Rifle Scopes should/can i change my scope rings

[willypapooh]

hey guys quick question, im running leupold high rings (what leupold recommended) on a remington 700 with a leupold MK4 4.5-14X50 scope and a night force 20 moa rail. can i go with a lower ring?

thanks

 

[ShtrRdy]

you'll have to measure the gap between the barrel and Objective bell, and compare that with the difference between the scope ring you're using and the one you're considering. That will tell you if you can do it.

 

[dondlhmn]

And as far as the question "SHOULD I CHANGE MY RINGS?", the answer is three parts. (1) If changing them will cause clearance problems (see answer above) or if the change will be to something not as strong/sturdy/reliable, then the answer is "NO, you should not change them." The second part is that, commonly, the lower the scope is, the closer it is to the center of the bore and that is a GOOD THING. Thirdly, eye positioning is important to accuracy. If lowering your scope will give you a better cheek weld, resulting in better, more consistent centering of the eye behind the scope, then DO IT. If you get a better, more consistent centering of the eye with the higher rings (maybe due to face shape or stock configuration) the DON'T do it.

 

[Black max]

I'm a little confused as to why leupold would recommend high rings for a bolt action... I would switch them to seekins, NF, badger, or anything you like in a low configuration. In short, yes you can absolutely go lower. The guy you talked to at leupold must have been new.

 

[willypapooh]

thanks for info guys, the gap is about 1/4 of an inch. is it worth the $200 for new rings?

 

[Cordova13]

thanks for info guys, the gap is about 1/4 of an inch. is it worth the $200 for new rings?

No I dont think its worth it. Since you can get proper cheek weld with the adjustable cheek piece on that chassis youll be fine.

 

[willypapooh]

cool, i already have about 300 rounds down range with, seems to be doing great. i have had several people comment on it asking why i did not go lower.

thanks guys

 

[Cordova13]

My scope is also about a 1/4 inch above the barrel. I dont think its too high.

 

[Elite_KG]

I don't see that you could go lower with cutting your rail shorter or replacing it with a non-extended rail. Seems you have about 1/4" above the barrel, but there appears to be significantly less clearance than that from the scope bell to the rail.
I think your good to go where you are.

 

[dj_taboo]

Hmm it looks to me that if you go down from the Leupold high to the medium, you may have to move the scope forward to clear the rail. Alternatively, trim the end of the rail.
I'm really glad you posted these pics. I've been pondering a similar setup with the same chassis/base/ring combo.