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Rifle Scopes Scope height above bore?

tomcat68

Private
Minuteman
Jun 26, 2010
19
0
56
Paris, TN
How critical is the scope height above the bore? I have always heard the closer the better. Let's hear some opinions or theories. Thanks for any replies.
 
Re: Scope height above bore?

It really depends on the rifle / Setup. For the most part it is not a big deal, but you're best off getting the scope as low as possible and still being comfortable for you.

Mike @ CST
 
Re: Scope height above bore?

You want the scope to line up with your eye when you have a good cheek weld on the rifle.
 
Re: Scope height above bore?

Run it on a ballistic calculator and see. Not much difference between say 1.8" and 3" scope heights as far as elevation being dialed from a zero using the correct scope height in the program. 175 SMK at 2600fps with 1.8" from 100 yard zero is 11.4 mils or 39 MOA. Same set up with a 3" scope height is 11.1 mils or 38 MOA.

But if you are running the program to get data and are measuring the scope height I would want it to be very close to actual height. Especially if you are shooting inside 100 yards where it becomes more critical.

A couple pics I put up every time this comes up showing how to measure scope height above bore easily.
P6120518.jpg

P6120517.jpg