Rifle Scopes Scope Rings - Potential Issue?

[AvsFan]

Gent's,

Crap, I just read the tacked thread above regarding ordering the correct scope rings in terms of height. However, my order is already processing & shipping and can't be modified. Therefore, here's a question for you guys -

I have a Remington long action w/Badger 20MOA base in a McMillan A5 w/adjustable KMW loggerhead cheek piece and an MTU profile barrel. I'm going to be running a Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50. I ordered the Badger "Medium-High - 1.0" vs. the "Medium - .885" rings.

Is this set-up going to be potentially problematic? I believe I may be splitting hairs...however, I want it to be just right. Or, will having the scope sitting a little higher be negated by my adjustable cheek piece. My concerns is, will I sacrifice any adjustments in my scope for long or short range shots w/the scope sitting a little too high?

These are the specs on the Badger 30mm rings: Ring height measured from top of mount to center of ring;

Standard - .823" (2cm)
Medium - .885" (22.5mm)
Medium High - 1.0" (2.5cm)
High - 1.125" (2.8cm)
Ultra High - 1.378" (3.5cm)

These are the specs on the Vortex 30mm Rings: The Vortex Precision Matched Rings position the center of the rifle scope tube at a height of (x.xx) Inches from the base.

Precision Matched Rings — Low Height 0.87 Inches
Precision Matched Rings — Medium Height 0.97 Inches
Precision Matched Rings — High Height 1.26 Inches

Thanks in advance!

AvsFan

p.s. I'm new to bolt guns so, I appreciate your advice & feedback.

ETA: Called Vortex and Badger - they both suggested "Medium" rings...however, Vortex indicated "Medium is 1.0"? Badger calls this their "Medium High" who's right?

 

[flyrodder]

Re: Scope Rings - Potential Issue?

Generally speaking, you want the scope as close to the bore as possible but not touching, and you want a good checkweld when you clear the scope at all magnification levels.

As you've seen, "low," "medium," and "high" don't tell you very much, and some retailers don't give you dimensions. Having had problems in the past, I now usually wait to buy rings until I have the base mounted and the scope in hand. That way I can use shims or clay to put the scope where I want it, measure the height of the shims or clay, and buy rings that will work.

Good luck!

 

[Copyleader]

Re: Scope Rings - Potential Issue?

I wouldn't worry about it. Worst case scenario, if the rings are too high and you run out of elevation adjustment on your scope, just get lower rings. However, I highly doubt you're going to run out of adjustment on that Vortex with a canted base. Also, I keep noticing scope height being mentioned and how crucial it always seems to be. More importantly is having the scope mounted/secured properly so it's not being twisted/stressed, height is not that critical all things being equal.

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: Scope Rings - Potential Issue?

I think you will be fine. I've got a few rifles with 1.0" high Badger rings on Rem 700 actions with Badger 20MOA rails, including a couple on A4 and A5 stocks. An HTG/A1 stock should probably have the lower height rings, but not the A4 or A5. The only consideration about the scope itself is whether it will clear the barrel adequately. Even with an MTU barrel contour, a 50mm scope should be OKay.

 

[AvsFan]

Re: Scope Rings - Potential Issue?

Appreciate the info guys...I'll update this post once I have everything set-up w/pictures to hopefully help others with similar concerns & purchasing considerations!

AvsFan