Understanding the Remington 700 Short Action Rifle
The Core of Precision
The Remington 700 rifle series is offered in various configurations, including different action lengths. Understanding these action lengths is vital to ensuring compatibility with your rifle. The action length refers to the distance between the bolt face and the rear of the receiver.
Short action rifles are designed to accommodate shorter cartridges. They typically handle rounds like the .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, and 6.5 Creedmoor. These cartridges are widely used for hunting, target shooting, and tactical applications. The shorter action offers several advantages, including a potentially stiffer receiver, which can contribute to increased accuracy. The bolt throw is shorter, leading to faster cycling and quicker follow-up shots.
Choosing the appropriate action length for your rifle is paramount for correct functionality. Your specific cartridge choice will generally determine the suitable action type. The **Remington 700 short action** is a workhorse, delivering excellent performance and reliability in a diverse range of shooting scenarios.
Why A Quality Scope Base Matters
The Foundation of Accuracy
The scope base plays a foundational role in any scoped rifle setup. It’s the direct interface between your rifle’s receiver and the scope rings, which hold your optic. Without a solid, precisely machined, and correctly installed base, your scope will be unstable, leading to a cascade of problems.
A low-quality or improperly mounted scope base can cause the scope to shift during recoil, leading to erratic bullet trajectories and frustrating inconsistency. This movement, even if seemingly minor, can throw off your zero and make accurate shot placement incredibly difficult. Your expensive scope becomes useless if its foundation is shaky.
Durability is another key factor. Scope bases are subject to significant stress during firing, and a flimsy base will eventually fail, potentially damaging the receiver, the scope, or both. A robust base built from high-quality materials and finished to exacting tolerances ensures your scope remains securely mounted, shot after shot, year after year.
The material of the scope base significantly influences its performance. Steel bases are known for their incredible strength and resistance to wear, making them a top choice for heavy recoil rifles. They often have a greater mass, which may assist with weight distribution and stability. Aluminum bases, while generally lighter, can still offer excellent performance if properly designed and manufactured. The material choice often boils down to the caliber of the rifle, the anticipated use, and personal preference. High-quality aluminum alloys, properly anodized or coated, provide excellent durability.
Exploring Available Scope Base Options for your Remington 700 Short Action
Choosing the Right Mount
Various designs and styles of scope bases are available for the **Remington 700 short action**. Understanding these different types will enable you to make an informed decision based on your needs and shooting style.
Picatinny Rails: Versatile Mounting
The Picatinny rail, a standardized mounting system, is one of the most popular choices for modern firearms. It consists of a series of precisely machined slots that run along the top of the receiver. The primary advantage of Picatinny rails lies in their versatility. They offer a wide range of mounting positions for your scope, allowing for adjustments to eye relief and optimal scope placement. Picatinny rails are also highly adaptable, allowing the use of various scope rings and accessories. The standardized design guarantees compatibility with different manufacturers’ products.
The Picatinny system’s primary potential drawback is their bulkier profile when compared to other base designs. The numerous slots add to the height of the mounted scope, which might require taller scope rings.
Weaver-Style Bases: A Classic Design
Weaver bases have been a long-standing staple in the optics industry. They feature slots similar to Picatinny rails, but are often less standardized. While Weaver bases offer a potentially lower profile and a wider selection of designs, they might lack the versatility of Picatinny rails. Weaver bases are sometimes found in older rifles.
One significant factor when considering Weaver bases is that they aren’t always standardized. This can lead to complications in finding perfectly compatible accessories, requiring careful matching of rings and base slots.
One-Piece versus Two-Piece Bases: Exploring Configuration
Scope bases are manufactured in both one-piece and two-piece configurations. One-piece bases span the entire length of the receiver, offering maximum rigidity and stability. They are a popular choice for rifles that experience significant recoil.
Two-piece bases mount independently on the receiver. They are usually more compact and potentially lighter. They can be a good option for situations where a lower profile is needed. However, they may not offer the same degree of rigidity as a one-piece design.
When choosing between these types, consider the recoil of your rifle, the desired weight, and aesthetic preferences. Sturdier rifles might greatly benefit from the superior rigidity of a single-piece base.
Key Considerations When Selecting a Scope Base
Choosing the Right Base
Several features directly impact the performance and ease of use of your scope base. Careful consideration of these aspects is essential for a successful installation and a well-performing rifle.
Material Composition: Balancing Strength and Weight
The material of the scope base influences its durability, weight, and overall performance. Steel bases, due to their inherent strength, are often favored for heavy-recoiling rifles or where maximum robustness is desired. High-quality steel is resistant to wear and tear, offering a long service life.
Aluminum bases, especially those constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum alloys, can offer a strong, lightweight alternative. These are often anodized or coated for added durability and corrosion resistance.
The finish on the base is also important. Anodizing, bluing, or other surface treatments enhance corrosion resistance and protect the base from the elements.
