Scope Mounting Myths - BUSTED!

I go over the top three myths I regularly hear about scope mounting.
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Stay Armed, Stay Ready!
Gary Melton is a former U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret, Weapons Sergeant, and Sniper Team Leader with 4 combat tours. He has worked full time as a Unit Chief and Special Tactics Instructor at a federal agency and is the owner and Lead Instructor for Paramount Tactical Solutions.
Paramount Tactical Solutions is staffed by Special Operations veterans and cadre that are required to have high level operational experience and to have worked full time as a tactical instructor for Federal Law Enforcement and/or the military. Paramount specializes in training Military and LE units as well as civilians in firearms, tactics, security, and tactical medicine. Most of our courses are located 1.5hrs from Washington DC, near Winchester, VA. We are mobile and can provide onsite training as well.
Survival IS Paramount
Stay Armed, Stay Ready!
Survival IS Paramount
Chapters:00:00 - Intro and Background
04:41 - Myth #1 Scope Turrets/Caps Aren't Level
09:14 - Myth #2 Scope Doesn't Need to Be Leveled To Gun Only Gravity
12:02- Only Need to Level The Reticle Not the Scope

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@HighTestBootStrap]

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

[@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.

[@jakesnizzle9385]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@davidsalsedo6765]

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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@Captainfactor]

Good stuff. Makes total sense. Thanks man!

[@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

[@NZSpringers]

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

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@amadomata459]

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

[@ravenshield7823]

I do it exactly how you're describing, but I also incorporate the plumb bob for redundancy, when I have 3 things telling me the same thing, I am satisfied that it must be correct. I'm shooting air guns and still care for it to be perfect. I did learn something in this tutorial so thank you for the lesson.

[@bradputnam8307]

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

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@mattedwards4533]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@dionegz40]

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

[@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

[@CarlMitchell-oy3ly]

Sound, solid advice. Thanks for your time.

[@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.

[@jicch]

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

[@paramounttactical]

👍 Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@marklloyd4153]

Fantastic. Great explanations .

[@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.

[@czechmatetso7330]

Another great video! Keep up the excellent work!!

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks! 👊🇺🇸 -Gary

[@roblindberg9339]

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

[@Lethal_Venom]

Lots of great info. I liked the level VS flat part lol

[@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

[@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.

[@C42WatChe42C]

Just stumbled upon your channel, great stuff!

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks man. Glad you found us! -Gary

[@ShooterB1]

I like your explanation, very nicely done

[@jeffreysmothers6231]

Absolutely love this guy I am now subscribed going to be ordering some parts from you awesome content and thank you for your service

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks for watching man! I appreciate the support! 👊🇺🇸-Gary

[@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

[@massimo5425]

thank you for your precious advice, subscribed!!!

[@codya5333]

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

[@kevinfryer380]

That was really well explained. I understood everything. Thanks

[@lmbear]

Great video. Thanks for posting.

[@billleung956]

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

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks Bill, and thanks for watching! -Gary

[@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

[@ianwoodward1554]

Great content, I only wish you could be in Aus. I would support your business 100%. Just keep up the great work. Cheers, mate.

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks for the support brother! If you’re ever over here in the DC area hit us up and come out and shoot! -Gary

[@johndusak4213]

EXCELLENT VIDEO LEARNED ALOT THANKS

[@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.

[@brucekendall52]

Great info,thanks.

[@mikepi660]

Thank you for your service and the great info you have shared,,,,

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@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!!

[@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!

[@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.

[@user-gw7zw2io6g]

That was a very good presentation . Thank you.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@oscarpaz27]

Learning a lot from you. Thanks. I'm learning distance shooting and it's a real eye-opener. Ran out of clicks. Could you do a video on cant shims vs. MOA rails vs. adjustable rings. I apologize in advance if I'm saying something dumb.

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks and glad you found us. I probably won’t do a video on that bc there’s not enough meat on that bone. Here’s what you need to know: if you’re going to shoot beyond 800ish yards you need ~20 MOAs of elevation to augment most optics, especially cheaper ones. Shims IMO or anything adjustable are terrible solutions. You need either 20MOA scope base/rails or one piece mounts. LR is about eliminating variables and cheap gear or poorly designed gear adds variables. Doesn’t mean you have to buy Gucci gear, just be an informed buyer and stick with industry well known brands. I also have 2 virtual optics courses on our channel that I did for livestreams. You should check those out. Or, better yet go to our website and sign up for one of our Long Range courses. It will be a good investment and save you money and frustration. Also on our website, paramounttactical.com we could carry any brand or item I wanted to carry but the only items we carry are items I’ve personally tested so there’s no question if they work or not. Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@thewhiteknight02]

Awesome. Thanks.

[@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/

[@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!

[@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.

[@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?

[@rickjohnson7223]

Good explanations!

[@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.

[@CanadaGunTube]

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

[@Mark-zv3dj]

Thanks very much for the information!

[@paramounttactical]

Thank you and 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.

[@TheMotorcycleBoss]

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

[@rickybusby6123]

Great video!

[@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?

[@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.

[@rosswitte]

Great video! Thank you.

[@paramounttactical]

Thank you and thanks for watching! -Gary

[@SuperJackhammer007]

Excellent explanation.

