I had a spirited discussion on this topic with my dear friend
@Nik H who, if I remember correctly, told me that if I didn't have 1.5" rings my dick would fall off, I'd get full body herpes, and I'd never hit the 10 ring again in my life. (joking of course)
Here's the deal...I have super model high cheek bones. Don't hate me because I'm beautiful (which if you have ever seen me you would know is the furthest from the truth! haha). So, I need a very high comb to get behind a scope.
And, after years of clay target shooting I have absolutely confirmed that I need a high comb just to align with the rib (1.25" drop at comb). Its just a matter of the configuration of the on-side eye and the bottom of your cheek bone (because, as an old shotgunner, I kind of insist on a solid and repeatable cheek weld and rather think its the only weld that is utterly repeatable).
Right now I have two rifles in JAE chassis with ARC 1.10" rings.
And my head is NOT rolled over on my rifles....I've taken the Frank/Marc clinics twice and head roll was not one of my many issues (thank god, I have enough as it is LOL)
To get behind the scope properly with these rings and in these chassis, I have raised the comb almost as far as it will go. I have .17" of additional adjustment left. Not much, right. And, I think the JAE's are pretty much in the ball park with everyone else in terms of comb height adjustability.
So, if I put 1.5" rings on these guns, I would be far too low.
I do see where ARC makes 1.26" rings. If I use up that last .17" of comb adjustment, I should be able to get behind my scopes. But, I'm doubtful that .16" of additional height using these next taller rings is at all worth the $180+tax+shipping.
I guess my overall thought is that this is NOT a one size fits all parameter. That is NOT to say go as low as you can....not at all. Just get rings that will put you behind your scope, within the adjustments of your stock/chassis, with your head erect.
Just my view of it and I'm well prepared to be schooled by my betters! haha
Oh, for those who say just dump the JAE's and get a chassis with more comb adjustment...I will be glad to. Just send me $2k per chassis and I'll be happy to go shopping! haha
Cheers