Scope mounts, I think mine may be too tall?

[RussellC]

What are the hard and fast considerations here? I have previously only scoped AR15 rifles which require higher mounts. Now my first bolt gun. A Savage 12FV in .223 Remington. I mounted the scope rail, and ordered a somewhat expensive set of rings, Burris signature XTR. I heard on guy writing that he got medium and they were not high enough, so I got the next notch up, 30mm, just over 1 inch high. This is for a 30mm tube scope that will have a 50mm objective.

Not yet having the scope, I wanted to shoot the gun so borrowed a 1 inch tube 4-12 x 40 scope off one of my ARs and used a somewhat less expensive set of Burris Zee rings for the 1 inch scope. These are one inch high, which were combined with risers for AR use.

Well, this scopes objective is only 40mm, and there isnt a ton of clearance for the bolt. Again, my 30mm tube set of Signature XTR are slightly higher, but scope is slightly larger, 300 with 50mm tube.

As is, the scope looks a little high, and it doesnt feel weird in the firing position, but it would be nice to hunker down on it a little more. Eventually this gun will have a new chassis, and a chhek riser may help. Looking at other scoped guns, most with even larger than 500 mm objective lens appear to be mounted lower.

I should have asked this before I ordered, but the other scope will be a touch larger, and less handl clearance may not be good. I am trying to attach a pic. Opinions on whether I should order a shorter set? These could always be used on an AR.

 

[cdb1]

When you mount the rifle, if you do not have to raise or lower it to see correctly through the scope then the rings are the right ones. If you have to lower the rifle the rings are too high. If you have to raise it the rings are too low.

Most people do best with low or medium rings but there are exceptions.

 

[Varminterror]

When is the new scope coming? If it's going to be measured in days, I wouldn't order anything, and would simply use a cheek riser on the stock. If it's going to be measured in months, then I might order a shorter set of rings to use until then. It's $45 for Burris Zee's, not enough to complain about as sunk cost if you only use them for a few months.

Alternatively, if you do a little math (I can help you with that), you can determine what the centerline height of your new scope is going to be, since if memory serves, you have it picked out. I'd then consider the centerline height of the current rig against the future centerline height. If it's the same, you're going to need a cheek riser anyway, so do it now and get used to it.

Did you buy or borrow those Zee rings? If bought, and the centerline height doesn't match the future, I would return them for mediums.

 

[RussellC]

I probably should have used medium, there was a size bigger mine, and one bigger than that.
When I look down it, its fine, but I could get lower on it. Ill wait until I get the larger scope, then see if I still want them.

Russellc

 

[RussellC]

When is the new scope coming? If it's going to be measured in days, I wouldn't order anything, and would simply use a cheek riser on the stock. If it's going to be measured in months, then I might order a shorter set of rings to use until then. It's $45 for Burris Zee's, not enough to complain about as sunk cost if you only use them for a few months.

Alternatively, if you do a little math (I can help you with that), you can determine what the centerline height of your new scope is going to be, since if memory serves, you have it picked out. I'd then consider the centerline height of the current rig against the future centerline height. If it's the same, you're going to need a cheek riser anyway, so do it now and get used to it.

Did you buy or borrow those Zee rings? If bought, and the centerline height doesn't match the future, I would return them for mediums.

This is exactly how I am thinking. I bought the Zee rings in the pic, they were for an AR15, where they are fine. As to the cheek riser, I have seen a few on the market, any recommendations? I suppose I will need to drill holes in the tupperware stock? No big deal, eventually I will replace with MDT chassis.

Thanks,

Russellc

 

[RussellC]

It will probably be this one, https://swfa.com/sightron-6-24x50-siii-30mm-riflescope-4.html but it is back ordered. I also like the Nightforce I showed along with this on in another thread, but it is 200+ more dollars, which shouldnt matter, but money is money!

In the mean time, I might get this for now:

https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-12x42-tactical-riflescope-1.html Both are 30mm, unlike the 1 inch Nikon in the photo.

Or this, same thing different reticle

https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-12x42-tactical-riflescope.html

Russellc

 

[RussellC]

The Sightron or Nightforce were really in mind for next rifle 6.5 CM, and be used on the .223 in the mean time. the 12x42 scopes may be better for the .223

Russellc

 

[Varminterror]

You might be surprised to find out I'm a penny pinching hillbilly, so for a temporary cheek piece, I'll readily admit I'd just carve some foam rubber and wrap it in black duct tape so it'll hold a trough shape, then use a $7 Allen elastic cartridge sleeve to hold it on the stock. Been using risers like that for over 20yrs. Worry about making something sexier when you have the permanent scope, or get by until you get the chassis and the permanent riser equipped stock.

 

[RussellC]

You might be surprised to find out I'm a penny pinching hillbilly, so for a temporary cheek piece, I'll readily admit I'd just carve some foam rubber and wrap it in black duct tape so it'll hold a trough shape, then use a $7 Allen elastic cartridge sleeve to hold it on the stock. Been using risers like that for over 20yrs. Worry about making something sexier when you have the permanent scope, or get by until you get the chassis and the permanent riser equipped stock.

I like the way you think...

Russellc

 

[1stmarine]

The best thing is to order the rings last. After you have your mount and scope.
Then you can measure using a stack of pennies and masking tape before ordering rings.
This is a good time to estimate ergonomics like lop and comb in case you need a comb raiser.
I like to do this by mounting the rifle or getting down in prone position and then closing the eyes, getting a feeling for the rifle, getting in a good comfortable position. And when I open the eyes the perfect image should be there. Then I can decide on what I need to change to preserve that comfortable natural position. Pretty much like a custom made suit you change the rifle to fit you and not the other way around. So make also sure the rings or mounts allow for the proper placement of the scope in both axis.
Good luck.

