What is Action Length?
Learn how your rifle’s action length impacts scope mount options.
At Warne®, we know that shooters understand the importance of a rock-solid mounting system for their optics. You’ve invested in a quality rifle and spent time picking out the right scope for you, for the system to work you need the correct mounting solution. One critical factor often overlooked when selecting scope mounts is your rifle’s action length.
What is Rifle Action Length?
In simple terms, the “action” of your rifle is the mechanism that loads, fires, and ejects cartridges. The majority of bolt action rifles can be broken down into 2 action lengths.
Short Action (SA): These rifles are built for shorter cartridges (e.g., .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Remington, .243 Winchester).
Long Action (LA): Designed for longer cartridges (e.g., .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum, .270 Winchester).
Magnum Action: Designed for cartridges that are larger than the 375 H&H Magnum (e.g., .416 Rigby, .300 PRC, .338 Lapua Magnum, .458 Lott).
Why Does it Matter?
The length of your rifle’s action directly dictates the spacing of the mounting holes on your receiver if you are using a 1-piece base like a picatinny rail. Even if a short and long action receiver of the same model uses the same 2-piece base set, the overall hole spacing will differ between them. Sometimes it is even critical to know the action length to select the correct 2-piece bases.
How to Determine Your Rifle’s Action Length
Check the caliber: Generally, certain calibers are associated with specific action lengths (e.g., .308 is short action, .30-06 is long action). A quick online search for your rifle’s specific model and caliber will confirm this.
Consult your rifle’s manual: Your owner’s manual may specify the action length and advise what type of scope base to use.
Measure screw spacing: For some rifles, particularly older models or specific manufacturers, measuring the distance between the action screws can provide a definitive answer. While it is rare that this step is needed, Some models have hole spacing or screw sizes that have changed over the years and the only way to know what it needs is to measure.
Before you shop for your next scope mount, take a moment to confirm your rifle’s action length. This simple step will ensure you can quickly and easily select the perfect Warne mount.
Warne Scope Mounts
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