Rifle Scopes Question Concerning Scope Height

[Wesson1120]

I hope that I am not being overly repititious here with this question, but I've found a lot of information on measuring ring height but not a lot on the height of the scope placement.
I previously had my Savage 10fp .308 with a Millett 4-16x56 set up on a 0moa two piece Warne Maxima mount in which I coupled with Warne Maxima high rings. I recently installed an EGW 20moa one piece rail so I could enable the scope adjustment to shoot 1000yrds if I ever got the chance. I've found that the new rail actually places the scope higher and I'm questioning buying some lower rings. On my math (which is not my favorite subject) I have .375" clearance from bottom of bell to top of barrel. My high rings measure .525" from base of ring to bottom of scope tube. I believe that I could clear the low rings which measure .25" from base of ring to bottom of scope tube and still have enough clearance for the scope cover (.525-.25=.275 leaving .1" clearance). I understand it is best to mount the scope as low as possible without any contact with the barrel. Is .1" of clearance too close?
Will lowering the scope this .25" make any difference as far as accuracy or would it be a simple asthetic fix? Bottom line: is it worth it or should I just leave it alone?
Here is the scope clearance with the high rings. Sorry for the crappy cell phone picture.

 

[Lindy]

Re: Question Concerning Scope Height

Scope height is not about accuracy, nor is it about aesthetics. It's about being able to establish a solid cheek weld on the stock.

Lower is better. A tenth of an inch is fine for clearance - just make sure any front lens cover you might want to use, and, yes, you should have one, will also clear, unless it's the kind which comes completely off when you are shooting.

 

[USMCj]

Re: Question Concerning Scope Height

Lowering it should give you better cheek weld, but it wont do shit for accuracy as you call it. And no .1 clearance is not too close, Ive seen worse.

 

[alpha6164]

Re: Question Concerning Scope Height

That scope is way too high. You want your scopes as low as to the barrel without touching. I like to be able to pass a dime between the barrel and the objective and i am good. Yours looks like it can at least come down another 1/4-3/8". Also as it sits now you can not have a good sight picture.

 

[Wesson1120]

Re: Question Concerning Scope Height

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: alpha6164</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That scope is way too high. You want your scopes as low as to the barrel without touching. I like to be able to pass a dime between the barrel and the objective and i am good. Yours looks like it can at least come down another 1/4-3/8". Also as it sits now you can not have a good sight picture. </div></div>

As of this moment, I do have the 1/4" riser pad in the bearfoot comb raising kit that I had to put on. My cheekweld is ok with this pad, but I'm just going to go ahead and get the lows and be done with it.

 

[264win]

Re: Question Concerning Scope Height

as stated above it needs to fit you well .thats all that matters. how far the scope is above the barrel has no effect on how well it shoots . get right combo of scope rings to make it fit you . sometimes a cheekrest/stockpac is helpful .

 

[Wesson1120]

Re: Question Concerning Scope Height

I have ordered the lows and will see how they are when they get here. If the cheekweld isn't right on them, I'll send them back and go for the mediums. Thanks for all the input guys.

 

[Wesson1120]

Re: Question Concerning Scope Height

Just thought I'd post an update on my new rig. Got the low rings in the mail today and got them on. The Warne low rings fit perfectly and looks much better as well. The scope is sitting where it should be now. I've got just under 3/32" without the cover and just under 1/16"with the cover.


Before:

And after:

 

[netranger6]

Re: Question Concerning Scope Height

Looks a lot better, and you will notice it once you drive it.

 

[trg42_338]

Re: Question Concerning Scope Height

Hello,
I recently bought a TRG42 388 lapua & NXS 5.2-22x56mm and I would like to know what is the appropiate ring height for the 56mm scope?

I think I will go with a Badger 20moa rail & MAX50 rings.

I want to be low as possible...

Thanks a lot

 

[dreamlander]

Re: Question Concerning Scope Height

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: alpha6164</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That scope is way too high. You want your scopes as low as to the barrel without touching. I like to be able to pass a dime between the barrel and the objective and i am good. Yours looks like it can at least come down another 1/4-3/8". Also as it sits now you can not have a good sight picture. </div></div>

Scope height should be based on cheek weld. NOT what it looks like or what other people think is too high. I have 1.6" high rings on my RRA varmint with a CAA sniper stock. With any rings lower than that I have to mash my cheek into the stock and it doesn't work. My scope is way higher off the barrel than yours was, but it gives me the perfect cheek weld. That being said as low as possible with still being comfortable usually gives the best cheek weld.