How Far Back to Mount a Telescope Scope for Optimal Viewing

How Far Back to Mount a Scope?

When you’re mounting a scope on your rifle, it’s important to get the distance from the rear of the action to the objective lens (or ocular lens, for a spotting scope) just right. If the scope is too far back, you’ll have a hard time seeing through it. If it’s too close, you’ll lose light transmission and have a narrower field of view.

In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that affect the optimal scope-to-action distance, and we’ll provide some tips for getting it right. We’ll also cover some common mistakes that people make when mounting scopes, and we’ll offer some solutions to these problems.

So whether you’re a first-time scope buyer or a seasoned shooter, read on for all the information you need to know about how far back to mount a scope!

Scope Type	Recommended Back Focus	Notes
Refractor	4x to 5x focal length	This is the most common back focus range for refractors.
Catadioptric	2x to 3x focal length	This is the most common back focus range for catadioptrics.
Newtonian	1x focal length	This is the most common back focus range for Newtonians.

How Far Back to Mount a Scope?

Factors Affecting Scope Mounting Position

There are several factors to consider when determining the correct scope mounting position on your rifle. These factors include:

• Distance from the eyepiece to the target. The distance from the eyepiece to the target is important for ensuring that you have a clear view of the target. If the scope is mounted too far back, you will have to extend your neck to see through the scope, which can be uncomfortable and tiring. If the scope is mounted too far forward, you will have to hunch over to see through the scope, which can also be uncomfortable and tiring. The ideal distance from the eyepiece to the target is typically around 1.5 inches.
• Eye relief. Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece and your eye when you are looking through the scope. If the eye relief is too short, you will have to squint to see through the scope, which can be uncomfortable and lead to eye fatigue. If the eye relief is too long, you will have to move your head around to see through the scope, which can be distracting. The ideal eye relief for a scope is typically around 2 inches.
• Magnification. The magnification of the scope will also affect the correct mounting position. The higher the magnification, the closer the scope will need to be mounted to your eye. This is because the image will be magnified, and you will need to be closer to the scope in order to see the entire image clearly.
• Field of view. The field of view of the scope will also affect the correct mounting position. The wider the field of view, the further back the scope will need to be mounted. This is because a wider field of view will allow you to see more of the target area, and you will need to be further back in order to see the entire field of view clearly.
• Weight distribution. The weight of the scope will also affect the correct mounting position. A heavier scope will need to be mounted further back in order to balance the rifle properly. This is because a heavy scope will cause the rifle to tip forward if it is mounted too far forward.

How to Measure the Correct Scope Mounting Position

There are three methods that you can use to measure the correct scope mounting position on your rifle:

• Using a laser rangefinder. A laser rangefinder can be used to measure the distance from the eyepiece to the target. Once you have the distance, you can subtract the desired eye relief to determine the correct scope mounting position.
• Using a tape measure. A tape measure can be used to measure the distance from the rear of the receiver to the front of the scope. Once you have the distance, you can divide the distance by two to determine the center of the scope. This is the ideal location for the scope to be mounted.
• Using a plumb line. A plumb line can be used to determine the center of the scope. First, attach the plumb line to the front of the scope. Then, hang the scope from the barrel of the rifle. The plumb line will hang straight down, and the center of the scope will be directly below the barrel.

Once you have determined the correct scope mounting position, you can mark the location on the rifle with a pencil. Then, you can drill the holes for the scope rings and mount the scope.

The correct scope mounting position is important for ensuring that you have a clear view of the target, comfortable eye relief, and proper weight distribution. By following the tips in this article, you can easily determine the correct scope mounting position for your rifle.

Here are some additional tips for mounting a scope:

• Use quality scope rings. Cheap scope rings can damage your scope and make it difficult to achieve a proper zero.
• Make sure the scope is level. A level scope will provide a more accurate sight picture.
• Tighten the scope rings securely. A loose scope can move around and cause your shots to be inaccurate.
• Test the scope before you take it hunting. Make sure the scope is zeroed and that you are comfortable with the way it feels.

How Far Back to Mount Scope?

The ideal position for mounting a scope on a rifle depends on a number of factors, including the shooter’s eye relief, the rifle’s action, and the type of scope being used. However, there are a few general guidelines that can help you determine the best position for your scope.

Eye relief is the distance between the rear of the scope and the shooter’s eye when the rifle is shouldered and the scope is in focus. If the eye relief is too short, the shooter will have to strain their eyes to see through the scope. If the eye relief is too long, the shooter will have to move their head back and forth to see through the scope.

The ideal eye relief for a scope will vary depending on the shooter’s individual preferences. However, a good rule of thumb is to mount the scope so that the eye relief is about 1.5 inches longer than the distance from the shooter’s eye to the rear of the rifle stock.

Rifle action is another factor to consider when determining the best position for mounting a scope. Rifles with bolt actions typically have more clearance behind the action than rifles with semi-automatic actions. This means that you can mount a scope further back on a bolt-action rifle without worrying about interference from the bolt.

Type of scope is also a factor to consider. Scopes with long eye relief, such as variable power scopes, can be mounted further back than scopes with short eye relief, such as red dot scopes.

