The Importance of Correct Scope Ring Height

Are you looking to properly measure scope ring height for your firearm? Ensuring the correct height is crucial for optimal accuracy and performance. However, it can be a confusing process if you’re not familiar with the necessary steps. Don’t worry, we’re here to help.

Scope rings are an essential accessory for attaching a scope to your firearm. They come in various heights, and choosing the right one is essential to achieve proper alignment and eye relief. Without the correct scope ring height, you may experience issues such as parallax error or discomfort while aiming.

Measuring scope ring height accurately is a crucial step in setting up your firearm for success. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a novice, understanding the process and following the correct steps will ensure your scope is properly mounted and aligned. In this article, we will guide you through the process of measuring scope ring height, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to achieve optimal accuracy and performance.

What are Scope Rings

Scope rings are like a bridge that connects the scope to the rifle’s receiver. They secure the scope in place while aligning it with the rifle’s bore axis to achieve consistent accuracy.

Scope rings come in different sizes, styles, and materials, and their height also varies. For each firearm and scope combination, there is an ideal ring height.

The most common material used for scope rings is aluminum alloy. They are lightweight, and their durability allows for long-term use. However, some scope rings are made of steel for added durability.

The Importance of Correct Scope Ring Height

Getting the correct scope ring height has a direct impact on how successful you will be when you set about shooting. If you do not have the correct height, shooting will be difficult, and there is a risk that the target will be missed. A wrong height will also lead to a distorted view of the target, which might result in inaccurate shots.

How to Choose the Right Scope Ring Height?

Choosing the right scope ring height is essential for maintaining accuracy and safety while shooting. To achieve optimum accuracy, you must consider several factors, including:

• Rifle type and model
• Scope type and model
• Shooter preference
• Cheek weld

Problems with Incorrect Scope Ring Height

Using incorrect scope ring height can make your shooting experience miserable. Here are the most common issues you may face:

Eye relief

Eye relief is the distance from your eye to the scope lens. Choosing the wrong ring height can lead to incorrect eye relief, which might be dangerous and make it hard to get a clear view of the target.

Scope Damage

Incorrect ring height can damage your scope. When the scope sits too low or high, the recoil from the rifle may knock the scope out of alignment, resulting in damage.

Bullets hitting downrange

Incorrect ring height will cause bullets to hit inaccurately downrange. This will make your shot waver and often miss the target.

How to Measure for Scope Ring Height?

To ensure proper selection of scope rings, several factors must be considered. The following steps will help you get the right scope ring height:

• Determine the rifle you’ll use.
• Select the scope you want to mount.
• Get the exact diameter of your rifle’s scope base.
• Measure the height from the top of your rifle’s receiver to the top of the scope base.
• Measure your scope’s objective lens diameter.

What Rifle, Scope, and Ring Combinations Work Best?

Choosing the right ring height is primarily dependent on your rifle and scope. However, many scope ring and firearm combinations are more common than others and thus more reliable.

Here is a quick guide to help you choose the best rifle, scope, and ring combination for you.

• Low – For riflescopes with an objective lens diameter of 32 mm or less, or when a minimal scope height is necessary.
• Medium – For riflescopes with an objective lens diameter up to 42 mm.
• High – For riflescopes with an objective lens diameter of up to 50 mm.
• Extra high – For riflescopes with an objective lens diameter of up to 56 mm.

Factors to Consider for Correct Scope Ring Heights

• Objective lens diameter: The diameter of the objective lens plays a vital role in determining the correct height. The height should be enough to provide a comfortable shooting position.
• Rifle receiver geometry: The geometry of the rifle receiver should also be taken into account when determining the height.
• Rifle stock height: Rifle stock height is also critical in deciding the height. The stock should be considered while choosing height for scope mounts.
• Shooting posture: The shooting posture should be considered, and the scope height should be adjusted to provide optimal shooting conditions.
• Ammunition types: The ammunition type also plays a part in determining the scope height.

How to Install Scope Rings

Mounting your scope rings requires a few simple steps to ensure that they are correctly installed:

• Set the bottom half of the rings on the scope base and slide them firmly into place.
• Place the scope into the bottom half of the rings.
• Set the top half of the rings on the scope and align them with the bottom half.
• Tighten the screws using the manufacturer’s specifications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the wrong ring height can result in decreased accuracy and other issues. Below are common mistakes that people make while choosing scope ring height:

Choosing height without considering individual shooting style.

Every shooter has a unique shooting style, and that style determines the appropriate ring height.

Not considering different rifles and scopes combination.

Different rifles and scopes require different ring heights. Ensure that you get the proper ring height for their respective weapon combination.

Guesswork

Making a guesstimate can lead to unintended problems you might face during the shooting. Always measure the rifle and the scope to determine the correct ring height.

Poor installation

Poor installation can affect the accuracy of the scope.

Advantages of Proper Scope Ring Height

• Field of view: The proper height ensures a clear and clean view of the target.
• Comfortable shooting position: A comfortable shooting position provides optimal shooting conditions.
• Reduces Parallax: Parallax distortion can be reduced by using the correct scope ring height.
• Improved accuracy: Accuracy can be improved by using the right height, as it leads to a comfortable and stable shooting position.
• Lower eye strain: With the right height, the user’s eyes will not need to strain to get a clear view of the target.

Conclusion

Choosing the right scope ring height is paramount for accurate shooting. It ensures that the scope is precisely placed, and the shooter can comfortably shoot. It also avoids issues such as scope damage, inaccurate shooting, and horrible shooting experience. Ensure to measure the rifle, the scope, and the shooter style to select the best scope ring height.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)