Why Using a Cheek Riser with Bering Optics Thermal Scopes on Bolt-Action Rifles Is Almost Essential

This article is addressed to hunters who use the Bering Optics Hogster, Super Hogster, and Super Yoter series thermal scopes on bolt-action rifles. When a thermal scope is properly installed on a bolt-action platform using the Bering Optics extended mount or the Basic Precision Picatinny Mount Extender, combined with the standard or tactical Bering Optics mount, the scope sits relatively high above the bore. This elevated position creates a challenge for maintaining proper eye alignment and cheek weld at the same time, which is critical for consistent and accurate shooting.

How to Know If Your Cheek Rest Height and Cheek Weld Are Right for the Mounted Height of Your Thermal Scope

First, let’s determine whether the height of your rifle stock cheek rest and your cheek weld are appropriate for the height at which your thermal scope is mounted on your bolt-action rifle. There is a very simple test.

Start by unloading your rifle and making absolutely sure there is no round in the chamber. Turn on your thermal scope and point the rifle in a safe direction where you can clearly see a heat-emitting target on the display of the thermal scope. Adjust all relevant settings - focus, diopter, brightness, etc., until the image is as sharp as possible.

Next, place your rifle on a bench. Close your eyes. With your eyes still closed, pick up the rifle and bring it to your shoulder into a natural shooting position, just as you would if taking a real shot at that target. When your cheek weld feels natural and secure, this is your instinctive shooting position—the one you will default to under adrenaline or when reacting quickly, as in a hunting situation.

Now, open your eyes. If your stock height or cheek riser is correctly matched to the height of your mounted thermal scope, you should immediately see the same target clearly and fully on the display. You should have a full field of view and the same image clarity you had before.

If you're too low—or less commonly, too high—you will not see the full display. To compensate, you will need to tilt your head, raise your cheek unnaturally, or adjust the rifle position itself. These are not repeatable movements. You won’t perform them exactly the same way every time, which means your true aiming position will vary from shot to shot. This inconsistency directly and significantly impacts accuracy. Proper eye alignment and cheek weld at the same time are absolutely required for accurate shooting.

How the Basic Cheek Riser Solves the Problem

The Basic Cheek Riser was specifically developed to address the alignment issues caused by the elevated mounting height of Bering Optics thermal scopes on bolt-action rifles. Whether you're using the Bering Optics Extended Mount or the Basic Precision Picatinny Extender, combined with a Bering Optics Standard or Tactical mount, your thermal scope will likely sit higher than the natural line of sight from a fixed rifle stock.

The Basic Cheek Riser provides additional, adjustable height and support on top of your existing stock. With three shims of different heights included, you can fine-tune the riser to match your exact rifle and scope setup. This allows you to achieve a consistent and repeatable cheek weld while keeping your eye perfectly aligned with the thermal scope’s optical axis. As a result, your natural shooting position delivers a full and clear view of the scope's display—every time.

Lightweight and easy to install, the Basic Cheek Riser attaches securely using heavy-duty Velcro straps and solid metal loops. It stays firmly in place even under recoil. The zippered ammo pocket on the cheek rest opposite side, Velcro-ready panel for personalization, and complimentary "Bering Optics – In One Ear, Out the Other" patch are a pleasant bonus.

For hunters using fixed-stock bolt-action rifles with Bering Optics thermal scopes, the Basic Cheek Riser is not just an accessory—it’s a practical necessity to maintain proper form, consistency, and accuracy in the field.

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