Hello, I have a quick question that I am hoping I can find an answer to. I have a Bushnell scope lying around my house that has 3" of eye relief and I am looking at getting a .30-06 bolt action rifle that will weigh about 7lbs. Also, I am 6' and 190lbs if that helps. Will the 3" be enough for that rifle or should I look for something with a longer eye relief? Thanks for any help.
3" eye relief enough for .30-06?
- Thread starter brianstr
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41magsnub
Member
There's one way to find out! 
jpwilly
Member
I wouldn't recommend just 3" on a hard kicking 30-06. It's one thing to have 3" on a semi auto or heavy bolt rifle and another on a light 30-06 or 7mm mag. I have a Centerpoint scope that offers 3.5" on a Mossberg ATR 30-06 and it's just barely enough from the bench. I've had the lens cover kiss me a couple of times not enough to hurt just enough to let me know it's there - 3.5" is min from a bench for my taste...it only takes one time to get the ring of glory!
dagger dog
Member
Welcome to the High road brianstr!
3 inches should be plenty if you're used to shooting with a scope. If not you want to watch about creeping up the stock, trying to aquire the correct cheek placment on the comb of the stock. This could lead to the dreaded red eye brow (I've had my share thank you).
Really it should be plenty if you have the scope set up and focused, just make sure to move the scope and not your head to get everything set for the correct picture then lock the scope down in the rings. When everyting is right you should be able to mount the gun with your eyes closed, and when you open them the scope is good and clear.
If for some reason there is not enough eye clearence you could go with a set of extended rings to gain a little more.
3 inches should be plenty if you're used to shooting with a scope. If not you want to watch about creeping up the stock, trying to aquire the correct cheek placment on the comb of the stock. This could lead to the dreaded red eye brow (I've had my share thank you).
Really it should be plenty if you have the scope set up and focused, just make sure to move the scope and not your head to get everything set for the correct picture then lock the scope down in the rings. When everyting is right you should be able to mount the gun with your eyes closed, and when you open them the scope is good and clear.
If for some reason there is not enough eye clearence you could go with a set of extended rings to gain a little more.
jpwilly
Member
^^^ I agree with the above statement but shooting from standing position and shooting from a bench (unless you are using a lead sled) are two different animals IME.
Coltdriver
Member
The trick is to get a firm grip on the rifle and have it tucked into your shoulder tightly.
AKElroy
Member
If you ever lay down prone for a shot, just make sure the butt is at the top of your shoulder. 3" is really all I have with most of my rifles--Have yet to put a scope through my cranium.
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