🇺🇸

[@jakesnizzle9385]

I always appreciate the information you drop on us. Your LPVO mounting video was the one that had me subscribe.

[@geremypelleran8487]

Quickest and easiest why to mount any scope is to know the distance between the flat of the bottom of the scope and the top of the rail and use a gage block stack up of that number between the bottom of the scope and top of the rail and tighten the rings. Your scope will be square to the rail and won’t can’t as you took up the space with the gage blocks. Remove the blocks and you are done

[@paramounttactical]

That’s fine but doesn’t address mounting using 1 piece mounts. I’ve also seen many optics mounted using that method out of plumb. Fact is all methods have plenty of room for error. Unless you test/verify by shooting a tall you’re operating on hope and nothing more. Thanks for watching. -Gary

[@geremypelleran8487]

@@paramounttactical sorry I watched two of your videos and meant to post to the scope mounting video, I mean no disrespect and you are right there’s error in everything. I just like using the bottom of the scope as it’s 98% flat. The problem with bubble leveling is there is 1/16” drop of error in the bubble level if there is any space between the line and bubble. Even my precision level has a small space.

[@paramounttactical]

@@geremypelleran8487 lol no disrespect perceived. Just discussing. I try to reply to as many comments as possible so my replies are usually short and blunt. It’s an efficiency thing not being rude or meaning to come across sounding irritated. Thanks for watching and I always enjoy discussions nerding out on technical details. Thanks, Gary

[@carfvallrightsreservedwith6649]

Only knew about tall target test as a way to determine velocity w/o a chrono and verify turret tracking accuracy (e.g., how true the MOA/MIL is). This knowledge of erector being square internally vs thinking environmental conditions causing POI being from where doped had my mind going WHOA! That's it! I'm a Subscriber! I do overkill scope mounting with Wheelers Pro kit and ARISAKA leveling tool, and only have one 20 MOA rail that will get this new info treatment Thanks.

[@jonathanmarshman1449]

Just found your channel and I’m glad I did. I’m just getting in to long distance shooting and your vids are way helpful. Thank you for your service and your info.

[@CanadaGunTube]

Just sent my PST to Vortex. Thanks for making this video, I also have a dozen levels and obsess over perfection.

[@deje7227]

I love this guy!! Oh man! Finally! Someone that's f'n real about his sheott!! Thank you!

[@somedude5713]

I have recently been a proponent of the plumb bob method, and I still think it's valuable to do, but you opened my eyes to also make sure the turret is level at the same time. I never thought about the reticle possibly being canted within the scope. I typically use my thickest feeler gauge canted to square the bottom of the scope to the rail. A parallel bar may be better, how do you feel about that method, seems simpler, faster, more reliable and according to your view of modern machined surfaces, perfectly viable.

[@paramounttactical]

I actually like that method. I think it’s solid and better than the Ariska or Spuhr wedge. That would work great with rings but with most mounts you don’t have a flat surface under the turret housing. As for plumb bob, I think it’s great to use to check your reticle after you’ve leveled the scope but ultimately method or HOW you level doesn’t matter. They all can work and all have room for mistakes both human and mechanical. What really matters is verification which no one does. Everyone’s living on faith. If you don’t shoot a tall target test then you don’t really know if your scope is mounted correctly, if your reticle is plumb inside the optic, or if it’s tracking correctly. Thanks for watching and I enjoy having these discussions. Make sure to join us live on Wednesdays for our Dangerous Liberty Podcast. -Gary

[@somedude5713]

@@paramounttactical ya you are right, it would only work with a rail.

[@terryhunt4324]

That gives me a great idea. At least for rail mounted scopes. Use a precision adjustable parallel between the scope bottom and rail. Should be almost guaranteed to be parallel or level scope to rail correct?

[@mrjeffjob]

I use the Arisaka wedge on rails but then I had a rifle I wanted to use the two piece ring bases on. So I got out a rail I wasn’t using, attached a ring to it, placed the scope in the ring , leveled it and very GENTLY snugged two of the screws. Just enough to keep the scope from rotating. Then removed it from the rail and attached it to the front base after placing the rear ring onto the rear base. Torqued everything down and all was well. Never an issue

[@willsharphomes]

Great video, very thorough explanations! I understood the basics of what you talked about prior to watching the video, but now I understand it more in depth of the what and why.

