06-02-2019, 02:12 AM
Kswhitetails Wrote:I bow to your wisdom here Centerfire. Obviously I'm doing it wrong.
Here's the fun part. If your axis to axis distance is what it is on an AR - 2.7" or thereabouts - and you're off 2 degrees, (you cant tell me you can see that under pressure); then you're off a few inches windage AND elevation at distances greater than 400. And it compounds further out. You're saying that you're going to go shoot at distance with a possible 2-3 tenths error, account for wind, environmental, and the nagging time limit, and still confidently hit your targets? I call Oscar Mayer sandwiches.
It's even less of an issue on bolt guns because the radius from bore to sight planes is smaller. Still - I don't know any truly competitive shooter that would tell you leveling your optic, and having a visible level to look at under pressure is a bad idea, or as you put it, stupid.
Do I have a level on my hunting scope? Nope. Because at hunting distances it really doesn't matter. All my competition optics do though. If I dial, it does. If I plan on shooting over 300, it does. Because it's smart, easy, and reliable.
Most folks do overthink these things. But, the process of overthinking and overcoming is how we advance and find our own way. Your optics erector MUST be plumb, or you're not dialing true elevation and windage. If you're moving a point of aim upward and sideways without realizing it's doing so, good luck on figuring that out on the bench...
Tall target test? I actually laughed at this one. Mount your rifle, and go shoot a plumb line to check your elevation clicks? Does that tell you your optic is off, or that you've mounted it off? Or that your rail is off? Or that you're not getting back in position between shots? Or that you're holding the rifle plumb? Here's another problem with your points. What do you do if you mount your optic into a mount that isn't square? Or if the rail is off? (yes sir, it does happen) If you're not going to use a level to ensure you're not canting your rifle, how would you ever know the mount is the problem?
You MUST level and plumb the erector. You MUST level the rifle with the optic mounted. Not mostly, not "good enough" - it MUST be true. Dead on. Otherwise all the testing in the world is pointless as you have variables you're unable to account for. Good luck chasing that rabbit down it's hole.
Maybe you just need to practice more so you stop holding your gun crooked? :ohsnap!: