Hunt & Live

Q&A · Hunting

What adjustments are necessary after switching to Warne rings?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

After switching to Warne rings, you may need to adjust your scope's position to ensure proper clearance with your rifle's action or bolt. This typically involves loosening the rings, repositioning the scope, and re-tightening the rings. Some shooters may also need to adjust their rifle's action or bolt throw.

Warne Rings Installation

When installing Warne rings, it’s essential to check the scope’s base to ensure it’s properly seated on the rifle’s action. This is critical to maintain the scope’s center-to-center distance and prevent damage to the rifle’s action or bolt. Use a torque wrench to tighten the rings in a consistent pattern, usually 30-40 in-lbs for the first stage and 40-60 in-lbs for the final tightening.

Scope Positioning

To ensure proper clearance between the scope and rifle’s action or bolt, you’ll need to adjust the scope’s position. Loosen the Warne rings by about 1/4 turn and reposition the scope. Use a measuring tape to check the center-to-center distance between the scope’s base and the rifle’s action, aiming for 1/4" to 1/2" clearance. Tighten the rings in a consistent pattern, re-checking the clearance as you go.

Action or Bolt Throw Adjustment

If you find that the scope is interfering with your rifle’s action or bolt throw, you may need to adjust your rifle’s bolt throw. This can be done by loosening the bolt throw adjustment screw (usually located on the bolt) and adjusting the bolt’s clearance. Use a feeler gauge to check the bolt’s clearance, aiming for 1/16" to 1/8" clearance between the bolt and the receiver.

scope-rings-bases adjustments necessary switching warne rings
Share

Find more answers

Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.