How to Measure Scope Height for Perfect Rifle Accuracy
How to Measure Scope Height
When you’re mounting a scope on your rifle, it’s important to get the scope height just right. If the scope is too high, you’ll have a hard time seeing through it. If the scope is too low, you’ll have a hard time getting a good cheek weld.
In this article, we’ll show you how to measure scope height so that you can get the perfect fit for your rifle. We’ll also discuss the different factors that affect scope height, and how to choose the right scope for your needs.
So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shooter, read on to learn how to measure scope height!
| Step | Instructions | Image |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount the scope on the rifle. |  |
| 2 | Align the scope’s crosshairs with the center of the target. |  |
| 3 | Measure the distance from the center of the scope’s objective lens to the center of the target. |  |
What is Scope Height?
Definition of scope height
Scope height is the distance between the center of the scope’s objective lens and the center of the rifle’s bore. It is measured in inches or millimeters.
Factors affecting scope height
There are a few factors that affect scope height, including:
- Eye relief: The distance between the eyepiece of the scope and the shooter’s eye.
- Mounting position: The height of the scope mount on the rifle.
- Recoil: The amount of recoil produced by the rifle.
How to choose the right scope height
The best way to choose the right scope height is to experiment with different heights until you find one that provides the best balance of eye relief, comfort, and accuracy.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a scope height:
- Eye relief: You want to have enough eye relief so that you can see the entire field of view without having to strain your eyes. However, you also don’t want so much eye relief that the scope is too far away from your eye.
- Mounting position: The height of the scope mount will affect the overall scope height. If you mount the scope too high, it will be more difficult to get a good cheek weld on the rifle. If you mount the scope too low, it will be more difficult to see through the scope.
- Recoil: The amount of recoil produced by the rifle will also affect the scope height. If the rifle has a lot of recoil, you may need to mount the scope higher to reduce the chance of the scope being knocked out of alignment.
How to Measure Scope Height
Tools needed
- A ruler or tape measure
- A level
- A pencil or pen
- A piece of paper
Steps to measure scope height
1. Mount the scope to the rifle.
2. Level the rifle so that the barrel is parallel to the ground.
3. Place the ruler or tape measure along the top of the rifle barrel.
4. Mark the spot on the ruler or tape measure that is level with the center of the scope’s objective lens.
5. Remove the scope from the rifle.
6. Use the level to draw a line on the paper that is parallel to the ground.
7. Place the ruler or tape measure along the line on the paper.
8. Mark the spot on the ruler or tape measure that is level with the center of the scope’s objective lens.
9. The distance between the two marks is the scope height.
Scope height is an important factor to consider when choosing a scope for your rifle. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily measure the scope height and choose the right scope for your needs.
3. Common Mistakes When Measuring Scope Height
When measuring scope height, it is important to avoid making common mistakes. These mistakes can lead to inaccurate measurements and incorrect scope placement, which can negatively impact your shooting performance.
Here are three common mistakes to avoid when measuring scope height:
- Setting the wrong zero. The zero of your scope is the point at which the crosshairs are aligned with the point of impact of your bullet. When measuring scope height, it is important to make sure that your scope is zeroed at the correct distance. If your scope is not zeroed correctly, your measurements will be inaccurate.
- Using the wrong tools. There are a number of different tools that you can use to measure scope height. However, not all of these tools are created equal. Some tools are more accurate than others, and some tools are easier to use than others. It is important to choose the right tool for the job.
- Not accounting for different factors. When measuring scope height, it is important to account for a number of different factors, such as the type of rifle you are using, the type of scope you are using, and the type of ammunition you are using. If you do not account for these factors, your measurements will be inaccurate.
4. How to Adjust Scope Height
Once you have measured the correct scope height, you will need to adjust the height of your scope. There are a few different ways to adjust scope height, but the most common method is to use scope rings.
To adjust scope height using scope rings, you will need to:
1. Remove the scope from the rifle.
2. Loosen the screws on the scope rings.
3. Slide the scope up or down in the rings until it is at the correct height.
4. Tighten the screws on the scope rings.
Once you have adjusted the scope height, you will need to re-zero the scope.
5.
Measuring and adjusting scope height is an important part of rifle shooting. By following the tips in this article, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure that your scope is properly positioned for accurate shooting.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- [How to Measure Scope Height](https://www.opticsplanet.com/blog/how-to-measure-scope-height/)
- [How to Adjust Scope Height](https://www.pewpewtactical.com/how-to-adjust-scope-height/)
- [Scope Height Calculator](https://www.scopeheightcalculator.com/)
How do I measure scope height?
