What is the difference in ring heights?

[blasted_saber]

Picked up a new rifle today and happily installed a Bushnell 3x9x40mm scope I had kicking around. The objective end barely clears, and I like flip up scope covers which I cant use as they will touch. Also, the gun has a custom bolt handle, which barely squeezed by the eyepiece end. Also cant use the flip up scope cover on that end. The gun is a Savage Model 11. It has standard weaver 2 bases and weaver medium rings.

How do I go about determining if I want high or extra high rings? What is the difference in height between them?

I bought this gun with the intent of using it as a crappy weather gun, so I'd really like to be able to use the flip up scope covers. They are extremely convenient in snow/sleet/rain that fall often brings. Around here theres usually little time to dink around with traditional scope covers. The gun needs to be ready quickly and with minimal movement.

What would you do? Would you keep the medium rings and deal with scope protection some other way? Would you go for the higher rings?

 

[Tex Critter]

You want the scope high enough to be able to operate the firearm effectively. Keep in mind the higher the scope the less cheek you have on the stock.

 

[Swami]

I'd swap to high rings. If the scope already fits as is then extra high rings will mean you can't get a cheek weld anymore.

 

[Can-down]

Ring heights are usually listed based on the measurement from the top of the rail to the middle of the ring.
You could measure yours and the calculate your ideal height and go for there.

What ever rings you have right now , based on what you describe, the next size up in height will work.

 

[blasted_saber]

Ring heights are usually listed based on the measurement from the top of the rail to the middle of the ring.
You could measure yours and the calculate your ideal height and go for there.

What ever rings you have right now , based on what you describe, the next size up in height will work.

Ok. I'll try a pair of high rings and see if I can make that work. At worst they sit in the gun parts box I guess

 

[guntech]

Ok. I'll try a pair of high rings and see if I can make that work. At worst they sit in the gun parts box I guess

The highs should probably work fine...

The 'cheek weld' everyone seems to mention isn't as important as to operating the bolt... and you can always add a higher 'cheek' pad.