Scope ring height for a .22: how to measure, pick and get a good cheek weld
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We haven't tested this hands-on yet. Everything below comes from manufacturer specs, regulations and published sources, cited inline. Prices are maker MSRPs as listed in October 2026 unless noted.
The quick method
- Measure the outside diameter of the objective bell and halve it.
- Measure the height of the rail or base and the barrel's outside diameter at the bell.
- Pick rings whose center height clears the bell plus about 1/8 in, or 1/4 in if you want lens caps [1].
- Check that the bolt handle and eyepiece don't touch when you cycle the action.
Ring makers publish center heights. Athlon's quick guide and Vortex's ring guide both say to choose by measured clearance, not by label [2] [3].
Rimfire specifics
- Dovetails: many .22s use 3/8 in (Ruger American, Henry) or 11 mm (CZ 457, Anschutz) dovetails [4] [5] [6] [7]. Use rings made for that dovetail, or add a Picatinny base.
- Stock comb: sporter .22 stocks usually have low combs. High rings may need a cheek riser. Ruger's interchangeable comb modules address this [8].
- Bolt throw: 60° bolts like the CZ 457 and Ruger American give more scope clearance than 90° bolts [8] [9].
Why height matters for drop
Scope height changes your near zero and holdovers. Enter the real height over bore in your ballistic app. Our .22 LR drop charts and zeroing guide explain how.
Mounting tools
Level the reticle with a scope mounting level Check price on Amazon and torque ring screws with a F.A.T. Wrench. More in rimfire optics mounting.
Our range results (coming soon)
This box will hold our own groups, chronograph data and photos for this topic once we've shot and recorded them. Until then, every accuracy number on this page comes from the published source cited next to it. We have not tested these rifles or products hands-on for this article.
FAQ
Low or medium rings for a .22?
Whatever is lowest while still clearing the objective bell, barrel and bolt. For a 32–40 mm objective, low rings often work; 50 mm+ usually needs medium or high. Measure first.
What dovetail does my .22 have?
Ruger American and Henry use 3/8 in; CZ 457 and Anschutz use 11 mm. They aren't interchangeable.
Does scope height affect zero?
Yes. It changes where the bullet path crosses the line of sight, so enter the real height in your ballistic app.
Sources
- Target Tamers: how to measure scope ring height
- Athlon ring height quick guide
- Vortex: what rings and mounts do I need
- Ruger American Rimfire Compact models (magnum magazines)
- Henry H1 rimfire lever-action spec sheet
- CZ 457 instruction manual (03/2024)
- Anschutz Sporters 2004 catalog (archived copy, Match 64 sporters)
- Ruger American Rimfire overview (features)
- CZ 457 series page
Confidence: maker specs and prices are high confidence as of the date seen; forum and owner reports are low–medium confidence and labeled as such.
Not affiliated with Sako/Tikka, CZ, Bergara, Ruger, Savage or any retailer. We have not tested products hands-on for these guides; figures come from cited sources. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy · Terms · Rimfire Builds is operated by Tomahawk Designs LLC, Utah · [email protected]