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Joined: Aug 2005
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OP
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Joined: Aug 2005
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I like a pretty low cheek weld and typically run low and extra low rings - with quite a few Talley LW’s.
Over the years, I’ve generally run Leupold VX II’s to VX 3’s on my rifles with bolt clearance issues with low mounted scopes. The ocular diameter on these scopes run under 1.5”, and I’ve got a couple of rifles with bolts that barely clear and still leave scopes a little higher than I’d like.
Anyone find good hunting scopes with smaller oculars than these? For me, good low light performance, good optics, good eyebox and eye relief are desirable. Spinning turrets are ok, but I don’t mind set and forget with a ballistic reticle at all.
Anyone find a better option?
Thanks,
DJ
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 44,863 Likes: 4
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 44,863 Likes: 4 |
It seems like the small ocular scopes are the ones with compromised field of view, eyebox and eye relief.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Maybe modify the bolt handle?
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 28,827 Likes: 6
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 28,827 Likes: 6 |
I’ve had zero problems with the exception of a couple of .22s, a Ruger 77/22 and an older CZ. Within that past few years I’ve scoped a variety of 90-degree bolt-actions, and with a bunch of scopes. Many don’t give the greatest cheek weld, but that's mostly about stock design.
Actions with 60-degree bolts help, but only one of my .22s has a low bolt.
What fresh Hell is this?
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,286
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2002
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I feel your pain. It always ticked me off that the Ruger M77s with their standard sporter stock have had limited low scope height capabilities. Due to the bolt throw angle/clearance even the Ruger's ring offerings are not very low. I actually considered bending the bolt and machining off the integral bases to place rings the height I wanted instead of what was forced upon me. I have always hated the idea of altering the height of the cheekpiece with a triad bag or something similar.
I have a 1950s Marlin bolt action rifle that was my grandfather's. I put a Leupold 2.5 compact on it and had to file off some metal from the top of the bolt handle to make it clear that tiny objective lens diameter.
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,221
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,221 |
Leupold Compacts used to have smaller ocular housings than the full sized Leupolds, and the full sized Leupolds were already about as small a diameter as what was available. I had 3 compacts through the years, and 2 have gone TU. I haven't mounted one on anything in years.
I, too, like to have scopes as low as possible. Instead of looking for scopes with smaller ocular housings, I've pretty well switched over to actions with lower bolt throws. Still have some 700's, but it always frustrated me to have a scope mounted higher just to clear the bolt.
Lately I've been going Tikka with Sportsmatch rings to the integral rail. Been exceedingly pleased with these rigs.
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 3,589 Likes: 2
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2015
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Browning X-Bolt has a 60 degree bolt throw. Should provide plenty of clearance.
Wag more, bark less.
The freedoms we surrender today will be the freedoms our grandchildren will never know existed.
The men who wrote the Second Amendment didn't just finish a hunting trip, they just finished liberating a nation.
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,135
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,135 |
Thanks for the replies, guys.
Sounds like the Leupolds I'm using are about as good an option as any.
I only have a couple of rifles where this is really a problem. One might be improved with a little bolt work, or it could just go down the road, but the other is a sentimental favorite, so it stays.
I've never used a stock pad/cheek riser to help with cheek weld, but maybe it's time to try one.
I reckon a guy could rig one, but I might try to find one with that holds a few cartridges, too.
Appreciate the input.
DJ
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,079 Likes: 1
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,079 Likes: 1 |
According to the specs the SWFA 2.5-10 lightweight has a ocular housing about the same size as the Leupold compacts. I have a compact 2-7 on my L-461 and it is the only modern(?) scope I could find that would clear the bolt handle with low rings, I had a SWFA on order but cancelled it when I found a receiver for the L-461.
Last edited by erich; 03/31/22.
After the first shot the rest are just noise.
Make mine a Minaska
Heaven has walls and rules, H-ll has open borders
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,135
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,135 |
Thanks, cdg and Erich.
I think I’ll order one or two of those Beartooth stock packs with cartridge loops. The reviews look really good on those.
I’m also going to check out that SWFA 2.5-10 - a fraction smaller ocular might make lots of difference.
Appreciate it, gentlemen.
DJ
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,079 Likes: 1
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,079 Likes: 1 |
I have high cheek bones so most of my rifles need a buildup on the top of the comb even with low rings, some of the time I have to add pieces of Neoprene cut from old waders under the butt-bag. I use inexpensive ones ($15.) from Amazon, there isn't a lot that can die on them and some of my earliest ones have been on 15 years. This one has been on since 2006, note the blue tape under it thats holding extra padding in place, still haven't gotten around to sewing it to the inside of the butt bag.
Last edited by erich; 04/01/22.
After the first shot the rest are just noise.
Make mine a Minaska
Heaven has walls and rules, H-ll has open borders
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,246
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,246 |
Now with even more aplomb
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Joined: Dec 2014
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2014
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The old Redfield "Bear Cub" series is the smallest I've ever found, solved some bolt clearance problems on some vintage European rifles that I didn't want to modify in any way. Also the optics and tracking are darn good on the ones I've bought on Ebay.
Well this is a fine pickle we're in, should'a listened to Joe McCarthy and George Orwell I guess.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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So, why do so many "modern" scopes have an cylindrical ocular housing that looks like a soup can painted black? Bruce
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