AICS ring height and trigger finger placement

[Zuul]

5 or so years ago I got my first long range gun, a Savage model 12 in 308. I read and watched as many things as I could on LR shooting, the general consensus seemed to be that you wanted to use the tip section of your finger to pull the trigger, and use the lowest rings possible to fit the scope objective without touching the barrel. This worked fine for my Savage, which was mainly shot from the bench, a little bit of prone here and there.

I just recently got a Rem 700 SPS in 223, I've been hitting the range a lot more and even though I reload my wallet and shoulder really don't like 100 + rounds down the tube twice a week. I decided to build this gun using the "buy once, cry once" motto and purchased a AICS 1.5 stock, Nightforce base/rings, Atlas, ETC. I'm saving up for a Nightforce scope so I took the SWFA 16x off of my 308 for now. I also decided to really work on my marksmanship skills and stick with shooting prone.

I set the 700 up in the AICS stock and mounted everything. One of the first things I noticed is that getting a comfortable grip on the stock puts the middle section of my finger on the trigger. Pulling my finger out so that the tip is centered is uncomfortable and I don't get a straight pull. Right at the crease where the tip of my finger starts seems to be comfortable enough and gets me the correct pull. With so much emphasis put on finger placement will I struggle with accuracy shooting like this?

Another issue I had with the AICS is ring height. I had originally purchased low rings. The first trip out I was getting a sore neck after 30 or so rounds. I purchased a set of medium height NF rings and what a world of difference. I adjusted the cheek rest up a tad and shooting was way more comfortable, no more neck cranking. Do I need to watch out for anything with a larger gap between the scope and barrel?

I'm full of stupid questions and probably over thinking everything, but thanks in advance for any info!

 

[TacticalBoltKnob]

The trigger issue may not be a problem at shorter ranges, but at longer ranges you may see a tendency to push your shots left if you have too much trigger finger on the trigger. But then again, you may not. Only shooting at different ranges will tell you.

The scope height should not be an issue. If you can't get a comfortable cheek weld, then what good does it do to use low rings? Doesn't seem to be a huge issue for the guys who use high rings on semi-autos to clear the front iron sight. Use what works for you, I say.

Just my opinion. I am no expert.

 

[shovelstrokeed]

It sounds like you have an issue with stock fit and scope position.
If you have to crane your neck forward, your length of pull is probably wrong.
The stock should fit such that your cheek piece falls naturally onto the stock with your eye directly behind the scope such that your trigger hand curls naturally around the grip as well. Once you get those sorted, then position the scope so that your eyebox is correct and your eye falls naturally in the center of the eyebox.

Remember, lenth of pull first, scope position last.

 

[shovelstrokeed]

More on stock adjustment and scope alignment

Here is a better explanation of what I was talking about in terms of adjusting stock
Look down a bit and you'll find something from me.
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/snipers-hide-stupid-marksmanship-questions/229019-best-method-tips-configure-adjustable-chassis-fit-you.html
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