Sight in Pro: How to Measure Your Scope Ring Height Like a Pro

Do you need help finding the right scope ring height for your rifle? Have you ever experienced inaccurate shots or difficulties with your rifle’s scope? The problem may be with something other than the scope or the gun itself but with the height of your scope rings.

Choosing the right scope ring height is crucial for any shooter who wants maximum accuracy and precision. However, it’s not always easy to determine the correct height, especially for those new to shooting or with limited experience with scope mounting.

This article will guide you through measuring your scope ring height like a pro. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting, our tips and tricks will help you find the perfect size for your scope rings, ensuring you get the most out of your rifle and achieve your shooting goals.

Steps	Description	Tools Needed
Step 1	Determine the size of the scope tube diameter.	Vernier caliper
Step 2	Measure the distance from the center of the scope tube to the base of the scope mount.	Ruler
Step 3	Subtract the distance measured in Step 2 from half of the scope’s outer diameter. This will give you the minimum height of the scope ring.	Calculator
Step 4	Choose a scope ring that matches the minimum height calculated in Step 3 or higher.	Scope ring height chart
Step 5	Repeat Steps 2 to 4 for the other scope mount.

Note: Choosing the same height for both scope rings is important to ensure proper alignment and stability.

Understanding Scope Ring Height

Scope ring height is the distance between your firearm’s base and the scope tube’s centerline. It plays a significant role in achieving proper eye relief, crucial for comfortable shooting and acquiring targets quickly. In addition, choosing the right scope ring height ensures a clear field of view and maintains the scope’s alignment with your firearm.

Different types of scope ring heights are available in the market, including low, medium, and high. The specific choice depends on factors such as the diameter of your scope tube, the size of your firearm’s objective lens, and your shooting preferences.

Tools Needed for Measuring Scope Ring Height

Before you begin measuring your scope ring height, gather the following tools:

• Torque wrench
• Bubble level
• Calipers or ruler
• Scope ring height chart or calculator
• Gun vise or stable shooting platform
• Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Scope Ring Height

To measure your scope ring height accurately, follow these steps:

Clear the firearm and secure it: Before starting any work on your firearm, ensure it is unloaded and the chamber is empty. Secure it in a gun vise or a stable shooting platform for stability and safety.

Identify the correct scope ring height: Determine the appropriate scope ring height based on the diameter of your scope tube, the size of your objective lens, and any other relevant factors. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations or use a scope ring height chart or calculator.

Measure the scope tube diameter: Use calipers or a ruler to measure the diameter of your scope tube. Measure the widest part of the tube accurately.

Measure the firearm’s base height: Measure the distance between the top of your base and the bore’s centerline. This measurement will help determine the necessary scope ring height.

Calculate the required scope ring height: Subtract half of the scope tube diameter from the firearm’s base height measurement. This calculation will give you the required scope ring height.

Double-check the measurements: To ensure accuracy before finalizing the scope ring height, double-check all your measurements. Then, make any necessary adjustments based on the calculations and measurements.

Tips and Best Practices for Accurate Measurements

To obtain precise and accurate measurements for your scope ring height, keep the following tips in mind:

• Use high-quality measuring tools to ensure accurate readings.
• Double-check all measurements and calculations to avoid any errors.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when choosing scope ring height.
• Use a torque wrench to securely tighten the scope rings to prevent movement or shifting during recoil.

Conclusion

Measuring your scope ring height accurately is crucial for achieving optimal performance and accuracy when mounting a scope on your firearm. Following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article and using the appropriate tools, you can ensure a perfect fit and alignment between your scope and firearm.

Remember to clear and secure your firearm before starting any measurements. Next, precisely measure the scope tube diameter and the firearm’s base height. Based on these measurements, calculate the required scope ring height, and double-check your calculations to ensure accuracy. These guidelines will help you measure your scope ring height like a pro.

Now that you know and understand measuring scope ring height, you can confidently mount your scope and enjoy a better shooting experience.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What happens if I choose the wrong scope ring height?

Choosing the wrong scope ring height can result in improper eye relief, difficulty acquiring targets, and reduced accuracy. Therefore, measuring accurately and selecting the appropriate height for optimal performance is essential.

Can I use the same scope ring height for different firearms?

Scope ring height requirements vary between firearms due to the differences between base height and scope tube diameter. Therefore, measuring and determining each firearm’s appropriate scope ring height is recommended.

Are there any other factors to consider when measuring scope ring height?

In addition to scope tube diameter and base height, factors like the size of the objective lens, the type of shooting you’ll be doing, and personal preferences can influence your choice of scope ring height.

Can I rely on scope ring height charts or calculators?

Scope ring height charts and calculators can provide a good starting point, but it’s always recommended to double-check the measurements and calculations yourself for accurate results.

Should I seek professional assistance for measuring scope ring height?

Suppose you need more certainty or are uncomfortable measuring scope ring height yourself. In that case, it’s always a good idea to seek assistance from a knowledgeable professional or a gunsmith who can guide you through the process.