How to select the correct Tier One scope mount


  1. Mount Height

    • Determining the right height
      • Measure the objective's outer diameter
      • Calculate the theoretical minimum height (outer diameter / 2)
      • Adjust for practical minimum height by considering personal preferences, lens caps, and tilted mounts

    Key Point: Ensure adequate clearance for the scope to avoid contact with the rail or rifle, while also accounting for lens caps and sunshades. For most rifles this simple rule of thumb can be followed: For a 56mm Objective, the Medium height will work with any short scope base/action rail. For a 56mm Objective with a full length handguard rail you will need the High version. 

  2. Cant (Tilt) Requirements

    • Importance of longitudinal cant for long-range shooting
      • Minimal cant recommended to maintain sight picture quality
      • Typical optimal cant: 6 MIL (20 MOA)

    Key Point: Choose a mount with a tilt that provides enough adjustment range for long-range shooting without negatively impacting image quality.

  3. Adjustment Range Optimization

    • Selecting appropriate cant for optimal adjustment range
      • Choose a cant equal to half the scope's elevation range
      • Example: Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56 F1 scope (30 MIL/104 MOA max elevation) should have no more than 15MIL (52 MOA) tilt across the mount and rail. With a Tier One 6MIL rail, and a Tier One Monomount 6MIL, you can achieve 12MIL overall. 

    Key Point: To maximize the available adjustment range for long-range shooting, select a mount with a tilt equal to half your scope's elevation adjustment. It is not advisable to exceed half. 

  4. Practical Considerations for Specific Rifle Calibers

    • 6.5 Creedmoor rifle used up to 1000 meters
      • Recommended total cant (this is total, across your rail/scopebase and mount: 6 MIL/20 MOA
      • Reason: Sufficient elevation for intended use, reduces optical defects at closer ranges

    Key Point: Choose a cant suitable for your rifle's caliber and intended use to balance long-range shooting capabilities and image quality at closer ranges.

  5. Zeroing Limitations

    • Over-tilting consequences
      • Using a setup with cant more than half the scope's elevation adjustment makes zeroing at 100 meters impossible

    Key Point: Avoid using excessive cant to ensure the ability to zero your rifle at standard 100-meter distances.