[@hashtagjustadad5110]

Thanks for the info. I am new to scopes and this definitely is good to know. I did use the turrets to mount my scope and i was very cautious to make sure the scope was level with a level.

[@myprivatewar]

I dont freakin know ANYTHING lol. Im just getting started. I believe i'll follow your teaching. Thank you. 🙏🏻🇺🇸💪🏻

[@hiltonmcconnell2563]

Great video, glad you ok the plum bob at the end, as that is what I use. I make sure my rifle is level and solid, then use the plum bob. But I seldom shoot more than a hundred yards. At 75 that is far enough to have some fun, and can not afford top notch equipment on a pension. Got my first rifle when I was 11 years old, so have been shooting for some time. I always shot open sights, till my eyes got not so good, and now not shooting as good with a scope as I did with open sights, getting a bit frustrating.

[@garrettleach1311]

Awesome vid! New to your channel and precision shooting and you have been my guide! Question though, won’t canting the rifle with even a 0 moa rail cause wind age/elevation dialing issues since you will at some point have to dial for elevation and holding the rifle sideways will no longer put the scope directly over the center of the barrel and your cross point of scope and bullet trajectory will crossed horizontally and vertically? For example if you hold your rifle 45 deg, in order for the scope to cross the bullets path you will have to dial to the right and down and the further you look in the scope the further to the right the scopes trajectory is from the bullets path so you have to dial left and down to adjust for further distances? So sorry for the poorly worded explanation, this is something I have been thinking about for a while and wanted to pick your brain in case I am way off Thanks!!

[@paramounttactical]

Yes, chanting the rifle with 0 MOA once the optic is attached will cause variation. If you install the optic slightly canted and level the optic, causing the rifle to be canted with optic level, will cause little to no impact variation. The optic being level is what matters the most. Optimally the optic and the rifle are on the same plane.

[@judelarkin2883]

A quick tip. You can check any level on a surface that is not necessarily level. Set the level on the surface. Check where the bubble is. The bubble can be anywhere as long as it isn’t maxed out to one side. Then turn the level 180 degrees and set it in the same place. If the bubble is the same the level is good. If it is different there is a problem with the level.

[@paramounttactical]

Yep. Not sure if I covered that in this video but have definitely covered that in several videos in the past and even have some shorts with that. Always good info to post though. Thanks for sharing! -Gary

[@paramounttactical]

How to Know Your Level Is Level kzbin.infoQo2YoI2ny80?feature=share

[@judelarkin2883]

@@paramounttactical there it is. 👍

[@johnkissam8312]

Best training available is SF. Details are everything. Precision and accuracy in training is a force multiplier. Had an opportunity to get some training from 5th SF Group at Nha Thrang, RVN. Absolutely the most thorough and best available. Land nav, patrolling, how to call arty and tac air, and leadership. Graduation was taking turns leading a small team, under SF supervision in Indian Territory. Best experience, best training, 100% useful.

[@paramounttactical]

Yes sir. When you put that tab and beret on you’re walking in the shoes of giants. I always keep that in mind and hope I’m doing justice to those before me. Thanks for watching! 🇺🇸 -Gary

[@johnkissam8312]

@@paramounttactical Don’t no if my first reply was sent. Every lesson learned was at a price. Those people were all about teaching. Clarity and precision; always checking for understanding. No b.s. I knew most of them were MACV-SOG and worked out of a CCN, A camp at Dak Pek in the tri-border. I wasn’t SF but worked with some of them in various projects. Liked how they worked. Never had a publicist OPCON to a team like the Water Dogs ! 😂

[@peterk8909]

With knowledge comes a responsibility to share that knowledge. Addressing shortcomings becomes important because we learn from our mistakes while learning little from our success. Liked & subbed.

