Minimum scope objective/barrel clearance?

[YZINGERR]

I have a Nikon prostaff 3-9x40 (6722) on my ruger American .308 using weaver quad-lock medium scope rings (49046). I have a very thin amount of space between the objective bell and the barrel of the rifle (less than a piece of paper, but I can see light). What is the minimum required space between the two points? I have a feeling that i'm going to have to get a set of taller rings...

[Divernhunter]

You have just perfect. As long as it does not touch the lower the better. I have a Rem760 with a 3X9X40 Leupold which I can just slip a business card between the bell and barrel. Been that way for many years and is very accurate. It also is very fast pointing with a perfect sight picture. It has accounted for many super quick shot deer over the years.

Forget any other rings and go practice with it.

[YZINGERR]

You have a business card difference, I cant slip a sheet of regular paper in between them. Im concerned with the barrel flex hitting the scope on the .308 recoil pulse.

[LBDamned]

if you can't slip a piece of paper, it's probably already touching the scope... if you are using a lens cap, you probably have clearance after removing - otherwise, need a couple mm higher rings.

I'm no expert - but went through the same process a few weeks ago.

[YZINGERR]

if you can't slip a piece of paper, it's probably already touching the scope... if you are using a lens cap, you probably have clearance after removing - otherwise, need a couple mm higher rings.

I'm no expert - but went through the same process a few weeks ago.

no caps, I can see light and the paper almost goes in..its not touching right now for certain. Ive emailed Nikon and Weaver, just waiting to hear from them

[YZINGERR]

According to nikon: we recommend 1/8" clearance, but if the bell is not touching you should be fine"

[YZINGERR]

Additionally, not all scope mounts are made the same. I have a brand new pair of the Weaver rings (same part number) that I mounted on the rifle today. Now a piece of paper will slide easily between the Bell and the barrel.

[Dinosaur Jr]

Additionally, not all scope mounts are made the same. I have a brand new pair of the Weaver rings (same part number) that I mounted on the rifle today. Now a piece of paper will slide easily between the Bell and the barrel.

That's crazy. I know scope ring heights are not standardized between manufacturers, but that's surprising.

I currently have about a 1/4 inch clearance on my .308 with "low" (.87") Vortex precision matched rings - 50+mm bell.

[YZINGERR]

That's crazy. I know scope ring heights are not standardized between manufacturers, but that's surprising.

I currently have about a 1/4 inch clearance on my .308 with "low" (.87") Vortex precision matched rings - 50+mm bell.

I agree, but i made sure i got it in writing from nikon just in case i have any issues. Shot 20 rounds today without any contact.