Hole Spacing and Screw Compatibility: Ensuring the Fit
The scope base must accurately align with the pre-drilled holes on your **Remington 700 short action** receiver. Ensure the base is specifically designed for your model and action length. Mismatched bases can lead to instability and inaccurate scope mounting.
The screws used to attach the base play a critical role in the overall strength of the assembly. Ensure the screws are of high quality and are appropriate for the base material and the rifle’s receiver. Proper torque is essential. Overtightening can strip the threads in the receiver, while undertightening allows the base to move.
Height and Scope Clearance: Preventing Obstruction
The height of the scope base, combined with the height of your scope rings, directly influences the scope’s clearance from the barrel and bolt handle. Insufficient clearance can lead to the scope hitting the barrel, causing damage. A lack of clearance with the bolt can impede functionality.
Measure the distance between the top of your receiver and the barrel. This will help you determine the minimum base height you require to avoid obstruction. Calculate the estimated overall height using your choice of rings to ensure sufficient clearance for both your scope and bolt action.
Alignment and Leveling: Achieving Precision
Correct scope alignment is critical for achieving accurate results. A properly leveled base is the foundation of an aligned scope and rings. An improperly leveled base can lead to inaccurate vertical and horizontal adjustments.
Use a high-quality bubble level to verify the base’s level during installation. You can use a specialized leveling kit designed for scope mounting, or you can utilize shims if minor adjustments are needed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Scope Base
Mounting Your Scope Base
Installing a scope base is a relatively straightforward process, but precision and attention to detail are key to a successful outcome. Following these steps ensures a secure and properly aligned installation.
Begin by gathering the necessary tools: a torque wrench with appropriate bits, a level, a degreasing agent (such as isopropyl alcohol), a cleaning brush, and the appropriate screws that were provided.
Thoroughly clean the receiver’s mounting surfaces. Remove any oil, grease, or debris. This step ensures the base sits flush against the receiver.
Carefully align the scope base with the mounting holes on the receiver. Apply a small amount of thread locker (blue Loctite is a good option) to the threads of the screws, which are specific to the design and intended usage of the scope base.
Insert the screws and begin tightening them by hand. Once the screws are seated, use a torque wrench to tighten them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. Overtightening can strip the threads, while undertightening can lead to loosening during recoil.
Once the base is securely mounted, double-check its level using a high-quality bubble level. Leveling ensures your scope rings and ultimately the scope, will be properly aligned.
Popular Brands and Models of Remington 700 Short Action Scope Bases
Top Choices for Your Rifle
Several reputable manufacturers produce high-quality scope bases for the **Remington 700 short action**. Some of the most respected brands include:
Leupold: Leupold offers a wide range of bases, known for their quality and reliability. Their bases are generally well-regarded for their precision and durability.
Nightforce: Nightforce bases are specifically designed to withstand the rigors of extreme shooting. Known for their rugged construction and precision, they’re a popular choice for tactical and long-range applications.
Talley: Talley scope bases are known for their sleek design and easy installation. They offer both one-piece and two-piece options.
Warne: Warne offers a variety of mounting solutions. They are often praised for their solid construction and affordability.
EGW (Evolution Gun Works): EGW produces high-quality bases, including Picatinny rails, that are well-suited for both precision and tactical shooting.
The best choice depends on your individual needs, budget, and intended use of the rifle. Consider the features, materials, and reviews to determine the best match for your setup.
Troubleshooting Common Scope Base Issues
Resolving Mounting Problems
Even with careful installation, problems can arise. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
Base Not Sitting Flush: Ensuring a Proper Fit
If the base doesn’t sit flush, check for debris or burrs on the receiver or the base itself. Clean and inspect all surfaces carefully. If the problem persists, the receiver holes may not be precisely aligned, or the base might be incompatible. Consider lapping the base to remove imperfections.
Stripped or Broken Screws: Handling Fastener Problems
Overtightening can strip the screw threads, especially in the receiver. Always use a torque wrench. If you strip a screw, you might need to have the receiver re-tapped with larger threads. In some cases, using a thread insert may also resolve the problem.
Scope Not Level: Achieving Proper Alignment
A non-level base is one of the most common causes of a scope that’s not level. Ensure the base is perfectly level during installation, using appropriate tools.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts
Choosing and installing the correct scope base for your **Remington 700 short action** is a crucial step in optimizing its performance. A well-chosen and properly installed base will provide a stable platform for your scope, resulting in improved accuracy, consistency, and shooting enjoyment. By understanding the different types of bases, the factors to consider, and the installation process, you can confidently select and mount a scope base that perfectly suits your needs. Remember that a quality scope base is an investment in your shooting success.
Take the time to research the different options, select the base that best matches your shooting style and cartridge, and carefully follow the installation instructions. Your dedication will result in a rifle that performs at its absolute best.
For further information, consult manufacturer websites, shooting forums, and online resources. Many manufacturers have detailed guides and videos available, allowing you to fully prepare for your installation. Investing in your knowledge and understanding the components involved will ultimately improve your shooting skills and lead to greater enjoyment and success on the range or in the field.
