How to Measure Scope Ring Height?
When selecting and mounting a rifle scope, the scope ring height is often overlooked but critically important. The correct ring height not only ensures proper optical alignment but also prevents the scope from contacting the barrel or handguard, while enhancing shooting comfort and accuracy. This post will provide a detailed explanation of how to measure scope ring height, helping you easily choose the rings that fit best.
Part 1. What is Scope Ring Height?
Scope ring height refers to the measurement taken from the center of a rifle scope tube to the top of a rail or barrel of an AR15 rifle, and may differ depending on factors like its model, scope size and diameter, as well as shooter posture when shooting.
Why does measuring ring height matter?
- Maintain Optical Alignment: If rings are mounted too high or low, the center of your scope will no longer be aligned with the centerline of the barrel, causing shooting accuracy and point of impact issues to deteriorate catastrophically.
- Avoid Collisions: Improper ring height would cause the objective lens to collide with either the barrel or handguard, potentially destroy both the rifle and scope.
- Increase Shooting Comfort: Accurate ring height enables the shooter to adopt a natural, comfortable sighting posture with less stress on the shoulders, necks, and eyes over prolonged periods of shooting.
Part 2. How to Measure Scope Ring Height?
Precise scope ring height measurement is very important for perfect scope alignment, prevention of barrel or handguard contact, and comfortable shooting position. In the sections to follow, we will take you through how you can measure scope ring height.
Step 1. Tools Needed for Scope Ring Height Measuring
Have these tools ready prior to measuring:
- Caliper or ruler: For making accurate measurements of the scope tube diameter and the gap.
- Flat reference surface: Such as the rifle rail or top of the barrel, to determine relative height.
- Pen and paper or recording tool: To take measurements for calculation and comparison.
Tip: A caliper is more precise than a ruler, especially for measuring ring height to the millimeter.
Step 2. Measure Outer Diameter of Scope Tube
Scope tubes come in various diameters, with 1″ (25.4mm) being the most popular choice. Take an accurate measurement of your scope tube’s outer diameter in order to establish how high a ring height you require, doing this ensures proper alignment while eliminating trial-and-error when choosing rings.
Step 3. Find the Gap Between the Objective Lens and the Barrel
Maintain a recommended 2-3mm gap between the barrel or handguard and the objective lens to prevent contact.
- Gap too small: The lens will be in contact with the barrel or handguard, resulting in scratches or damage.
- Gap too large: The scope will sit higher when mounted, which will raise the line of sight, potentially affecting shooting stability and comfort.
Step 4. Decide on the Ring Height Required
You can use the formula below to determine the appropriate ring height:
Required Ring Height = Scope Tube Outer Diameter/2+Objective Gap−Rail Height
Example Calculation:
Scope tube diameter: 30mm → radius = 15mm
Desired objective gap: 2mm
Rail height: 7mm
15+2−7=10mm
Therefore, the required ring height is approximately 10mm.
Step 5. Compare With Manufacturer Specifications
Scope rings are usually Low, Medium, or High, although exact measurements vary slightly between manufacturers. Using your calculation, check the manufacturer’s chart or specifications and select the ring that most closely matches the height required. This will ensure proper scope alignment, optimum clearance, and comfortable shooting position.
Part 3. Common Mistakes in Measuring Scope Ring Height
There are some most typical mistakes scope ring height measurement shooters can do. Being aware of these pitfalls guarantees correct scope alignment, avoids damage, and provides a safe and comfortable shooting experience.
Depending Solely on Ring Categories
Some shooters choose rings based solely on descriptions like Low, Medium, or High. However, sizes may be very different from one company to another. Always go by the actual millimeter height to ensure the rings will be suitable for your specific application.
Ignoring the Objective Lens Gap
Failure to consider the space between the objective lens and the handguard or barrel can lead to unwanted contact. Being off by even a fraction of an inch will result in scratches, lens damage, or scope mounting interference.
Failure to Consider Rail or Handguard Thickness
Different rifles possess varying heights of rails or handguards, and this, in turn, affects the ring height requirement. Failure to take this into consideration will lead to misalignment or force the scope into an uncomfortable position.
Part 4. Practical Tips for Choosing Right Scope Rings
Maybe you are wondering how to choose right scope rings. Through reading the guide, you will discover the key factors, such as shooting style, rifle type, scope size, and brand quality, that come into play in ring selection to offer a proper alignment, comfort, and long-lasting durability.
Long-Range Shooting
For precise shooting at longer distances, slightly taller rings can help keep the line of sight natural and the cheek weld comfortable, reducing strain over extended periods of aiming.
Hunting Rifles
Lower rings are generally better for hunting rifles so that the scope can be mounted closer to the shoulder for quicker target acquisition and faster follow-up shots.
Large Objective Lenses
Large objective lenses often require the utilization of taller rings to ensure proper clearance from the barrel or handguard to prevent contact and damage.
Brand Selection
Quality rings from a reputable brand ensure consistency, stability, and durability. Brands like Shotelex offer precision-engineered rings that endure repeated recoil and use, keep scopes aligned, and give shooters confidence for both performance and durability.
These specifications help shooters match ring height to rifle, scope, and shooting style, while also pointing out the advantage of sticking with a reliable brand like Shotelex.
Summary
Measuring scope ring height requires striking the ideal balance among scope tube diameter, objective lens clearance and rail height. Finding an effective method not only enhances accuracy of shots taken with rifle and scope but also extends their lifespan, which in turn affects accuracy for long-range precision shooting or everyday hunting activities. If you need reliable, high-quality rings that offer consistent durability and optimal performance look no further than Shotelex for reliable solutions that last!