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks, and thanks for watching! -Gary

[@ryanjameson9940]

The four minute intro made me subscribe. Thank you for being realistic, reasonable and easy to listen to. It nice to hear about your expertise, it also nice to know that just being in the service isn't a catch all for your knowledge.

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks Ryan, I appreciate that. I’m glad you found us. Be sure to join us on Wednesdays at 7pm ET for our live Dangerous Liberty Podcast. Wishing you and your a wonderful Thanksgiving. -Gary

[@w.t.pstandforyourlife.5639]

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

[@grumpygruntx]

Very informative video. Thanks

[@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.

[@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.

[@alexkasimir9931]

Damn nice job of explaining plum and level and it's Outcome Thank you

[@jamespollard1670]

Good info , thanks

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@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

[@bobjones5624]

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

[@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

[@billturner1960]

Wow! Great stuff!! We're you trained with the MOA system or MRAD? or both? Just wondering if you might have a preference for either system,,, I'm not a long range guy by any means but like to have a complete understanding of my system. I've recently become a subscriber and am really looking forward to your great work and the insight you share. You know the deal,,,the learning process never stops,,,, Thank you for the help and please keep up the great work! 😎👍

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks Bill. I know both Mil and MOA and was trained on both. I prefer and recommend MIL. I have some virtual optic classes that I’ve given that you can find if you search the channel. Definitely worth watching and I go into depth about Mil and MOA and discuss why I recommend Mil over MOA. Glad you found us. Welcome to the Paramount Family! -Gary

[@billturner1960]

@Paramount Tactical Great! Oh and by the way as I forgot to mention it earlier,,,, THANK YOU for your service! Looking forward to becoming familiar with MIL dot characteristics. 😎👍

[@paramounttactical]

@@billturner1960 thank you sir!

[@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

[@BentRZR]

Great video! I have a 6.5 x 20 x 50 leupold European scope with a canted reticle that has always caused issues...you convinced me to pull it off my ruger 300 prc. What's your best choice for long range plinking?

[@paramounttactical]

Just depends on your budget. I personally like Nightforce. You can’t go wrong with the ATACRs and with a 300 PRC I’d suggest the 7-35 but if that’s not in the budget the NX8s are great too. We are a Nightforce dealer so if you are looking for a NF email us [e-mail]. There’s lots of other good options too though. Vortex, Leupold, or if you want a budget optic check out my review on the Arken EP5. Pretty good optic under $500. Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@BentRZR]

@@paramounttactical email on the way. Thanks for your service Sir!

[@synthamesk]

Your videos are awesome!

[@paramounttactical]

Thank you and thanks for watching! -Gary

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@albertlemont5471]

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

[@TheLoneRanger745]

I'm learning this new hobby as a Crippled up old carpenter, it's something I can still do, I understand how Important it is to have a baseline level starting point, here's my question, how much runout deviation is acceptable, my next question when I'm holding the rifle properly which for me is closer to the middle of my collarbone and high so that my neck is as straight as possible behind the scope (I have four neck fusions bolted together) so my neck doesn't bend very well. I do have some tilt naturally looking through the scope is that an acceptable view through the scope ? The important part is that the rifle and scope are a matched plum so that you have correct holdover otherwise you'll have constant out of adjustment .windage , the further the range the more compounded it becomes, I think I said that right. ( Exactly correct)

[@keithvance3352]

Really good stuff

[@paramounttactical]

Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@aramic1975]

The Test which you did with the Scores in the first Part of your Video, did you Test it with the ZCO too? Can i use the Turret too in the ZCO? Thank you .

[@davidmiller1938]

Have you tried the Arisaka or Starrett parallels and compared the result as compared to using bubble levels? The result meaning the scope being level to the rifle. How do you ensure your bubble level is accurate?

[@paramounttactical]

I have. And every time I shot a tall target test and compared them with an expensive, verified level, they resulted in less plumb mounting. Even when using a Spuhr mount which has a built in slot for the wedge it was off more than using a good level. All of the methods can work, I’ve just found, after a lot of testing that the method I laid out is easiest and introduces the least amount of variables. But regardless of HOW you mount, verification has to be part of the process. It’s the ONLY way you know that the scope is mounted correctly, that the reticle is plumb inside the optic, and that the scope is tracking correctly. You can use the best method and the best tools and it still be off due to human or mechanical errors. Without taking the time to verify, you’re just hoping it’s good and will likely miss a lot more never realizing why or simply writing it off to wind. Thanks for watching! -Gary

[@mackellyman5642]

@@paramounttactical ...But regardless of HOW you mount, verification has to be part of the process. It’s the ONLY way you know that the scope is mounted correctly, that the reticle is plumb inside the optic, and that the scope is tracking correctly... Never really considered the reticle being plumb in the optic, thanks for all you do.

[@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

[@michelleg1621]

How do you go about making sure your leveling systems are in fact level?

[@paramounttactical]

First buy a good level as in a well established brand that guarantees it calibrates and checks the levels. I like Stabila for scope leveling. Then the easiest indicator is set on a surface that reads level then turn the level 180 degrees. If it reads the same, then it should be good. Thanks for watching! -Gary