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PAO Vari-Mounts

  • Last updated: 14/10/2024
  • Review
PAO Vari-Mounts

› Setting up a scope on an airgun requires patience and precision, and using quality mounts makes a lot of sense. Many enthusiasts own a variety of airguns and scopes, meaning lots of variables that need to be considered. Scopes now come with several different body tube diameters, so sourcing correct-sized mounts can be tricky.

Flashy
On test here are the new Vari-Mounts from PAO, and with an incredibly versatile specification, they offer a solution to many a problem. Precision CNC machined from the highest quality aircraft-grade aluminium alloy, they are available with a hard anodized finish in black, red, tan, or blue. The red set on test features a Picatinny/weaver base with large bolt heads, for quick attachment. These can then be tensioned further by inserting a small Allen key into the hole in the bolt rim, but where PCP airguns are concerned, hand tight should suffice. Need these mounts to fit a 9/11mm Dovetail base, then no problem, as this specification is available too.

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3-in-1
The mounts come supplied in a plastic box containing two sets of spacer rings and Allen keys. The idea here is that this is one mount for a variety of objective lens sizes and body tubes. With or without the supplied spacer rings fitted, the shooter can fit a scope with a body tube measuring either 25mm/1”, 30mm, or 34mm. Fitting the rings is a simple push fit, and it all works well, effectively offering 3-in-1, which is clever stuff.
Now for the height-adjustable main feature! Look closely at the unique graduated central structure, and you’ll notice the series of ridges/slots which interlock, allowing the height to be altered. To make the adjustment, simply undo and remove the central Allen bolt in the mount body, slide out the central part, and slide it back in, locating it into the desired slot. Make a note of the height marking on the scale and replace and tighten the central bolt. Now, repeat and replicate the procedure for the other mount, so the heights are identical. Each slot corresponds to 1mm of adjustment.

Simplified
It is worth noting that these mounts cannot be set with an angle, as what you do to one mount, you need to do to the other, but the system is highly effective, nonetheless. It’s also relatively simple. I’ve concluded, as have several manufacturers, that fully adjustable mounts (as in for windage as well as elevation) just aren’t necessary, and that most of the time, unless there’s a fault with the gun/scope, everything should be fairly centralized in terms of left/right. Height, therefore, is the key, and height adjustment alone is far easier to control.
With these Vari-Mounts, the height can be set between 36mm (1.42”) and 42mm
(1.65”). This specification will accommodate most rifle scope objectives, supposedly including those up to a whopping 80mm diameter.

Bonus
In addition, the design also includes an integral anti-cant spirit bubble level, and whilst this is barred in some competitions, it can be an invaluable feature for either Field Target shooting or hunting.
Overall, some impressive mounts, offering technical advantage when needed, as well as great looks.

  • PAO Vari-Mounts - image {image:count}

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  • PAO Vari-Mounts - image {image:count}

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  • PAO Vari-Mounts - image {image:count}

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gun
features

  • Name:: PAO Vari-Mounts
  • Colours:: Black, Red, Tan, or Blue
  • Price: : £54.99
  • Contact: : The Shooting Party - www.shootingparty.uk
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