[@w.t.pstandforyourlife.5639]

Thank you for your service brother I love you brother thank you bro.

[@andrewfernandez8330]

Ive also used multiple methods and tools, all capable in the right hands. However ive adopted using the wedge tools that make the rail and turret housing parallel. There are combinations of rails and Scopes that don't lend themselves to this method but generally it works for most set ups, I don't know of any reason why this doesn't work properly so if you have any input I'd appreciate it.

[@roblindberg9339]

Very informative and very interesting. What you say makes sense. Would like to talk to you more about this

[@codya5333]

Great information. Good to know I have been doing it right.

[@mckimmym]

Leveling to the rail. I did not consider that one and took it for granted that my rail will be level to my action. I need to go back and confirm. Thanks!

[@amadomata459]

Thank you for the informative video. I thank you for your service and sacrifice. Best to you.

[@FourT6and22]

Solid info, thanks. What about height over bore? Does mounting scope higher or lower matter?

[@carfvallrightsreservedwith6649]

The higher a scope is mounted the less elevation adjustment is available. More critical for long range work (e.g., 600 yds +). Also high mounting can interfere with a good consistent cheek weld. Removable cheek risers will help obtain a good cheek weld and you don't have to drill through the buttstock.

[@ricksargent8754]

Great explanation and easy to understand. Wondering if a digital level would be any better.

[@paramounttactical]

I think with a good digital level it most likely would be better.

[@backwardog1]

Crystal clear. Excellent illustration. Suggestion for content: A cost effective DIY accurate DMR setup AR10 build that can double for a hunting rifle. You assemble it and shoot it 800+ yards.

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks for your kind words. It’s appreciated. That is a great suggestion. I’m putting that on my video to do list! Thanks, Gary

[@backwardog1]

@@paramounttactical reviewing your info as tune up to mount a Arken SH4 gen2 on AR10 with 20 moa mount. Very on point to get it right the first time. Per your suggestions gotta purchase some more mounting tools. Nothing is better than using the right tools for the job.

[@paramounttactical]

@@backwardog1 we try to make things easy. Here’s all my recommendations in one kit. paramounttactical.com/product/scope-mounting-bundle/

[@kellyreid8230]

Great insightful information. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

[@frankglascock1662]

I love your videos. I bought my first scope based partly on a review you did comparing the Atacr 5-25x56mm to the Zero Compromise scope. I was wondering how the heck am I going to mount this sucker when I saw your scope mounting video. It was exactly what I needed. I also watched your scope mounting myth busters video. It was great. My wife says your arms are too big. I have two children. The reality is if I looked like you, I would have 15.

[@paramounttactical]

😂 Glad you found us! Welcome to the Paramount Family!

[@keithrush4168]

Good evening Gary! Discovered your channel yesterday. Awesome videos. I’m currently setting up a PCP air rifle for bench rest shooting. I have a Valdada Crusader-2 FFP scope I am trying to get mounted. Never had an issue mounting a scope until now. Watched this video and your scope mounting one to see if I’m missing something. So this evening I took off the scope to start over. I have a Tipton best bench gun vise and I’m also using the Wheeler scope leveling kit. Just like in your video, I have the gun level in both axis, before putting on the the barrel level. After double checking multiple times, the gun is perfectly leveled and secure. Before placing the scope in the rings, I made sure the countertop is flat and level, and set the scope down on the counter to check the turret level and the cross hair. Everything is perfect. Now here is where it gets interesting. Once I place the scope in the rings, and level the scope with the same reference level from the Wheeler set, and then look through the scope, the vertical cross hair is canted and pointed to approximately the 350 degree mark if you were looking at a compass rose. Mind you the level is on the elevation turret and is completely level. Makes zero since to me!! The only way I can get the cross hair squared is to turn the scope which then puts the turret not level and I have to use a laser line on the wall to get the cross hair squared to a leveled gun in both axis. Any input would greatly be appreciated!! Keith

[@paramounttactical]

The reticle isn’t plumb inside. Happens quite a bit especially in sub $1K optic. You need to get it replaced.

