How to Measure Scope Height – Easy, Intuitive Guide with FAQs & More

Measurement is important in many areas of life.

But the big question is: How to measure rifle scope height?

Scope Height Measurement Easy Steps

How to Measure Scope Height

Scope Height is the distance from the center of the borehole to the top of the objective lens. This distance is measured in inches or millimeters.

Why Is Scope Height Important?

Scope rings should be adjusted according to the height of the target. A high-powered rifle will need more adjustment than a low-powered rifle.

A bullet travels at a constant speed, but the distance covered by the bullet increases when fired. Bullets travel faster than sound, so they do not need to slow down before reaching the target.

The bullet drops about 6 inches per 100 feet. Bullets travel at different speeds depending on the type of ammunition used.

Note: If you want to know a complete guide about scopes click HERE.

Measuring Scope Height Approximately

Scope rings should be about 1/3 of the diameter of the objective lens. This means that if you want a 50mm objective lens, then the scope ring should be 25mm.

Selecting The Right Base

Manufacturers should make different types of bases for receivers. Some bases are made of one piece while others are made of two pieces. A single-piece base is more durable than a two-piece base. But a single piece base may hinder access to the breach.

Cross bolts are a type of bolt used to fasten two pieces of metal together. They come in many different sizes and shapes. They are usually attached to a piece of metal by drilling holes into both pieces and then inserting the cross-bolt through them.

This rifle has an integral base, it comes with a scope, and it has a mil-dot reticle. It also has a range estimating mil-dot reticle.

This pair of binoculars has red and green illumination, a large field of view, and the most accommodating eye relief for optimum critical CQB mission.

It comes with a 2-inch sunshade, high-quality flip-open lens caps, and quick detachable rings. It is built on a true strength platform, completely sealed and nitrogen-filled, shockproof, fog-proof, and rainproof.

Note: If you want to know Who Makes UTG Scopes click HERE.

Selecting The Right Rings

A dovetail base requires horizontal split rings to be installed. Vertical split rings are more difficult to install.

Rings are used to strengthening mounts. Fuller contact makes for better accuracy.

Measuring Ring Height

Rings vary in size from manufacturer to manufacturer. You can measure the base and ring height of your scope. If the result is less than what you want, you’ll need to go back to the store and get another scope.

Base to Ring Edge This is a very important measurement when you’re buying a new scope. You need to make sure that the diameter of the rings matches the size of the tube. If the tube is too big or too small, then the rings won’t fit properly.

Your scope has a 50mm tube. Add 25mm to the combined length of the base and ring, and see if it exceeds your scope height evaluation.

Things Worth Consideration

A scope mount should allow the user to rest their chin on the stock. Cheek weld is when the shooter rests their chin on the stock instead of their cheek.

Scope rings should be considered when measuring the length of a rifle barrel. Other factors should also be taken into account when measuring the length of the rifle barrel. These include the type of stock used, the number of scopes attached, and any other accessories that may affect the length of the rifle.

Note: If you want to know How to Dial in a Scope click HERE.

Is there another method to measure scope height?

Yes! The scope height is measured by using a tape measure around the patient’s head just above the eyebrows. This measurement should be taken at the widest point of the forehead.

The simplest method

Scope height can be measured by using the following formula:

$$\frac{length}{2} + \frac{width}{4}$$

Where $length$ is the length of the scope and $width$ is the width of the scope.

Cleaning rod method

The second method is a bit inaccurate but still very useful. You should use a cleaning rod to get your gun’s centerline. Measure the distance between the centerline of the rod to the center of your scope or scope rings. This measurement will be more accurate than the first case but less accurate than the last case.

The last method is the most precise and can be used by experts. It is based on formulas and is a bit more complicated than the other methods. You will need some practice to get used to this, but it is very easy once you understand how it works. We will show you everything you need to do.

The diameter of the bolt should be measured first. Divide it by 2. Then, measure the diameter of the scope and divide it by 2. Finally, add the two numbers together. In this case, the answer is 1.68.

Note: If you want to gain information on How Much is a Night Vision Scope click HERE.

Which scope height do I need?

The scope should be set as low as possible. This will give you a consistent image and help you aim better.

Scope height affects the range of the weapon. A more powerful rifle needs a longer scope, but this means the scope will be mounted higher. Cheekrests are important for comfort when shooting. Mounting the scope low makes them less effective.

A rifle scope is used to help determine the distance to an object. The higher the scope, the farther away the target is. When using a scope, the shooter must be careful not to move the gun too far or the bullet may miss the target entirely.

