RECOIL: Keeping Your World On The Level With MDT

I’d assume that if you are reading this or are a fan of the MDT Blog, you probably like precision rifles and enjoy the discipline (it’s a safe assumption, right?). So that means you’ve gone down the rabbit hole of rifle actions, cartridge design, optical clarity, and the like. And after hours and hours of research, you’ve then dropped serious cash to build a precision rifle system.

Once set up (or built by a custom rifle maker), you take it on its maiden voyage. But after easily engaging targets within a few hundred yards, you move out to 1000 yards and beyond. But the hits don’t come, and you grow frustrated—it’s the ammo, the scope, the rifle? Definitely not the shooter. You start cursing all of life’s decisions up to that point (okay, maybe a little dramatic), only to realize, you missed because the rifle was canted, and you never thought to add a level to the rifle setup…

A level can be a key tool in a precision rifle shooter’s toolbox. They are essential, especially at long distances or when engaging very small targets. These levels could be simple bubble levels or something like the MDT Send It Gen2. The Send It Gen2 is serious gear that provides immediate feedback to the shooter through light indicators. But is it really that effective? That’s what Nate Gerhart of RecoilWeb aims to find out in his latest article.

GRAVITY, IT AFFECTS EVERYTHING

Precision rifle shooting requires more than just a good trigger pull—it demands a rifle that’s perfectly level when the shot is fired. As shooters today aim for consistent first-round hits, from match builds to ELR rifles, the discussion naturally turns to gravity, ballistic calculations, and the subtle errors that quietly malign a day at the range.

In long-range precision (LRP) and extreme long-range (ELR) shooting, gravity is the constant force that influences every bullet’s trajectory. Consider factors like Ballistic Coefficient (the effect air has as drag slows a bullet's velocity), muzzle velocity, twist rate, and environmental conditions such as temperature, air density, and wind, and you can develop a solid ballistic solution on paper. Devices like a Kestrel assist in managing these variables. However, even with perfect data, a rifle tilted just two or three degrees can cause rounds to land inches—or feet—off target to the left or right at long distances. That’s not just theory; it’s been proven many times over.

HOW TO SOLVE GRAVITY

For years, shooters have depended on bubble levels—those ethanol-filled spirit levels that quietly do their job. They work (mostly). But as other industries adopted digital precision, the chance to improve rifle leveling arose. Enter the MDT SEND IT GEN2 from MDT, a company with years of experience making gear for long-range and precision rifle shooters.

THE SEND IT GEN2

The SEND IT GEN2 offers four mounting options, intuitive three-light cant indicators, adjustable sensitivity settings, and a CR2032 battery with auto-shutoff after ten minutes. It wakes on movement, can be manually powered down, and is designed to withstand real-world abuse. During Gerhart’s testing at the BRVO Tactical Sierra 1 site in Heber, Arizona—under ninety-degree heat, gusting winds of 5–30 mph, and improvised field positions—the unit endured hundreds of rounds (as an Ohioan, no Thank You to that).

Practical considerations are important. In strong sunlight, installing the rigid light pipes enhances visibility, although they can be easily removed later. If you use the included fiber optic line, secure it carefully with shrink wrap to prevent snags; while effective, it is fragile. Gerhart recommends the direct center Picatinny mount for that setup.

The result is a compact, durable, and versatile digital level that won’t replace fundamentals—but will definitely sharpen them. As Gerhart stated, “A tool like this isn’t for every rifle or shooter, but if you’re someone who wants the best chance of a first round and subsequent impacts on target, stepping up your game with the SEND IT GEN2 will help with that process.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

For all of Gerhart’s thoughts on the Send IT GEN2, be sure to read his article. As a lifelong rifle shooter, having a level is essential. Whether you're off a bench or in a competition, you need to have one. For more insightful reviews, visit Recoilweb.com.