There are a few different ways to measure scope height. The most common method is to use a ruler or tape measure to measure the distance from the center of the scope’s objective lens to the top of the rifle’s receiver. Another method is to use a scope height gauge, which is a specialized tool designed for this purpose.
What is the difference between scope height and eye relief?
Scope height and eye relief are two different measurements that are important to consider when choosing a scope for your rifle. Scope height refers to the distance from the center of the scope’s objective lens to the top of the rifle’s receiver, while eye relief refers to the distance between the rear of the scope’s ocular lens and your eye.
What is the ideal scope height for a AR-15?
The ideal scope height for an AR-15 will vary depending on the shooter’s individual preferences and the type of shooting they will be doing. However, a good starting point is to measure the distance from your cheek to the comb of your rifle’s stock and add 1.5 inches. This will give you a comfortable cheek weld and adequate eye relief for most shooting applications.
What are the benefits of using a high scope mount?
There are a few benefits to using a high scope mount, including:
- Improved eye relief: A higher scope mount will provide more eye relief, which can be beneficial for shooters with long necks or who wear eyeglasses.
- Better field of view: A higher scope mount will also provide a better field of view, which can be helpful for scanning for targets or tracking moving objects.
- Increased versatility: A higher scope mount can also make it easier to use your rifle for different shooting applications, such as hunting, target shooting, and self-defense.
What are the disadvantages of using a high scope mount?
There are a few disadvantages to using a high scope mount, including:
- Increased weight: A higher scope mount will add weight to your rifle, which can make it more difficult to carry and shoot.
- Increased bulk: A higher scope mount will also increase the overall bulk of your rifle, which can make it more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Reduced maneuverability: A higher scope mount can also reduce your maneuverability, making it more difficult to shoot from different positions.
How do I choose the right scope height for my rifle?
The best way to choose the right scope height for your rifle is to experiment with different heights until you find one that you are comfortable with. Some factors to consider when choosing a scope height include:
- Your shooting style: If you plan on doing a lot of shooting from a prone position, you will need a higher scope mount than if you plan on doing most of your shooting from a standing position.
- Your eye relief: You need to make sure that you have enough eye relief for your scope, so that you can see the entire field of view without your eye getting too close to the scope.
- The weight and bulk of your rifle: A higher scope mount will add weight and bulk to your rifle, so you need to make sure that you are comfortable with the overall weight and size of the rifle with the scope mounted.
What are some common mistakes people make when measuring scope height?
Some common mistakes people make when measuring scope height include:
- Using the wrong measurement tool: You should use a ruler or tape measure to measure scope height, not a micrometer or calipers.
- Measuring from the wrong point: You should measure from the center of the scope’s objective lens to the top of the rifle’s receiver, not from the top of the scope’s tube or the top of the rifle’s barrel.
- Not accounting for eye relief: You need to make sure that you have enough eye relief for your scope, so that you can see the entire field of view without your eye getting too close to the scope.
How can I measure scope height without a ruler or tape measure?
If you don’t have a ruler or tape measure handy, you can use a few other methods to measure scope height.
- Use a coin: You can use a coin to measure the distance from the center of the scope’s objective lens to the top of the rifle’s receiver. First, place the coin on top of the rifle’s receiver, so that the edge of the coin is aligned with the center of the scope’s objective lens. Then, measure the distance from the top of the coin to the top of the rifle’s receiver.
- Use a pen or pencil: You can also
there are a few key things to keep in mind when measuring scope height. First, make sure that you have the correct tools for the job. Second, follow the steps in the guide carefully to ensure accuracy. Third, be aware of the potential for error and take steps to minimize it. By following these tips, you can measure scope height with confidence and accuracy.
Here are a few key takeaways from this article:
- The correct tools for measuring scope height include a tape measure, a level, and a pencil.
- The steps in the guide include measuring the distance from the center of the bore to the top of the scope, measuring the distance from the center of the bore to the bottom of the scope, and subtracting the two measurements to find the scope height.
- The potential for error can be minimized by using a level to ensure that the scope is level, by using a tape measure that is accurate, and by taking multiple measurements to ensure consistency.
By following these tips, you can measure scope height with confidence and accuracy.