[@keithrush4168]

@@paramounttactical But this is the strange part. With the scope setting on the counter, which I verified flat and level, and then placing the level on top of it, the cross hair is completely square and plumb. It only changes when put in the scope rings. I hope it’s not the internals. This Valdada is a $3800 scope!

[@paramounttactical]

@@keithrush4168 🤔 that doesn’t make sense. Did you check your level? Put it in one spot the turn it 180 degrees. Does level read the same both ways?

[@keithrush4168]

@@paramounttactical I know. I’m completely baffled! Using the Wheeler level, just checked both ways on the counter. I’m using our island counter, which is quartz, so about as flat as you can be. I’ve got the scope base flat on the counter and have my laser level shining on the wall. The cross hair matches perfect. By the way, THANK YOU, for your service time. I’m an O4 in the Navy and just over 28 years. Almost finished. Can’t wait!!

[@paramounttactical]

@@keithrush4168 thank you for your service as well. So when it’s on the counter which you confirmed level, you confirm the turret is level and confirm reticle is level using your laser? And it’s good? Then you put in mount, confirm optic is level with with level on turret, and then use laser to check reticle and the reticle is not plumb?

[@jtmcfarland3512]

I’m your previous video you recommended the Wheeler scope leveling kit. How did that stack up to your machinist level? Was it exact or off just a little? I have been a skeptic of using scope caps but you may have made a believer out of me.

[@paramounttactical]

You can check to see if your scope cap is parallel to the bottom of your turret housing by putting the turret housing bottom on a surface you’ve confirmed to be level then placing your level on the turret housing. If it’s not level you can turn your turret until the level is indicating level. It is very rare but it does happen that turret cap isn’t parallel/level with the bottom. Regarding the wheeler level compared to my machinist level it’s a moot point because the wheeler level has set screws that allow you to adjust. 90% come extremely level and accurate but I have seen one out of spec. You simply check it by ensuring it reads levels then turn it 180 and ensure it reads the same on the other side. If it doesn’t, adjust until is does. Hopefully that makes sense. Thanks for watching and great question! -Gary

[@IsaiahChapter53isAboutJesus]

On an AR, can one level the scope using just the upper receiver without using the lower receiver? I'm strongly assuming yes, but I wouldn't be totally surprised if I was wrong.

[@paramounttactical]

@@IsaiahChapter53isAboutJesus absolutely you can.

[@andsie-fe9gg]

Nice information. Not an easy subject to explain. When you said elevation becomes windage and windage becomes elevation I got slightly confused until you clarified it a few moments later. Maybe saying windage ends up becomes windage and elevation in this situation. Overall, you explained it wonderfully

[@Captainfactor]

Good stuff. Makes total sense. Thanks man!

[@WvMnts]

Thank You Gary!! Great Info.. Opened my eyes on a lot. I didn’t think a bubble level could be off much. I have always used plumb bob and I’ve never shot a tall target to check anything but I will soon.

[@paramounttactical]

Definitely shoot a tall target test. You can even make one at home. Shooting that test is the only real way to know your optic is square and tracking correctly. Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@CaptainCondor]

Lots of great info, but getting a bit hung up on the point about canted rifle not mattering if you are using a 0moa rail. Wouldn't there still be some horizontal error at range if the bullet crosses your 100 yard zero mark at a slight left to right or right to left angle?

[@HitchhikerDubai]

Yes, I think he is completely incorrect on this one.

[@azycray4801]

I watched the how to video first a couple days ago and now watched this one. The way I would describe the importance of having the scope and rifle both being level is in relation to the trajectory of the projectile. This is along the same line as the 20 MOA mount example you give but I think simplifies it a bit. First we have to agree that other than very short range we are always going to have trajectory as part of the equation, which is projectile flight path first going up to counter act gravity, and then falling back down into the target. I don't expect that to be an issue but I want to try and focus attention to the reason for rifle and scope being on the same plane. Once you focus on that particular fact, then you can draw an exaggerated example of bullet flight and what happens if they are not on the same plane. A picture is worth a thousand words. Of course this assumes that the barrel is concentric to the bore and other relevant topics but that would be digging deeper into long range requirements. But all get back to the foundation that scope and rifle need to be level. Edit: One more thing I would add as an example is you can sight a rifle in that is canted, but it will only be good for one distance. Once you change the distance, the bullet will progressively get further away from the bull the larger the difference between zero and the new distance. Hope this helps. Semper Fi

[@Thunder-xo1cx]

Great information thanks for sharing There is always someone arguing that you will be wrong.

