Are 30mm scopes stronger than 1 inch scopes?

[Loper]

I’ve read several threads on this forum and others about 30mm scopes vs 1 inch scopes and it seems they both have pros and cons.

Two of the pros that come up for a 30mm scope is that they have more elevation to dial and that they are stronger. I understand why they have more elevation, but I don’t see any stated reasoning as to why 30mm scopes are stronger. Can someone elaborate on if 30mm scopes are really stronger than 1” scopes and if so, why?

 

[JCMCUBIC]

I'm not an expert, but with tubing, a larger diameter, with all other things being the same, will result in a stronger tube. The following online calculator shows this if you enter the same wall thickness, load, and length for 6061 T-6 aluminum.

Example inputs:
Wall thickness - .12
Load - 2000
Length - 7
Load Condition - Even distribution (or whichever you wish)
Material - 6061 T-6

The safety factor with 1" is: 1.495
The safety factor with 1.18" is: 2.202

Tube Calculator - Round, Rectangular & Square Pipes Capacity | Rogue Fabrication

www.roguefab.com

 

[Macintosh]

Fairly certain you can actually use thinner tubing for lower or same total weight, but still have a stiffer tube. Possibly other problems with thin tubing, but the diameter affects rigidity.

 

[TaperPin]

I’ve read several threads on this forum and others about 30mm scopes vs 1 inch scopes and it seems they both have pros and cons.

Two of the pros that come up for a 30mm scope is that they have more elevation to dial and that they are stronger. I understand why they have more elevation, but I don’t see any stated reasoning as to why 30mm scopes are stronger. Can someone elaborate on if 30mm scopes are really stronger than 1” scopes and if so, why?

Another reason many 30mm scopes are often stronger is they aren’t trying to be light weight - it’s shocking to see scopes that weigh 2 lbs, but heavy weight scopes are in style. I have no doubt even a cheap 32 ounce scope with 30 mm tube will be stronger than my 10 ounce 1” tube 8x, but it’s strong enough for my hunting style.

The main reason to have 30mm is to have enough elevation for long distance shooting out past 500 yards.

The engineering calculators are correct about the diameter of tubing making them resist bending forces better, but in scopes that’s probably over stated. In the old days, with competition rifles with weight limits, had a 30mm tube allowed the scope to be made lighter, the top competitors would have jumped at it, but it was the popularity of variable scopes and long distance shooting that has driven the 30mm tube, not weight. Along those same lines, Leupold had some scope models that could be ordered with either “European” (30mm) or standard American 1” versions, and the bigger tube was always heavier.