How to Measure Sight Height: The Ultimate Guide
By A rifle scope is an important tool for any hunter or shooter. It allows you to see your target more clearly and helps to improve accuracy. One of the most important factors in choosing a rifle scope is determining the correct sight height. This can be tricky, especially if you are not familiar with the terminology. In this guide, we will explain how to measure scope sight height and discuss some of the factors that you need to consider when making your selection.
So How to Measure Sight Height?
This is an important question to ask when you are trying to determine the accuracy of your shooting. The sight height refers to the distance between the center of the scope and the barrel of your gun. This measurement is necessary in order to calculate how high or low your bullets will hit, based on where you aim.
If you are looking for a scope that is much more accurate, you will want to find one with smaller adjustment increments. You can also measure the sight height of your current scope or rifle and then use this information to determine if it would be worth upgrading.
If you don’t know how high or low your bullets hit the target, it’s not possible to make accurate shots.
If you have never measured your sight height before, here’s a quick tutorial:
- Take the bolt out of your rifle and place it on top of something sturdy like a table or card board box with no movement allowed (if you’re using cardboard). Place this in front of the target you’re going to be shooting at.
- Measure the distance from the center of the scope to the barrel of your rifle. This is your sight height.
- Now, take a look at where you are aiming on the target and measure how high or low that spot is from the ground. Record this measurement in inches or centimeters (both are ok).
- Subtract the sight height from your aiming point. This will give you a good idea of how much adjustment you need to make on your scope before shooting again.
If there is no way for me to measure my scope or rifle, I can’t use this method because it doesn’t account for anything else on the rifle.
There are a few other factors to consider when measuring scope sight height:
- The type of ammunition you’re using can also affect your shots. Heavier bullets will drop faster than lighter ones, so you may need to make additional adjustments depending on what you’re shooting with.
- Your barrel length and profile will also affect how much elevation adjustment you need to make before firing. For example, if your barrel is longer than the distance from where you’re aiming at on target (the center) then it won’t be possible for any bullet weight adjustments to compensate for this difference in height.
- If there are any obstructions like trees or buildings in between you and the target, that will also affect your shot.
Another option is to use an online calculator or app. There are several calculators available online, or you can download an app like Scope Height Calculator. This app will allow you to enter the dimensions of your scope and gun, and it will calculate the sight height for you.
Once you have determined the correct sight height, you will need to decide which type of mount to use. There are three types of mounts: rings, one-piece mounts, and two-piece mounts. Rings are the most common type of mount and they attach to the barrel of your gun with screws or clamps. One-piece mounts are similar to rings, but they are a single piece that attaches directly to the receiver of your gun. Two-piece mounts consist of two pieces that clamp together around the barrel of your gun. Each type of mount has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you will need to decide which one is best for you.
To determine the correct mount height, you will need to know the distance from the center of the scope lens to the barrel of your gun. This measurement can be found on most rifle scopes. If you are using a ring mount, the height of the rings should also be included in this measurement. Once you have determined the correct mount height, you can purchase rings, one-piece mounts, or two-piece mounts that are compatible with your scope and gun.
Choosing the right rifle scope can be tricky, but it is important to get it right if you want to improve your accuracy and shooting performance. By following these guidelines, you can measure scope sight height and select the right mount for your needs.
How is the height of scope rings measured?
The height of scope rings is measured from the center of the bore to the top of the scope. This measurement is also called the “scope centerline.” The height of scope rings can be important when mounting a scope because it affects how low or high the scope will sit above the barrel. If you have too much clearance between the barrel and scope, you get a taller profile which can increase weight and decrease accuracy.
If there is not enough clearance between the barrel and scope, it will rub on the barrel causing scratching or damage over time (possibly internal damage as well). To measure the height of your rings, hold them up to your rifle with an unloaded magazine inserted in its slot. The rings should be as close to the barrel as possible while still allowing the magazine to drop freely.
Make a note of the measurement from the center of the bore to the top of ring and then subtract 0.25-0.50 inches depending on how low you want your scope to sit (this will account for the thickness of Weaver or Picatinny cross slabs on the bottom of your scope). You should now have a measurement that can be used to select rings with an appropriate height.
How tall are high scope rings?
Generally speaking, high scope rings are going to be between 0.75 and 0.90 inches in height. Medium rings will be around 0.50-0.60”, while low rings will measure approximately 0-0.30″ in height above the top of your receiver rail (where your riflescope base sits).
In order to determine how tall your scope rings are, you will need a set of calipers. You can buy one from Amazon for about ten bucks.
Anyways, once you remove the top half of your scope ring (the part with the screws), measure from the bottom of the ring (where it attaches to your scope base) to the top of the ring. This will give you an accurate measurement of how tall your rings are.
For example, if I have a set of high rings and my calipers measure 0.90” from the bottom of the ring to the top of the ring, then I know that my rings are 0.90” tall.
If you’re using a 30mm scope tube, it’s important to note that you will need taller rings than if you were using a one-inch scope tube. This is because the larger diameter of the 30mm scope tube allows for a greater height of the scope ring. In other words, 30mm rings are typically taller than one-inch rings because they have more room to fit around the larger diameter tube.
It’s also important to know that many riflescopes come with built-in sunshades and flip-up covers; these will increase the overall height of your scope. So, if you’re using a riflescope with a built-in sunshade or flip-up cover, make sure to account for that when measuring the height of your rings.
As I mentioned earlier, there is no one perfect height for scope rings; it all depends on your specific setup and what works best for you. But, using the information in this guide, you should be able to measure the height of your rings and find the right set for your needs.