Once you have considered all of these factors, you can begin to mount your scope. The following steps will walk you through the process:

1. Install the scope rings. Scope rings are the mounting hardware that attaches the scope to the rifle. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, so it is important to choose the right ones for your rifle and scope.
2. Install the scope base. The scope base is the mounting platform that the scope rings attach to. It is typically made of metal and is attached to the rifle’s receiver.
3. Mount the scope. Once the scope rings and scope base are installed, you can mount the scope. This is done by tightening the screws on the scope rings until the scope is secure.
4. Make final adjustments. Once the scope is mounted, you will need to make final adjustments. This includes aligning the scope with the bore of the rifle and adjusting the eye relief.

By following these steps, you can mount your scope in the ideal position for your needs.

Tools and Materials Needed for Scope Mounting

The following tools and materials are needed for scope mounting:

• Scope rings
• Scope base
• Scope mount screws
• Torque wrench
• Level

Scope rings are the mounting hardware that attaches the scope to the rifle. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, so it is important to choose the right ones for your rifle and scope.

Scope base is the mounting platform that the scope rings attach to. It is typically made of metal and is attached to the rifle’s receiver.

Scope mount screws are the screws that attach the scope rings to the scope base. They are typically made of steel and have a Phillips head.

Torque wrench is a tool used to tighten the scope mount screws to the correct torque. This is important to ensure that the scope is securely mounted and that the screws do not loosen over time.

Level is a tool used to check the alignment of the scope with the bore of the rifle. This is important to ensure that the scope is properly sighted in.

Steps for Mounting a Scope

The following steps will walk you through the process of mounting a scope:

1. Install the scope rings.

2. Install the scope base.

3. Mount the scope.

4. Make final adjustments.

Installing the scope rings

1. Choose the correct scope rings for your rifle and scope.
2. Clean the surfaces of the rifle and scope where the scope rings will be mounted.
3. Apply a small amount of thread sealant to the threads of the scope rings.
4. Align the scope rings with the rifle and scope.
5. Tighten the screws on the scope rings until they are snug.

Installing the scope base

1. Choose the correct scope base for your rifle.
2. Clean the surfaces of the rifle where the scope base will be mounted.
3. Apply a small amount of thread sealant to the threads of the scope base.
4. Align the scope base with the rifle.

How far back should I mount my scope?

The ideal distance to mount your scope will vary depending on the type of scope you have and the type of rifle you are using it on. However, there are a few general guidelines that you can follow to get a good starting point.

• For scopes with a fixed magnification, you should mount the scope so that the center of the objective lens is approximately 1 inch behind the rearmost part of the receiver.
• For scopes with variable magnification, you should mount the scope so that the center of the objective lens is approximately 1.5 inches behind the rearmost part of the receiver when the scope is set to its highest magnification.
• If you are using a rifle with a cheek rest, you should mount the scope so that the center of the eyepiece is approximately level with your cheek when you are in a shooting position.

It is important to experiment with different mounting positions until you find one that you are comfortable with and that provides you with the best possible view of your target.

What are the benefits of mounting my scope farther back?

There are a few benefits to mounting your scope farther back, including:

• Increased eye relief: When the scope is mounted farther back, you will have more room between your eye and the eyepiece, which can make it more comfortable to shoot for extended periods of time.
• Better field of view: A scope that is mounted farther back will have a wider field of view, which can be helpful for tracking moving targets or for hunting in dense cover.
• Improved target acquisition: A scope that is mounted farther back will be easier to acquire targets with, as you will not have to move your head as much to look through the scope.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to mounting your scope farther back, including:

• Increased weight: A scope that is mounted farther back will be heavier, which can make it more difficult to hold the rifle steady.
• Reduced magnification: A scope that is mounted farther back will have a lower magnification, which can make it more difficult to see targets at long distances.
• Increased parallax: A scope that is mounted farther back will have more parallax, which can make it difficult to judge the distance to targets.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to mount your scope farther back is a personal one. You will need to weigh the benefits and drawbacks to decide what is best for your particular needs.

What are the drawbacks of mounting my scope farther forward?

There are a few drawbacks to mounting your scope farther forward, including:

• Decreased eye relief: When the scope is mounted farther forward, you will have less room between your eye and the eyepiece, which can make it more difficult to shoot for extended periods of time.
• Reduced field of view: A scope that is mounted farther forward will have a narrower field of view, which can be limiting for some applications.
• Decreased target acquisition: A scope that is mounted farther forward will be more difficult to acquire targets with, as you will have to move your head more to look through the scope.

However, there are also some potential benefits to mounting your scope farther forward, including:

• Increased magnification: A scope that is mounted farther forward will have a higher magnification, which can be helpful for seeing targets at long distances.
• Reduced weight: A scope that is mounted farther forward will be lighter, which can make it easier to hold the rifle steady.
• Reduced parallax: A scope that is mounted farther forward will have less parallax, which can make it easier to judge the distance to targets.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to mount your scope farther forward is a personal one. You will need to weigh the benefits and drawbacks to decide what is best for your particular needs.

In this article, we discussed how far back to mount a scope. We covered the different factors that affect this distance, including the type of scope, the rifle, and the shooter’s preferences. We also provided some tips on how to mount a scope correctly.

We hope that this article has been helpful. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• The ideal eye relief for a scope depends on the shooter’s individual preferences.
• The distance from the rear of the scope to the shoulder of the rifle should be about 1.5 inches.
• The scope should be mounted so that the center of the crosshairs is aligned with the bore of the rifle.
• When mounting a scope, it is important to use the correct tools and techniques to ensure that it is installed correctly.