 

[1stmarine]

You might be surprised to find out I'm a penny pinching hillbilly, so for a temporary cheek piece, I'll readily admit I'd just carve some foam rubber and wrap it in black duct tape so it'll hold a trough shape, then use a $7 Allen elastic cartridge sleeve to hold it on the stock. Been using risers like that for over 20yrs. Worry about making something sexier when you have the permanent scope, or get by until you get the chassis and the permanent riser equipped stock.

that is a great idea. I think any foam that is not too hard but also not too soft wrapped with hockey tape will stay for ever.
I have done this with a couple of beater rifles and it is still there. By putting a few slides one can find the perfect fit.
Any hobby store has everything you need. I can also find hockey tape at the ACE store.

 

[RussellC]

In retrospect, you are absolutely correct. I got a little ahead of myself with the 30mm rings. The stuff in the picture I already had. Well, if they dont work for this gun, They will on other ARs I have. I may have buy another set. Next time, I will follow your advice.

Russellc

 

[Varminterror]

Here's an example - high impact foam "puzzle mats" from the exercise equipment section of Walmart, cut for thickness, then v-gouged to let it bend appropriately, wrap in duct tape, and slip it under the Allen elastic stock cartridge sleeve.

 

[1stmarine]

In retrospect, you are absolutely correct. I got a little ahead of myself with the 30mm rings. The stuff in the picture I already had. Well, if they dont work for this gun, They will on other ARs I have. I may have buy another set. Next time, I will follow your advice.

Russellc

Everyone has made this mistake. That is why most of us have a box full of spare scope rings and probably pistol holsters too! lol

 

[RussellC]

Everyone has made this mistake. That is why most of us have a box full of spare scope rings and probably pistol holsters too! lol

Pistol holsters! Absolutely. I am convinced the entire market is supported by everyones mistakes. I know I own a bunch, about half I use, the rest sit.

Russellc

 

[climbnjump]

...so for a temporary cheek piece, I'll readily admit I'd just carve some foam rubber and wrap it in black duct tape so it'll hold a trough shape, then use a $7 Allen elastic cartridge sleeve to hold it on the stock.

I've also used that technique, but with cut-to-size mouse pads under the elastic cartridge sleeve. I worked in IT for many years and had stacks of mouse pads in various thicknesses. Sometimes it took a combination of them to get the right height.

 

[243winxb]

25mm is .984" The Burris 1" for a 30mm tube and 50 mm lens is plenty of height. The base mount height should make it plenty high. ??

 

[Skylerbone]

A 30mm tube will raise your centerline .0905" all else being constant. If you know the height of the rings you ordered and the actual objective diameter of the scope you plan to buy, you can measure ahead of time. Remember the stated 40 or 50mm is the lens diameter, not the housing diameter so figure in a few mm extra.

Ballpark; 50mm, figure 56 or 60 if you're using scope caps. The formula would be 60 - 30 = 30/2 = 15mm or .591" from barrel to bottom of scope saddle. Again, for easy math, 5/8" or 19/32" if you've got sharp eyes.

Ideally the rings will keep your scope as low profile as possible but so long as you can correct head position a size higher won't really hurt.

For a cheek riser I'd recommend a Kick Eez Cheek Eez adhesive pad. I've used floor puzzle pieces among other things but these pads look much nicer and hold up well. They come in differing thicknesses to 1/4". Available at Midway or Brownells.

 

[243winxb]

The base used in the OP seems to add a lot of heights. The base should allow the 1" 30mm rings to work?

But if using a normal base, higher rings would be needed. My guess.

 

[RussellC]

Well, hopefully they will be OK, they are 30mm rings, and 30mm tall, just over an inch. If not, getting another set and using these on one of my AR rifles isnt the end of the world.

In the mean time just to shoot the gun, I did what was in the pic with scope mounted. These are 1 inch tall rings, with a Nikon 1 inch scope which look a little high. On the other hand, I can see through it fine, just sort of feels like I should be hunkered down a little lower

Russellc

 

[Skylerbone]

Looking at your rail and where things are at, I'm guessing even with scope caps you'll have nearly .6" of fresh Montana air between the bell and barrel (based on the chart).

 

[RussellC]

25mm is .984" The Burris 1" for a 30mm tube and 50 mm lens is plenty of height. The base mount height should make it plenty high. ??

View attachment 763386

Mine are the 1.25 I believe. The pictured 1" Zee rings are 1'' tall. The scope I have coming is 42mm objective, hardly any difference than the pictured 40mm. The scope that I will eventually have will be 50mm. Hardly any difference either. When I get that scope, FIRST...following 1stmarine's advice, I will likely get a shorter set, passing these taller rings and scope that's on the way to an AR rifle.

I should then have enough scopes...(for about 10 minutes!)

Russellc

 

[Walkalong]

I have more scopes than guns right now, and that doesn't include the junk I have replaced and mostly given away. I'm a sucker for a good sale.

 

[RussellC]

I have more scopes than guns right now, and that doesn't include the junk I have replaced and mostly given away. I'm a sucker for a good sale.

Yup. Me too. Bald Eagle, Savage, and SWFA have gotten a lot of mine.
Russellc

 

[RussellC]

Well, checking around. it appears that these Signature XTR rings are only available in ex high, (1.50, high, (1.25) these are what I have...and Medium, (1.00).....I dont see any "low".....still, I am taking 1stmarine's advice and not buying anymore rings until I have the particular scope in hand!

Russellc