Scope to eye distance?

[toothfangclaw]

How do you set up your scope? The one I have just seems to far away. When I shoulder the gun, I cant get a full picture at higher powers. Unless I get real close to the scope, but then I feel so uncomfortable and unnatural. After the season is completely over I am going to get new rings because I had some wondering going on and when I tightened the screws more I striped the head some and to possibly move the scope back. I definitely want to avoid scope eye. Also, how do you know if you need taller rings? And how do you know if you need a comb pad to get proper cheek weld? Something is just off comfort wise when I shoot. And I cant put my finger on it, lack of knowledge. Or maybe its just me and I have to get use to it? Lol

[rasbo]

I just mount everything and leave the scope a little loose,then throw it up and look through it and adjust the distance till its right.The I tighten it up,bore sight it the head to the range,,

[wildmanoutdoors]

Scope to eye distance is "eye relief". Scopes vary a bit but not too much. Your scope is just to far forward.

Your specs on your scope will tell you what the relief is but Rasbo said it best. Leave it loose and adjust when the rifle is up and comfortable in your shooting position.

As far as too high up. Most scopes should be as low as possible unless you have a adjustable cheek weld style stock. 40mm or smaller should ft in low style mounts. But you may have to remove your rear sight to gain this if you have them. Before you buy rings Id adjust your relief then see. Coarse if you striped them you may be buying more anyway.

[addicted]

if your bleeding after you shot it's too close..... either that or you got too excited 

[JackOfAllTrades]

Realize too, that some stocks just don't fit everyone. A crappy stock on a great action/rifle will make that great rifle uncomfortable to shoot. I personally like a little more drop in the comb with a little rise in the cheek like that of a target rifle. Length of comb can be fitted on a hunting rifle just as many people do with shotguns. The height of the scope mounting needs to allow the forward bell of the scope to have just enough room so it's not touching the barrel. Getting it litteraly as low as possible without touching is optimal. But, beware the bolt throw in it's upward/forward motion needs to have adequate clearance to cycle the bolt without touching any part of the scope, rings or scope mount. (even with gloves on)  That does not always lead to comfort when bringing the eye to the scope, so that's where you need to evaluate the drop in the comb of the stock or rise +- of any cheek piece. Setting the depth of the scope mounting is limited by the clearance of the scope bell to barrel, but usually you've got a little to play with even if using low rings but as Rasbo said it, Its simple to set things in place a little loose then slide the scope forward or back to make it comfortable in shooting position.

-Steve

[toothfangclaw]

Very good info! Thank you! So how about do I go about finding out what I need as far as stock mods? A gun smith? An instructor? Or is it all trial by error? 

[halflife65]

Just keep getting your forehead closer and closer until you get hit and then back it up a fraction.  That's what I do and I get bucks.  Of course, I also go to the hospital for stitches.



Or you could just take Rasbo's advice.  Whatever works for you.

[high country]

most good quality scopes will have 3-4" eye relief, the better scopes will hold the eye relief up on higher powers. cheap scopes may have 3" at low power, but by te time you get to max power.....you may be down to sub 2".

[PacificNWhunter]

Just keep getting your forehead closer and closer until you get hit and then back it up a fraction.  That's what I do and I get bucks.  Of course, I also go to the hospital for stitches.



Or you could just take Rasbo's advice.  Whatever works for you.

Ouch!