Question about mounting a scope

[crest117]

When mounting a scope, what is the minimum clearance between the front of the scope and the barrel? I would like to mount this scope as low as possible. would a sixteenth of an inch be enough clearance?

 

[krimmie]

As long as it won't come in contact with the barrel before, or while the gun is fired. Make sure you account for lens covers if you plan on using them.

 

[macgrumpy]

I like a little more than than 1/16", maybe as much as 1/8", it really depends on the mount and where your rings are along the scope's tube. A single piece mount with the rings as far apart as possible will be the most solid setup with the least amount of movement. If you have a two piece mount or a cantilever mount you will have more movement with the cantilever having the most movement - especially if you are using a large/heavy scope.

 

[taliv]

i like a lot more clearance. if it's just a 22lr or something with near zero recoil, it's no big deal. for centerfire rifle i think the scope flexes a lot more under recoil than people may suspect and i wouldn't want it to be slamming the objective into the barrel which might eventually loosen it and lead to a wandering zero.

 

[murf]

a .223rem handirifle with a 22 inch bull barrel. scope clearance is .046" measured with a feeler gauge.

murf

 

[TTundra]

A LOT is personal preference, optical center can be factored in and corrected for on anyone's shooting. I'm a tall guy, long neck, so I don't like to cram in down as close as possible. Its just not as comfortable. I let the fit of the stock and purpose of the rifle tell me a little where the scope will be mounted. I can tell you a long day at the range with a more comfortable, but appropriate, cheek weld makes it much more enjoyable. At least for me.

 

[bluzman]

Here's a 3-0x32mm scope on a CZ 455 Trainer. It's mounted using a DIP adapter, This gave a set up that didn't require removing the rear tangent sight. Bore axis to scope axis distance is ~1.5".

 

[macgrumpy]

Also, don't forget that the mass of the firearm and the caliber need to be considered. Recoil forces are spread over the entire weapon including the scope and it's connecting parts. A light rifle with a large caliber will create more scope forces than a light rifle with a smaller caliber. The length of the scope will also be a factor, longer scopes are like longer levers and the same force will have more of an effect (with the scope rings being in the same place). If you are using a .338 magnum with a 1 inch scope tube sitting in a two piece mount then you really should have more clearance than if you are using a .243 with a 35mm scope tube attached to a single piece mount.

 

[cdb1]

If I can slide a business card between the scope and the barrel I'm good to go.