How to Measure Scope Ring Height for Perfect Scope Mounting
How to Measure Scope Ring Height
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a first-time shooter, choosing the right scope ring height is essential for getting the most out of your rifle. The wrong height can make it difficult to see through the scope, or even worse, cause your scope to mount improperly.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different factors to consider when choosing a scope ring height, and we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to measure your rifle for the perfect fit.
So whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to upgrade your current setup, read on for all the information you need to know about scope ring height!
| Step | Instructions | Image |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Install the scope rings on the rifle. |  |
| 2 | Place the scope on the rings and tighten the screws until the scope is snug. |  |
| 3 | Look through the scope and align the crosshairs with a target. |  |
| 4 | Measure the distance from the center of the crosshairs to the top of the rifle’s receiver. |  |
| 5 | This measurement is the scope ring height you need. |
What is Scope Ring Height?
Definition of scope ring height
Scope ring height is the distance between the center of the scope tube and the base of the scope rings. It is measured in inches or millimeters.
Importance of scope ring height
The scope ring height is important because it affects the following factors:
- Eye relief: The eye relief is the distance between the rear lens of the scope and your eye. If the eye relief is too short, you will have to put your eye too close to the scope, which can cause eye fatigue and discomfort. If the eye relief is too long, you will have to hold your head too far back to see through the scope, which can make it difficult to aim accurately.
- Head position: The scope ring height affects the position of your head when you are looking through the scope. If the scope is too high, you will have to tilt your head back to see through the scope, which can be uncomfortable and tiring. If the scope is too low, you will have to hunch over to see through the scope, which can also be uncomfortable and tiring.
- Accuracy: The scope ring height can affect the accuracy of your shots. If the scope is not mounted at the correct height, you will have to adjust your aim to compensate, which can lead to inaccuracy.
Factors affecting scope ring height
The following factors affect the scope ring height:
- The type of scope: The type of scope you are using will affect the recommended scope ring height. For example, a long-range scope will require a higher scope ring height than a short-range scope.
- The size of your eye relief: The size of your eye relief will also affect the recommended scope ring height. If you have a long eye relief, you will need a lower scope ring height than if you have a short eye relief.
- Your head position: Your head position will also affect the recommended scope ring height. If you have a tall head, you will need a higher scope ring height than if you have a short head.
How to Measure Scope Ring Height
Tools needed
To measure scope ring height, you will need the following tools:
- A ruler or tape measure
- A pencil
- A piece of paper
Steps to measure scope ring height
1. Place the ruler or tape measure on the top of the rifle barrel.
2. Mark the spot on the ruler or tape measure that is level with the center of the scope tube.
3. Remove the ruler or tape measure from the rifle barrel.
4. Use the pencil to mark the spot on the paper that corresponds to the measurement you took in step 2.
5. Measure the distance from the bottom of the scope rings to the mark you made on the paper. This is the scope ring height.
Example:
If the measurement you took in step 2 is 3 inches, and the distance from the bottom of the scope rings to the mark you made on the paper is 1 inch, then the scope ring height is 2 inches.
How To Measure Scope Ring Height?
Measuring the correct scope ring height is essential for ensuring that your scope is properly mounted and aligned. If the scope is too high, it will be difficult to see through, and you may experience eye fatigue. If the scope is too low, it will be difficult to get a good cheek weld, and you may have trouble making accurate shots.
There are a few different ways to measure scope ring height, but the most common method is to use a scope ring height gauge. A scope ring height gauge is a tool that is specifically designed to measure the distance between the top of the receiver and the bottom of the scope.
To use a scope ring height gauge, simply place the gauge on the receiver of your rifle and align the top of the gauge with the center of the bore. Then, measure the distance from the bottom of the gauge to the top of the receiver. This measurement will be the correct scope ring height for your rifle.
Here are the steps involved in measuring scope ring height using a scope ring height gauge:
1. Select a scope ring height gauge. There are a variety of different scope ring height gauges available on the market, so it is important to choose one that is compatible with your rifle.
2. Install the scope ring height gauge on your rifle. Most scope ring height gauges are designed to be installed on the receiver of your rifle. To install the gauge, simply align the top of the gauge with the center of the bore and tighten the screws.
3. Measure the scope ring height. Once the scope ring height gauge is installed, measure the distance from the bottom of the gauge to the top of the receiver. This measurement will be the correct scope ring height for your rifle.
Tips for Measuring Scope Ring Height
- Make sure that the scope ring height gauge is installed correctly. The top of the gauge should be aligned with the center of the bore.
- Be careful not to apply too much pressure when tightening the screws on the scope ring height gauge. This could damage the gauge or your rifle.
- Double-check your measurements to make sure that you have the correct scope ring height.
Common Mistakes When Measuring Scope Ring Height
- One of the most common mistakes when measuring scope ring height is to install the scope ring height gauge incorrectly. The top of the gauge should be aligned with the center of the bore, not the top of the receiver.
- Another common mistake is to apply too much pressure when tightening the screws on the scope ring height gauge. This could damage the gauge or your rifle.
- Finally, many people forget to double-check their measurements to make sure that they have the correct scope ring height. This could lead to problems with accuracy and eye fatigue.
How to Correct Mistakes When Measuring Scope Ring Height
If you make a mistake when measuring scope ring height, there are a few things you can do to correct it.
- If you installed the scope ring height gauge incorrectly, simply remove the gauge and reinstall it correctly.