[@paramounttactical]

💯! I don’t mind people thinking I’m wrong as long as I’ve done all I can do to make the case. While it can be frustrating when people say you’re wrong or disagree with you I try to look at it as my fault for not making my case well enough. After a video like this that illustrates why I believe what I do or use the methodology that I use, if you still disagree, well… you do you. 😂 Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@johnboy7151]

I have run across some scopes on the extreme cheap end that the turret and cross hairs didn't match up to level. Half the time they were broken internally.

[@renshai1236]

Spoken like a true "Quiet Professional"... really good attitude brother...De Oppresso Liber

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks brother! 👊🇺🇸 DOL - Gary

[@adrenaline_6126]

I found your scope mounting video very useful. Thank you. I think I have a tip that can improve and make your method even more precise and simple. Let me know what you think. In knife sharpening, I use a tool called an angle cube. It measures angles in 1/100th of a degree and isn't expensive either. 1. You lock in the rifle tight... the rifle doesn't even have to be perfectly level. You lay the angle cube on the rail then push the zero button on the angle cube to zero out the angle it is at. The angle will now read 0.00 2. (Optional) To make sure rifle doesn't move during score ring tightening you could still use the wheeler barrel level and make sure the angle cube reads 0.00 when it sits on it. 3. Put angle cube on turret and rotate scope so it reads 0.00 snd tighten rings to torque spec. Done! 1/100 of a degree accurate! iGaging AngleCube Digital Level + Bevel Gauge 2 in 1 a.co/d/iWMCXxS

[@andyamor3344]

Thanks Gary love your passion for this sport. The more knowledge makes a better community and a better competitor you become. Cheers Andy 🇦🇺

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks man! And thanks for watching! 👊🍻🇺🇸 -Gary

[@rebel1988yota]

What levels do you trust. It has been my experience that the wheeler levels are not very accurate? Also....what are you thoughts on the EXD vertical leveling tool to make sure your vertical reticle is aligned with the bore? If your scope body is level with the rail, but is not in alignment with the bore...that is a problem.....right??

[@bwr3rd]

I love the comment, "I'm not a Navy SEAL so I don't talk about myself"! But then you go on to talk about yourself, a lot!

[@paramounttactical]

The things people latch on to… my entire point is that I don’t beat the drum of my background and experience in 99% of my videos. Given the apparent controversy of optics, mounting, LR in general all I did was state my experience with intent of establishing credibility. I’m not just some random KZbinr that picked up a rifle yesterday and started a channel. I was pointing out the exception I was making for that reason… but you already know that. You saw an opportunity to talk shit and couldn’t help yourself. Congratulations… YOU GOT ME! 🙄🤡

[@jbplays7302]

Thank you for making this video! I'm an average Joe (not a navy seal or Army Ranger), that's anal about hitting the target where it counts. I've spent up to 4hrs mounting optics on my rifles, trying to get everything perfect. And not one time have I considered my level might be off. Thank you for opening my mind to the fact that a turet might not line up correctly with a reticle or a bubble level might be off. I've gotten what I thought was a perfectly mounted optic, and took it off the stand, and it just looked off to my eye. So I think, it has to be my old eyes playing tricks on me, bc the level doesn't lie.. Then I take it to the range, and my shot placements are off by 10-12 inches at only 100yds... duh! Thank you for posting this video! Sincerely!

