Is this a problem? (scope gap)

[blindsheep]

Hi all. As per title and attached image - is this something which could cause damage?

Rifle is a Christensen MPR (.308) with an Ultrashort mounted in MDT Elite (med. 1") rings. The OEM objective lens cap is just touching the (free-floating) CF handguard but is still able to be turned fairly easily (90 degrees to the right in photo) and has a little bit of give. The mounts/rings are tightened all the way down + pushed forwards, this wasn't a problem.

I've heard conflicting opinions.

Thanks.

 

[Evolution 9]

Only way to know for sure is through testing, but:

1. I doubt you’ll notice any issues.

2. A couple minutes with sandpaper or a knife on that cap and you’ll remove any concerns.

 

[M77]

Yes IMO

 

[Shoots 700's]

I wouldn’t have anything touching my barrel

 

[Evolution 9]

That’s not his barrel

 

[OREGUN]

Absolutely no problem at all. Grind a touch off the cap ring if you don’t like it but nothing will be damaged. Accuracy will be unaffected.

 

[iceng]

Everyone here has the right idea. If its mentally messing with you, remove cap and lightly sand / file a flat or relief on it, re-attach.

 

[SniperBro]

Absolutely no problem at all. Grind a touch off the cap ring if you don’t like it but nothing will be damaged. Accuracy will be unaffected.

Amen.

 

[sawman556]

Take a file to it then some automotive sandpaper. Use a flat plate and polish it out with 2000 grit. It will look like it came that way from the factory.

 

[pineoak]

Options:

1.
Sand down current or get new/thinner scope cap for objective

2.
get taller rings
For a more comfy upright head position, scope bell not banging stuff on recoil, peace of mind, etc

3.
Leave as is.
If it's touching the handrail and not the barrel, then it doesn't make a difference in accuracy

Which works best for you?

Personally, I don't like the idea of my scope getting ANY force from recoil other than rings. Scope bell may hit handguard. Even lightly that could be 300 rounds/times a month easily

I'd get new/higher rings. With sale of current ones, not prohibitively expensive.

 

[erlarson74]

Mine was like that and saw no visible accuracy issues.

 

[FuhQ]

Since that is NOT the barrel, and it's just a free-floating handguard around the barrel... As long you're not having any issues with your scope, I'd leave it alone. It's likely not affecting anything at all, and never will.

 

[Hi-Lux Optics]

Generally, there shouldn't be any part of the scope touching the barrel directly. You don't want the objective bell (and lens) slapping down on the barrel when it's vibrating from the shot! But this is just the objective cap touching the foreguard, which isn't as scary. I'd say file a bit of a groove off the cap so it can pass a paper test - otherwise the cap might still hit and work itself loose over time.

 

[fj kins]

I don't think that should be an issue.

 

[bigbuckslayer3]

Grinder and or file all better...

 

[blindsheep]

Thanks for the replies. I realized that Frank already has a video touching on the subject.

Lesson: Scope Height (timestamped)

".. under recoil and vibration, this (scope cape) will hit the top rail and will bend the scope tube. We've seen these get bent."