How High of Rings to Buy?

[bluetopper]

I got a new model 700, 22-250 varmint bull barrel; bought a new scope online last night and need a mount and rings. But how do I know how high of rings to buy? I can't try them out first. Don't want to buy new rings and the end of my scope hit the barrel.

 

[bearleft]

http://www.mil-rad.com/scope_ring_calculator

 

[Skylerbone]

Sometimes, when I have all 6 kids under control, I calculate these things out for people if they give me the EXACT model scope, a preference on mount style and ring manufacturer, a budget to follow, and any special provisions ie 20 MOA built-in for long range shooting or needs room to accommodate XYZ scope covers/caps.

Sometimes others do the same and have great suggestions as well. BUT...you gotta give us more detail.

 

[bluetopper]

I ordered me a Game Reaper high mount and rings made as one. Surely it'll be high enough for my 6-24x42 scope.

 

[Skylerbone]

I think you’ll find Medium rings would have been more than high enough for most 42mm objectives.

 

[Axis II]

I think you’ll find Medium rings would have been more than high enough for most 42mm objectives.

Yep medium Burris rings on all my 44mm vortex scopes.

 

[earlthegoat2]

As others have alluded to, you will need to provide the scope information to determine the ring height.

 

[cdb1]

I think you’ll find Medium rings would have been more than high enough for most 42mm objectives.

And I’ve seen lows work occasionally.

 

[cdb1]

And I’ve seen lows work occasionally.

But not on a regular basis.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Sometimes worth it to mock it up with modeling clay, should give you the measurement you need.

 

[bluetopper]

What's the usual difference between medium and high rings? It's minimal isn't it? Oh well, it'll give me ample room for a scope upgrade in the future from my top of the line Tasco 6-24x42 I ordered......and/or a scope cover.

 

[Skylerbone]

What's the usual difference between medium and high rings? It's minimal isn't it?

Thing is, there is no set standard between manufacturers when it comes to height unless they’re specialty rings meant for AR co-witness(ing). Some may produce a 1” medium (1/2” for tube diameter and 1/2” for base) and another will denote the same but measure from a different attachment point.

Each scope manufacturer may give nominal dimensions of lenses, nearly all of these discount the housing dimensions though, and features like adjustable objective tend to increase diameter considerably.

So knowing which scope/rifle combo you’re starting with allows members to suggest systems that will get you what you need without adding undue height that can exacerbate problems such as comb height.

 

[entropy]

Sometimes, when I have all 6 kids under control,

 

[homers]

Generally you want to use the lowest rings that you can; Depending on your rifle, using high rings will require you to lift your cheek off of the stock, usually hurting accuracy or making consistency more difficult.

 

[Nature Boy]

Sometimes, when I have all 6 kids under control,

I have a mental image of a process that includes a whip and a chair, a la Sigfreid and Roy

 

[Skylerbone]

I have a mental image of a process that includes a whip and a chair, a la Sigfreid and Roy

In this day and age it’s more about using an app to grant additional phone time once chores are completed. I still deal with the occasional rebel and a good bit of squabbling, but they’re otherwise reasonably well behaved. A good part of that comes from apparently never allowing them to get under my skin, a trick I learned coaching Dad’s Club.

Appearance is everything; yell at the cats.