Thread: Scope Rings - Naive QUestion

Righto.

So, I've got a new scope for my Browning X Bolt 7mm Rem Mag on the way. It's a Leupold VX3i 4.5-14x40mm CDS with Windplex reticle, side focus, and 30mm tube.

I need to get some rings. My plan was to get the Talley aluminium rings (I've used them before and they've been fine), which have the option of low, medium, or high. I've had some conflicting advice on what to do here. The advice ranges from, literally, "go as high as you can" to "go as low as you can get away with.

So, I'd really appreciate any thoughts on what height scope rings to go with. I think I can prooobably get away with low, but will that limit dialing at all? Would medium be a better option, but potentially not as "comfy" to look through? Or should I go as high as possible, for reasons I don't fully understand?

Please keep in mind that this is a hunting rifle, and will rarely be dialed beyond 500yd. I'd like to have the option to get to 800 or 1000 for the times I go playing in the range, which are few and far between.

Thanks very much for your thoughts in advance.

Elliott

Definitely as low as you can go while still allowing barrel clearance. Not 100% sure but low Talleys might be to low even though your outside measurement of the objective lens is around 42 - 43mm.
My objective lens OD is 56mm and pretty sure my Talley rings are medium

Low won’t limit dialing at all.
Generally you want rings at the most comfortable and natural height, so that if you shoulder the rifle with your eyes closed then open them you are looking perfectly down the scope.
In most cases you go as low as you can while still having clearance between scope and barrel, and between scope and bolt handle.

i learned the hard way that scope rings only contact the scope tube in occasional places . so now on high recoiling rifles i use self amalgamating rubber between the scope and rings.

Yip, low Talleys will be the go for that scope and won’t limit dialling. Plenty of elevation for the ranges you mentioned too.
Optilocks would be good too, but quite a bit more spendy.

Originally Posted by gonetropo

i learned the hard way that scope rings only contact the scope tube in occasional places . so now on high recoiling rifles i use self amalgamating rubber between the scope and rings.

@gonetropo. Hadnt heard of that trick before. Could you give more detail please?

Originally Posted by Woody

@gonetropo. Hadnt heard of that trick before. Could you give more detail please?

its a rubber tape that comes with a backing. after peeling the backing off its basically raw rubber and has huge adhesive strength without being "sticky" with adhesive
was the only thing that kept my cross bow on target. got my last lot off ali express for bugga all $$

I run the 4.5-14×42 cds on my 270wsm and have talleys extra low and it's perfect granted mine is the 25mm tube not the 30mm, however I hsve also run the vx5 3-15×42 cds with 30mm tube in the same height rings, if they make extra low rings for your rifle I would definitely look at them.

Originally Posted by dannyb

I run the 4.5-14×42 cds on my 270wsm and have talleys extra low and it's perfect granted mine is the 25mm tube not the 30mm, however I hsve also run the vx5 3-15×42 cds with 30mm tube in the same height rings, if they make extra low rings for your rifle I would definitely look at them.

I also have fitted 40mm objectives in extra low rings and 44mm in lows so I would say lows are a safe bet and extra lows would likely be fine

All wonderful info, thanks team!

Sounds like the talley lows will be the go. Will put an order in, aaaand maybe an order of some more projectiles at the same time... It's important to treat yourself.

Run different heights through a ballistic calculator the results might suprise you. Sometimes higher rings and closer zeroes extend your pbr range considerably

Grab the lows mate just bought the exact same combo, no clearance issues, only difference is that my rifle is a tikka.

I have a VX3i 4.5-14x40mm (1inch) on a Tikka with Talley Extra Low rings.

Low is good as you want a good check weld which will improve your shooting, also getting on target for fast moving animals is easier with a low mounted scope.

The extra low in 30mm works fine with the 30mm VX5 2-10x42 on a Tikka T3x so would work okay on the 30mm VX3i 4.5-14x42 and give you an even lower cheek weld.