Rifle Scopes ring height difference from manufacturers

jasonZ

Gunny Sergeant
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Minuteman
Jul 12, 2008
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independence, kansas 67301
OK so I read this
SH ring height measuring

I understand that part, but what I don't understand is why can't everybody's ring height measurements be the same? A low from one brand is not the same as another brand. I know that I can get away with a low ring, but I want to get the best ring I can and still get the scope down close to the barrel. All the while using a 20moa KF rail on a Savage 10fp with a MK4 50mm LRT. I like the heigth of the Burris XTR in low, cuz I have a set in medium that I borrowed off another rifle to make sure the scope would clear and there is a 1/2" or so. Maybe it's just the way everybody measures em. I'm cornfused on the dadgum measurements that the manufacturers use and not really being consent across the industry. I just don't think a $1200 scope deserves a $60 set of rings, but I don't want to spend $150+ and then find that I can't get it where I want it!

Yes I'm sure I'll get flamed on this, but I'm just not wrapping my head around everybody having different measurements, so flame me or help me. You choose as I'm mentally exhausted from math and reading at this point. Also it has the factory Leupold flip ups (butler creeks).
Thanks for whatever you choose to do to me, Jason
 
Re: ring height difference from manufacturers

I admit that it can be a pain to look up ring sizes. You do it enough and you will start to remember them... trust me.

But on a good note... by them not all being the same size it put more size options on the table for the consumer.
 
Re: ring height difference from manufacturers

Knight11B4,

I agree that it is a good idea to have many different sizes as it allows a more compact fit over iron sites etc. Now if the manufacturers could just keep them in stock.
 
Re: ring height difference from manufacturers

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TacticalJ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK so I read this
SH ring height measuring

I understand that part, but what I don't understand is why can't everybody's ring height measurements be the same? A low from one brand is not the same as another brand.</div></div>
Why? Because that would make too much sense. This is why everyone should always do their own homework when measuring ring heights and when researching prospective parts. Burris XTRs' (and some other manufacturer's rings) are measured <span style="font-style: italic">from the top-of-the-base to the inside bottom (6 O'Clock) of the ring</span> <span style="font-weight: bold">instead</span> of <span style="font-style: italic">from the top-of-the-base to the ring <span style="text-decoration: underline">centerline</span></span>. IMO, measuring from the top-of-the-base to the ring centerline makes a hell of a lot more sense.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TacticalJ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know that I can get away with a low ring, but I want to get the best ring I can and still get the scope down close to the barrel. All the while using a 20moa KF rail on a Savage 10fp with a MK4 50mm LRT. I like the heigth of the Burris XTR in low, cuz I have a set in medium that I borrowed off another rifle to make sure the scope would clear and there is a 1/2" or so.</div></div>
Stop calling rings <span style="font-style: italic">"Low"</span>, <span style="font-style: italic">"Medium"</span>, <span style="font-style: italic">"High"</span>, ect. as it is useless unless you qualify with the method of measurement and specified ring height. The same is true of objective and ocular diameters because actual bell diameters vary between manufacturer and model. Not everyone is walking around with the same rifle. Think about what you're doing - do your own homework and if you do it correctly you'll have the best ring height available for <span style="font-style: italic">your rifle</span>.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TacticalJ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Maybe it's just the way everybody measures em. I'm cornfused on the dadgum measurements that the manufacturers use and not really being consent across the industry. I just don't think a $1200 scope deserves a $60 set of rings, but I don't want to spend $150+ and then find that I can't get it where I want it!</div></div>
As I mentuioned above, yes - some manufacturers' measure from the top of the base to the bottom of the tube, while most measure from the top of the base/rail to the center line of the ring. Do the math properly and you'll be GTG. If you take the easy way out and buy without measuring properly - it might work perfect, it might work OK, or it might not work at all. But then you only have yourself to blame.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TacticalJ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes I'm sure I'll get flamed on this, but I'm just not wrapping my head around everybody having different measurements, so flame me or help me. You choose as I'm mentally exhausted from math and reading at this point. Also it has the factory Leupold flip ups (butler creeks).

Thanks for whatever you choose to do to me, Jason </div></div>
While you might consider my reply to you a flame - thats' nothing. I'm sicker than a dog and was going to leave it be, but telling you to do your own homework <span style="font-style: italic">(why wouldn't you do your due diligence before you by something?)</span> IS helping you, whether you realize it or not. The method of ring measurement for all manufacturers' is easily found on the web.

You have the scope, do you have the base? If you have the base, just measure the height from the top of the barrel to the top of the base. If you don't have the base, buy it, mount it, and measure.

Next, measure the OAL diameter of the objective bell (including the lens caps) and divide by two (this gives you the radius from scope center). Next, add about .125" (1/8") or whatever you're comfortable with, as a cushion between the barrel and the objective cap. This is the total clearance that you need.

Then subtract the base height measurement from the required total clearance for the objective bell and you have your target ring height. Then you just need to buy a pair of rings close to your target ring height. Easy.


<span style="font-style: italic">"Give a man a fish; feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish; feed him for a lifetime"</span> - Lao Tzu


Keith