Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics How close is to close

Just mounted a scope. The scope nearly touches the barrel. I’ve always liked them close to touching , but never had one this close.
Will I have any problems. I changed from Talleys to another base and rings. I need the windage adjustments these bases have.
Getting another set of higher rings is not an option as these are no longer made. Another kicker is the base screws are number 8’s and any bases used have to be drilled for these instead of number 6’s.
I can see light between the scope and barrel. Hasbeen

If you can see light between the scope and barrel you are good to go.

That’s what I’m thinking, just wanted to know if anyone thought different. Hasbeen

Mathman, does caliber matter. The video looks like it could be a 50 BMG. Hasbeen

Yes, that's a 50.

There are variables.

Suppose front ring is close to the forward bell, and the whole shebang is mounted on a nine pound 223.

Now suppose you have a long scope with some tube between the front ring and the forward bell. On top of that it's mounted on a six pound 300 Weatherby like a NULA I once handled.

I can't say where to draw the line.

I don't know the thickness of light, but can see it through a .004" cyl. gap on a revolver.

Thinking that might be a bit close.

A feeler gauge might tell more.

Can you put a card through? Or a piece of paper?

Yes, actually the bell clears nicely its the AO adjustment that’s close.
Hasbeen

I’m thinking I might shim the bases. I might take some 1/16 aluminum and make a couple of shims. Hasbeen

Ran into this the other day on an '06..Objective really close,I mean having to shine a flashlight on it to see some daylight close.Told myself that there's only one way to see if it would work.Pulled it and put a thin layer of vaseline on the bottom of the bell.Torqued it down and headed to the range.It's still mounted on the same rings...

I slide a piece of paper down the barrel if it slides freely, it's good to go.

If you can fit a business card between them ignore it.

You are good to go...

Thanks all who replied. A thick business card will fit. Hasbeen

A Business card clears ? good.

One sheet of paper? not!

Just have to wait and see I guess - everything flexes under the right amount of force (even glass, concrete and rock). I presume that it will leave a small mark on the barrel and scope if it does touch. Worst case it might crack the front lens, but I doubt it.

I've actually used two business cards as a shim to set the fwd/aft position in the rings to ensure I had clearance. Pulled the scope rearward until the bell captured the two cards against the barrel. Apply minimal torque to rings to hold position. Removed cards then proceed with normal torque procedure.

I have a couple that a dollar bill will slide between the barrel and scope. They are close, but have never been a problem. Two pieces of Bud Light aluminum can will give you a bit of space. It has to be a beer can, ain’t right to use soda can on a rifle!!

You chose height over correct eye relief?