- If you applied too much pressure when tightening the screws on the scope ring height gauge, you may need to replace the gauge.
- If you forgot to double-check your measurements, simply remeasure the scope ring height and make any necessary adjustments.
Resources for Measuring Scope Ring Height
There are a number of resources available to help you measure scope ring height. Here are a few of the most helpful:
- [Scope Ring Height Calculator](https://www.scopeheightcalculator.com/)
- [Scope Ring Height Guide](https://www.opticsplanet.com/blog/scope-ring-height-guide/)
- [Scope Ring Height FAQ](https://www.primaryarms.com/scope-ring-height-faq/)
Measuring scope ring height is an important step in ensuring that your scope is properly mounted and aligned. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily measure the correct scope ring height for your rifle.
Common Mistakes When Measuring Scope Ring Height
When measuring scope ring height, it is important to avoid making common mistakes. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:
- Installing the scope ring height gauge incorrectly. The top of the scope ring height gauge should be aligned with the center of the bore, not the top of the receiver.
- Applying too much pressure when tightening the screws on the scope ring height gauge. This could damage the gauge or your rifle.
- Failing to double-check your measurements. This could lead to problems with accuracy and eye fatigue.
Here are some tips for avoiding these mistakes:
- Read the instructions carefully before using the scope ring height gauge. This
How do I measure scope ring height?
There are a few different ways to measure scope ring height. The most common way is to use a ruler or caliper to measure the distance from the top of the receiver to the bottom of the scope rail. Another way to measure scope ring height is to use a scope ring height gauge. Scope ring height gauges are available from a variety of retailers and are designed to make measuring scope ring height quick and easy.
What is the difference between low, medium, and high scope rings?
The height of a scope ring refers to the distance between the top of the scope rail and the bottom of the scope body. Low scope rings are typically 1 inch or less in height, medium scope rings are typically 1.5 inches in height, and high scope rings are typically 2 inches or more in height. The height of the scope ring you need will depend on the type of rifle you have and the type of scope you are using.
How do I know what scope ring height I need?
The best way to determine what scope ring height you need is to consult the owner’s manual for your rifle. The owner’s manual will typically provide a recommended scope ring height for your specific rifle. If you do not have the owner’s manual for your rifle, you can also consult with a qualified gunsmith or firearms retailer.
What are the benefits of using high scope rings?
There are a few benefits to using high scope rings. First, high scope rings allow you to mount your scope higher on the rifle, which can improve your field of view and eye relief. Second, high scope rings can help to protect your scope from recoil. Third, high scope rings can help to improve the accuracy of your rifle.
What are the disadvantages of using high scope rings?
There are a few disadvantages to using high scope rings. First, high scope rings can make it more difficult to see over the top of your rifle when you are shooting from a prone position. Second, high scope rings can make it more difficult to access the controls on your scope. Third, high scope rings can make your rifle more top-heavy.
How do I install scope rings?
Installing scope rings is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the rings are installed correctly. To install scope rings, you will need the following tools:
- A set of metric Allen wrenches
- A scope ring installation tool
- A torque wrench
1. Remove the factory scope base from the rifle. If your rifle does not have a factory scope base, you can skip this step.
2. Clean the mounting surfaces of the rifle. Use a clean cloth to remove any dirt, grease, or oil from the mounting surfaces of the rifle.
3. Install the scope ring bases. Follow the instructions that came with your scope ring bases to install them on the rifle.
4. Install the scope rings. Follow the instructions that came with your scope rings to install them on the scope ring bases.
5. Mount the scope to the scope rings. Follow the instructions that came with your scope to mount it to the scope rings.
6. Tighten the scope rings to the correct torque. Use a torque wrench to tighten the scope rings to the correct torque. The correct torque for your scope rings will be listed in the instructions that came with them.
What are some common mistakes people make when measuring scope ring height?
There are a few common mistakes people make when measuring scope ring height. These mistakes can lead to problems with accuracy and eye relief.
- Using the wrong tool. The most common mistake people make is using the wrong tool to measure scope ring height. A ruler or caliper is not accurate enough for measuring scope ring height. You should use a scope ring height gauge to get an accurate measurement.
- Not measuring from the correct point. Another common mistake is not measuring from the correct point. You should measure from the top of the receiver to the bottom of the scope rail. Do not measure from the top of the scope rail to the bottom of the scope body.
- Not accounting for the thickness of the scope body. When you are calculating the height of the scope ring, you need to account for the thickness of the scope body. The thickness of the scope body will add to the overall height of the scope and the scope rings.
How can I ensure that I have the correct scope ring height?
To ensure that you have the correct scope ring height, you should follow these steps:
1. **Use a scope ring height
In this article, we have discussed how to measure scope ring height. We have covered the different factors that affect scope ring height, as well as the steps involved in measuring your rifle for scope rings. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now able to choose the correct scope rings for your rifle.
Here are a few key takeaways from this article:
- Scope ring height is determined by the distance between the center of the rifle’s bore and the top of the receiver.
- The correct scope ring height will allow you to achieve a proper cheek weld and eye relief.
- You can measure your rifle for scope rings using a ruler, a borescope, or a laser rangefinder.
- The type of scope mount you choose will also affect the overall height of your scope.
By following the steps in this article, you can ensure that you choose the correct scope rings for your rifle and achieve the best possible shooting experience.