In a nutshell, when the range is too wide, your trajectory won’t change, but the link between the line of sight and the target will be affected. This can cause inaccuracy. There are two types of scopes: short-range (SR) and long-range (LR).

But, what is the best method to measure the scope height?

The best way to measure scope height is using a tape measure. This will give you the most accurate measurement. If you don’t have access to a tape measure, then you could try measuring from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin.

Easy and Accurate Method for Determining the Correct Scope Ring Height for your Rifle:

  • Install your scope mount on your rifle. Make certain to follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully. Before installing your scope mount, make sure to degreased all male and female threads completely. Now, carefully torque all screws to recommended specs using a high quality torque wrench graduated in inch pounds. I prefer the Vortex optics torque wrench because it is accurate and includes a calibration certificate.
  • I highly recommend using blue loctite 242 on each thread. This will prevent your scope mounting from loosening up. Use washers, shims and coins to make two equal stacks on top. Check the height of these stacks by putting your scope on top. Adjust the height of these stacks with spacers. Make sure there is enough space for scope covers and to allow for bolt clearance.
  • Measure the height of your spacers stack, preferably with a Dial Caliper. If you don’t own a reliable Dial Calipers they are a good investment. They come in handy for many different projects. I use my Dial Caliper constantly. If you don’t have calipers, an average penny is.0593″ thick.
  • Saddle height is measured from the top of the mount to the bottom of the tube. This is the distance from the top of the rifle barrel to the bottom of the telescope tube.

Ordering Your Scope Rings

When ordering rings, make sure to check the height carefully. Some manufacturers list their ring heights by saddle height (“A”), while others use a measurement from the scope rail to the middle of the ring (“B’).

Rings that are measured by the A height should be added 5/16″ to the B measurement. Rings that are measured by a 30mm scope tube should be added 59055/16″. Rings that are measured by a 34mm scope tube should be added 66929/16″. Rings that measure 35mm scope tubes should be added 688975/16″.

Of course, you could also add those numbers to the “B’s” height of the rings, which would also get you the “C” height. Once installed, it’s time to mount your scope. If followed correctly, you should end up with rings that are the correct size for your rifle scope.

Still Not Sure About Scope Ring Height?

This product is designed to give you an extra ¼” of adjustment for your scope. You can adjust your scope by using this product.

WestHunter Optics Adjustable height Picatinny Scope Rings made from 6061 T6 aircraft grade aluminum. These rings are designed to fit military spec Picatinny scope mounts. These rings are not a makeshift solution, but a high-quality precision CNC machine part crafted from 6061 T-6 aircraft-grade aluminum. Once installed correctly, they will provide a rock-solid permanent mounting solution for your riflescope.

A Secure Scope Mounting Solution for Most Rifles

Rings are designed to be used with rifles chambered in.30-06. They’re very well-made and look great on any gun. They come in six colors to match almost any rifle.

Why is proper scope ring height important?

Ring heights vary depending on the type of rifle. A rifle with a shorter action length needs a lower ring height than a long-action rifle. You should try to place the rings as close together as possible without hitting each other.

Important Things to Remember

Different brands have different scope ring sizes. A scope’s objective lens determines how high the scope is. Work with a scope base and rings manufactured by the same brand to avoid confusion.

Scope rings should be measured from the base to the edge of the ring or from the base to the center of the ring. You should make sure you are on the same page as manufacturers when purchasing scopes. Most scope rings can be screwed using your hand. It’s as easy as that.

Does the Height Affect Accuracy?

Accuracy depends on your skill level. A poorly mounted scope could make you miss your shot.

Other Factors

Scope rings should be as high as possible without interfering with your ability to operate the rifle. You should also make sure that the scope does not interfere with the barrel or muzzle brake.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has been useful not only in understanding why scope height is so critical in the overall performance of a rifle.

The methods described here have been arrived at after extensive research. So do follow these guidelines and whether you’re hunting for varmints, deer, or rabbits, you’ll expend less ammunition. So enjoy your rabbit dinner tonight.

We hope this article was insightful for you and was of help.

If you want to know more information about scopes click HERE.

Author

  • John Moses

    John is the Editor in Chief here at The Outdoor Stores. His area of expertise ensures that there is no one better to suggest which rifles are most suitable for your hunting experience. He is also available for you to contact him personally to discuss the types of animals you want to hunt and the terrain you will be hunting on. Feel free to read his posts for expert opinion on Rifles, Scopes, Rangefinders, Bonoculars and Monoculars.

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