[@paramounttactical]

@@jbplays7302 glad you enjoyed it. I highly recommend watching my more in depth Complete Guide To Precision Scope Mounting linked below. Thanks, Gary How To Mount A Scope The Right Way - Precision Scope Mounting - Part 1 of 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXibdJaeh76fetk

[@ShooterB1]

I like your explanation, very nicely done

[@willtrax71]

You lost me when you called a Rifle a Gun but got me back when I heard Erector lol and great Intel Gary and some Guys don’t realize how important the little things are when you step out past 300 yards plus, I enjoy hitting my Whistle Pigs in another Zip Code but my Old DAV Eyes aren’t what they used to be so EVERY little Tip is Paramount in being successful and enjoying your Day out Shooting. Stay safe my Friend Semper Fidelis and I’ve never seen such magnificent Art Work from a Green Beret Lol I Love it

[@paramounttactical]

Of course I reeled back in Marine by using erect in a sentence. 😂 You can leave the boat, but the boat never leaves you. 🤣 Thanks for your service and thanks watching brother! 👊🇺🇸 -Gary

[@willtrax71]

@@paramounttactical we are who we are my Brother stay safe.

[@joshuaschreiber7772]

Hey Gary, I know you have a ton of comments on this video and I just have 1 question! You said at 16:45 that it's important to ensure that out reticle is squared to the optic. How do we check that? I know how to make sure the scope is level to the rail but how do we know if the reticle is square inside the optic? Thanks for your time!

[@paramounttactical]

That is why we don't level an optic off the reticle. Doing so would hide that flaw. By making sure the optic is mechanically leveled to the rail when we do a tall target test or just look through the optic while ensuring it's level using an anticant device, if we look at a plumb line and the reticle is off or we shoot a tall target test and the reticle won't line up when we level the gun, voila! We know the reticle is not plumb inside the optic. I cover that and how to do a tall target test in my Scope Mounting Guide video I just released a couple months ago. Hope that helps! -Gary

[@joshuaschreiber7772]

@@paramounttactical perfectly explained, I understand it now. So we would know the reticle is off according to the plumb line or tall target test line(which must be perfectly vertical anyways). I appreciate the reply!

[@jicch]

Great videos , I follow your method after using old school ways. Keep up the good work

[@paramounttactical]

👍 Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@adamkelley3622]

Would you use a plumb bob in conjunction with a touret level to make sure your reticle is true?

[@paramounttactical]

Yes, checking your reticle with a plumb bob after mounting is a great check but what’s better is shooting a tall target test. When scope mounting there’s 3 things you’re trying to confirm: 1) The scope is mounted plumb to the rail. 2) Your reticle is plumb to the optic. 3) Your optic is tracking correctly. The ONLY thing that does all 3 is a tall target test. Given the test target is mounted using a plumb or a good level, it does the same thing that a plumb bob does but the two other things mentioned above as well. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@Litriem]

Your an excellent teacher. I am brand new to learning about scopes and long distance shooting. Thank you so much. I have one question, what is a turret.

[@NZSpringers]

Great video, watched your scope mount video too today, very helpful - thanks from New Zealand.

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@joostprins3381]

No bs, I like it. Got myself a Konus scope, not to expensive, not to cheap, so I started to put it on my rifle which has a standard 30 moa rail. The fun part, in the scope there is a leveling bulb. So check and recheck, I did the leveling with external tools, until I was happy, started to zero on 50 m and had just enough turret to compensate. After checking and rechecking again I finally checked the internal leveling bulb, and it was as good as my external. On the range I only had to do about 5 mil high and 3 mil windige compensation for the life zero. I like that I did it the right way. Now I only have to check the calculator to zero it perfect on 100 and 200 meter, I know it’s not as far as you do, but here we have only 3 ranges of 300 m, the rest is all less, if you want more you’re shooting out of the country 😂. (The Netherlands) As a mediocre shooter I shoot

[@paramounttactical]

You can do A LOT of skill development at

[@Hatchet_Jack556]

What do you think about the scalarworks self leveling scope mount?

[@alphasolutions2325]

Same as Spuhr's. They are decent.

[@paramounttactical]

Haven’t used them. If it’s like Spuhr in that it comes with a wedge, I just personally don’t like the wedges.

