Choosing the correct height of mounting rings for your scope is essential for proper scope installation and alignment. Different scopes have different eye relief requirements, which is the distance between the scope’s eyepiece and your eye for a clear, full field of view.
Mounting rings with the proper height will allow you to achieve the correct eye relief for your scope, ensuring a comfortable and safe shooting experience.
Mounting rings of the proper height will allow the sight to be positioned at the ideal height above the bore of the rifle, matching the scope’s reticle with the barrel of the rifle.
This aligns the point of aim and point of contact, resulting in accurate shot placement. Choosing the correct mounting ring height for your scope is critical for optimal eye relief, alignment, clearance, comfort, simplicity of use, and aesthetics.
It guarantees that your scope is firmly and properly placed on your rifle, which is essential for precise shooting and a fun shooting experience.
Bolt Action Rifle
Measuring the scope height for a bolt action rifle is a straightforward process that involves measuring the distance from the center of the rifle’s bore to the center of the scope’s objective lens. You will need a measuring tape or a caliper, a flat surface to place the rifle on, and a steady rest or vise to hold the rifle securely.
Ensure that the rifle is unloaded and the bolt is removed. Place the rifle on a flat surface, such as a shooting bench or table, and secure it in a steady rest or vise to prevent movement during measurement.
Now, measure the distance from the bore center to the scope objective lens center. Use the measuring tape or caliper to measure the vertical distance from the center of the rifle’s bore (the center of the barrel) to the center of the scope’s objective lens (the front lens of the scope). The measurement should be taken in a straight line, perpendicular to the flat surface the rifle is resting on.
Once you have measured the distance from the bore center to the scope objective lens center, record the measurement in inches or millimeters, depending on your preferred unit of measurement.
To calculate the scope height, divide the measurement by 2, as the scope is mounted above the bore. This will give you the scope height from the center of the bore.
For example, if the measurement from the bore center to the scope objective lens center is 1 inch, the scope height would be 0.5 inches (1 inch divided by 2). It’s important to ensure that the scope height measurement is accurate, as it will impact the proper mounting of the scope and alignment with the rifle’s bore.
Using a measuring tape or caliper with precise readings and taking care to measure in a straight line perpendicular to the flat surface will help ensure accurate results.
Gas Rifle
When measuring scope height for a gas rifle, you can use the same methods mentioned earlier: the Optical Center Method or the Bore-to-Sight Alignment Method.
Gas-operated rifles, such as AR-15s, typically have a gas block located on the barrel that is used to regulate the gas flow for cycling the action. The height of the gas block can affect the measurement of scope height, as it may interfere with the positioning of the scope rings. Make sure to measure the height of the gas block and take it into account when measuring the scope height.
Gas-operated rifles have a gas system that requires clearance for the gas tube or piston to function properly. When installing a scope on a gas-operated rifle, make sure there is adequate clearance between the scope and the gas system to prevent interference during operation.
The height of the receiver on a gas-operated rifle, particularly the Picatinny or Weaver rail on the top of the receiver, can also affect the measurement of scope height. Measure from the top of the receiver or rail to the center of the scope’s objective lens when determining the scope ring height.
Gas-operated rifles are commonly used for dynamic shooting activities, such as competitive shooting or tactical applications, where the shooter may be in various shooting positions.
Consider the shooting position you will primarily use when measuring scope height, as different shooting positions can affect the shooter’s eye alignment with the scope and may require different scope heights.
What Are the Two Ways to Measure Scope Ring Height?
Optical Center Method: This method involves measuring the optical center of the scope’s objective lens (the larger lens at the front of the scope) to the top of the rifle’s receiver or base.
To do this, you will need a set of calipers or a height gauge. Place the scope on the rifle with the rings loosely installed, and then use the calipers or height gauge to measure the distance from the center of the objective lens to the top of the receiver or base. This measurement will give you the scope ring height required for your particular setup.
Bore-to-Sight Alignment approach: This approach entails aligning the scope with the rifle’s bore and then measuring the distance from the center of the bore to the middle of the scope’s objective lens. You’ll need a bore sighter for this, which is a device that helps align the scope with the bore. Insert the bore sighter into the rifle’s chamber and line up the scope’s reticle with the bore sighter’s target.
Once the reticle is aligned, measure the distance between the center of the barrel and the center of the objective lens with a ruler or calipers. This measurement will provide you with the scope ring height necessary for your specific configuration.
What is the scope ring height?
Scope ring height refers to the vertical distance between the base of a rifle’s scope rings and the center of the scope’s objective lens.
Why is measuring scope ring height important?
Measuring scope ring height is crucial to ensure proper alignment and fit of the scope on the rifle. An incorrect scope ring height can result in poor eye alignment, parallax issues, and reduced accuracy.
What tools do I need to measure scope ring height?
To measure scope ring height, you will typically need a set of calipers, a height gauge, or a ruler for measurements. A bore sighter may also be needed if using the Bore-to-Sight Alignment Method.
What considerations should I keep in mind when measuring scope ring height for a gas-operated rifle?
When measuring scope ring height for a gas-operated rifle, consider the height of the gas block, clearance for the gas system, height of the receiver or rail, and the shooting position you will primarily use. Gas-operated rifles may have unique features that can affect scope ring height measurement, so it’s important to take these factors into account.
Should I consult the manufacturer’s instructions for my specific rifle and scope?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to consult the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for your specific rifle and scope to ensure proper installation and compatibility.
Different rifles and scopes may have specific requirements for scope ring height, and the manufacturer’s instructions will provide the most accurate and reliable information for your particular setup.
Conclusion
scope ring height measurement is an important step in properly aligning and installing a scope on a rifle. There are two common methods for measuring scope ring height: the Optical Center Method and the Bore-to-Sight Alignment Method.
It’s important to use accurate measuring tools such as calipers, height gauges, or rulers, and take into consideration any unique features of the rifle, such as gas block height, clearance for the gas system, and the height of the receiver or rail.
