Minimum clearance between scope shroud and barrel

[glistam]

Last week I got my first bolt-action rifle, a Weatherby Vanguard, and it needs a scope.
I'll still a little green on guns so bare with me. I bought a decent 50mm scope and some Talley lightweight two-piece ring mounts. The mounts are medium height.

I did a dry assembly just to make sure it all fit, and found the front part of the scope does not touch the barrel, but it comes pretty close. As in, I can just barely get the scope cover on, and the cover does touch when in place fully. So my question is, how close is too close? Is there an minimum clearance or do I want it as close as possible without touching?

 

[MtnCreek]

I'd want at least 0.1". The scope and barrel are going to flex during recoil, so a very close fit will likely result in them touching. If they are already touching with just the cap on, I'd consider doing w/o the cap or getting taller mounts. JMHO.

 

[243winxb]

cover does touch when in place fully.

Need more . Scope tubes flex. Will it stay in that position or spring back?

 

[Haxby]

By 'scope cover,' if you mean flip-ups that stay on the scope when you're shooting, that's too close. If you're using a scopecoat or covers that you take off before you shoot, you're OK.

 

[glistam]

Alrighty, going to exchange the mediums for the highs.

 

[glistam]

By 'scope cover,' if you mean flip-ups that stay on the scope when you're shooting, that's too close. If you're using a scopecoat or covers that you take off before you shoot, you're OK.

It's the type you remove entirely before shooting, but now that I'm holding it again, it doesn't quite fit all the way on.

 

[243winxb]

I have modified the cap by thinning, to keep it from applying up pressure from the barrel, when on. When removed, there should not be a problem.

 

[jmr40]

What type of scope are you using. I use Talley LOW mounts and have plenty of room?

 

[glistam]

What type of scope are you using. I use Talley LOW mounts and have plenty of room?

Simmons 8-Point with a 50mm objective. The actual outside diameter of the objective end is 57mm (per my caliper). I get about 1 mm of clearance.

I'm guessing you have a different gun, smaller objective, or different mount style? I'm just learning for the first time how finicky scope mounting is on a real rifle. I got spoiled all those years with air rifle scopes that come with the rings attached. All you do is pop them on the dovetail groves and tighten.

 

[BigBore45]

The clearance is fine. However that scope won't last to long. Simmons is junk.

 

[243winxb]

Overland Park, Kansas 66214. Home of Bushnell & Simmons. Under the VISTA OUTDOOR INC. Group.
Your Simmons® product is warranted to be free of defects in materials and
workmanship for the lifetime of the original owner.

 

[RainDodger]

I would modify the scope cover if it's something that can be done without harming it. I'd rather have the scope as close to the bore axis as possible. I had the same fit issue a while back and was able to modify the plastic scope cover with an x-acto knife, to clear the barrel. I disagree that anything is going to "flex" enough to bang the barrel. Ultimately you should do what makes you comfortable.

 

[Nature Boy]

If we're talking the Butler Creek variety, I've taken 2 of them to the grinder and shaved off the bottom enough to have clearance. Just a touch or two and everything is GTG

 

[chicharrones]

I'd rather have the scope as close to the bore axis as possible. . . . I disagree that anything is going to "flex" enough to bang the barrel.

I'm thinking scope ring placement could be important in this regard. If nearly half of the scope is in front of the forward most ring, then flexing might be a problem. Personally, I haven't seen it, but I use smaller scopes and usually the rings are spread as far apart as possible.