Thread: Tikka t3 ss or Sako a7

Many things can cause the scope to hit someone. Shooting uphill is a common cause but mostly it comes down to poor rifle fit and poor technique.
I don't think it would happen ever with a downhill shot only uphill. When you bring the rifle up past horizontal you automatically bring the scope closer to your face. Shooting downhill the scope movely slightly away from your face.
Most scopes have eye relief that is fine for most calibers. The biggest factors in determining if you get a kiss from the scope is rifle fit, scope setup and shooting technique.
Rifle fit - basically the rifle has to fit your well. This is not that important with light recoil but with heavy recoil it matters. Stock too long and you won't get comfortable, the rifle won't sit in your shoulder "pocket" properly and probably you'll end up hurting your shoulder after a few shots. Stock too short and when you have to take that snap shot and don't remember to hold your face back... say hello to your scope!
Scope setup - i have just gone through this with my .375H&H. When my father and i setup the scope on the rifle it was placed so when you brought the rifle up standing the view was great. Problem is that when shooting a rifle prone you naturally put your head closer to the scope. Result was that when i was first shooting my .375H&H the scope just brushed my eye brow (three times in 8 shots! You can imagaine how hard it was to shoot well knowing that the scope was out to get me!). After that we shifted the scope forward about 3/4 of an inch. The rifle is now setup so the scope comes up great when shooting prone and it is still fine shooting standing.
Shooting technique - this is pretty simple really. Put the rifle in your shoulder and hold on to it tightly! Not a death grip but just a firm grip. Pull the rifle back into your shoulder. And you may need to bunch up your shoulder muscles a bit as well. Traditional technique calls for the shooter to be relaxed... being too relaxed with a heavy recoiling rifle is not enjoyable. Seems to be a lot to remember but a bit of dry firing focusing these and soon you will do it without thinking.

Sorry for the novel, but you did ask!