I have only had 40mm scopes before now, I am going to get a Leupold 4.5-14 but I can not decide on a 40mm or 50mm. My question is how much higher does thescope have to be mounted for the 50mm as compared to the 40mm, is it a significant amount or something I wouldn't notice.

Using Leupold rings,you need to go to high rings with most rifles.It does effect my cheek placement on the stock enough that I prefer 40 mm scopes.

I use medium leupold rings on my Rem. 700 BDL with a 3.5-10X50mm scope. I think it depends on the specific rifle you plan to mount it on. Good luck.

That it does,the mediums will not work on many rifles, if you want to use lens covers,or have heavier barrel contours.Being that you are looking at a 4.5x14 scope,I assumed that it is going on a long range rifle such as a Sendero.

Its going on a 700 .243, its not that important to me to get the 50, especially if it affects my cheek placement, I was just considering it, also if I were to gat a 40mm, would the low Leupold rings be ok, thanks.

40mm typically requires med. rings .... 50mm requires high rings.

There is a difference in alignment and cheek placement with the 40 being better, but if you shoot more " upright " then it is not as noticable.... But it can affect the shot and / or accuracy.

If you choose to go with the high scope mount with the 50mm scope, just be sure to practice plenty with it from several different positions and get used to it.

Leupold has a tool on their website for calculating this kind of thing. Generally Leupold 50mms are bigger OD then either a Swaro,Kahles or Zeiss. I could put a 4-12x50mm Swaro on a 700 SPS in 25-06 using low Talley Rings.