[@Johnsormani]

Great explanation. You don’t need a machinist level to check your level. The only thing you need to do is turn it around on a level surface.

[@paramounttactical]

Yep, I know. I was more or less making a point. I’ve discussed that exact method of testing your level in several videos as a matter of fact, here’s a short on it How to Know Your Level Is Level kzbin.infoQo2YoI2ny80?feature=share Thanks for watching and being willing to share your knowledge. That’s what this channel is about. Building a community to share knowledge, experience, and info! -Gary

[@darianballard2074]

Some turrets aren't level but no many. I have a Bushnell i couldn't level from the turret or the flat on the bottom of the optic. I had to use the plumb bob method. I also had a Burris that the turret wasn't level but the cap was, but one out of 4 Burris's are level at the turret from my experience. My NightForce was perfect in every way. All new optics by the way

[@paramounttactical]

Darian, you are correct and you should definitely check. On some optics I’ve removed the set screws and took the turret off completely and used the metal turret underneath the indicator cap/knob as those are usually flat even if the turret indicator or turret cap isn’t. Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@bradputnam8307]

Excellent job. Really appreciate all your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@kevmoful]

My first ever scope Mount I did nothing but eyeball and bolt up . That rifle is still the one I have had the least amount of issues on . Did buy a horribly expensive 1 piece mount , so I’m sure that helped .

[@paramounttactical]

Unless you’re shooting beyond 300-400 yards, it probably doesn’t matter. Beyond that (and even under 300yds) you may be experiencing misses due to cant but people attribute the miss to wind or other variable never realizing it’s a mechanical issue. To be successful at long range, or at least minimize misses, or isolate issue to shooter performance, you have to verify 3 things: 1) you optic is mounted plumb to your rail. 2) that your optic is tracking correctly. 3) that your optic was manufactured with the reticle plumb inside the optic. The only way to confirm all three is to shoot a tall target test. Without it you’re running on hopes and dreams. Thanks for watching. -Gary

[@czechmatetso7330]

Another great video! Keep up the excellent work!!

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks! 👊🇺🇸 -Gary

[@jjay718]

Great video! I am in the process of mounting a scope on my cz457. Decided to wait and get some better levels. Thanks for information on the best way to do this. Where is the best place to get the tall target and tracking test?

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks for watching! Here you go. Link to the ones I use (not affiliated). www.boxtobenchprecision.com/

[@jjay718]

@@paramounttactical Thanks! Do you have any videos showing the process when using one of these tracking targets?

[@jkotka]

Thank you for the video, very good stuff. From my perspective all the stuff you talk about (when using correct terms) makes perfect sense. however, for my eye the raw stock of aluminum you use as measurement base is really not ideal, also using the levels is going to bring uneccesary inacccuracies to a problem that can be sorted without them. Get a grade AA granite plate for measurement, they do not really cost that much and are actually flat.. Then everything on top of that you can do with dial indicator on a base. For example, you do not need to measure if your desk and your plate and your foor + whatever is actually level, you can just measure the difference between the surfaces that are critical. Put the scope on the plate and run the dial indicator on the plate with the base so that it is indicating the top of the turret. if the indicator reads zeros over the turret, that means the turret is paraller to the base of the scope, this is what you were measuring. throw in a sine bar and some measurement blocks and you can also measure the rails to see if they are giving the angle they advertise and that they are level as well.

[@paramounttactical]

I appreciate the suggestions but all of that is overkill for several reasons. A) Even if a level is not perfect if it reads the exact same on multiple surfaces, we can agree those surfaces are parallel within a certain tolerance. B) if I did that with every scope I mounted I would have to charge drastically more money. C) As I stated in the video, the method and tools don’t matter. What matters is verification and the ultimate verification is shooting a tall target test. Every optic I have mounted (that was working properly), using this method and shot a target test passed with flying colors. Any methodology that is time consuming, and more precise than the verification test is a water effort, time and money. All great suggestions though. Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@maxamy89]

Thank you for these videos and most of all thank you for your service :-)

[@albertlemont5471]

Adjusting windage with a canted scope can also move your vertices causing you to chase impact.