Choosing the right scope base for your Remington 700 is crucial for accurate and reliable shooting. A poorly chosen or improperly installed base can lead to frustrating zeroing issues, inconsistent accuracy, and even damage to your rifle. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting and installing a Remington 700 scope base, ensuring you get the most out of your hunting or target shooting experience.
Understanding Remington 700 Scope Base Options
Remington 700 rifles are incredibly popular, leading to a wide variety of scope bases available on the market. Understanding the different types is the first step to making the right choice. Here's a breakdown of the key options:
1. One-Piece Bases
Advantages: One-piece bases offer superior rigidity and alignment compared to two-piece bases. This translates to improved accuracy and consistency, especially crucial for long-range shooting. They're generally easier to install and provide a more solid mounting platform.
Disadvantages: One-piece bases can sometimes be more expensive than two-piece options. They also require specific ring heights to accommodate your scope's objective lens diameter.
2. Two-Piece Bases
Advantages: Two-piece bases are often more affordable and provide more flexibility in ring height choices, accommodating a wider range of scopes. They are also easier to remove if needed.
Disadvantages: Two-piece bases can be slightly less rigid than one-piece bases, potentially leading to less accuracy at longer ranges or with higher magnification scopes. Improper installation can also affect alignment.
3. Material Considerations: Steel vs. Aluminum
Both steel and aluminum are commonly used materials for Remington 700 scope bases.
- Steel: Offers superior strength and durability, making it ideal for heavy recoil rifles. However, steel bases are generally heavier.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and strong enough for most applications, providing a good balance of strength and weight. Aluminum bases are often the preferred choice for hunting rifles where weight is a consideration.
Choosing the Right Ring Height
The height of your scope rings is determined by the diameter of your scope's objective lens and the clearance needed to avoid interference with the barrel or action. Too low, and your scope will hit the barrel; too high, and your eye relief will be compromised. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for recommended ring height.
Tip: Consider using a bore sighting tool before mounting your scope to ensure proper alignment and reduce the amount of time spent zeroing your rifle.
Installing Your Remington 700 Scope Base: A Step-by-Step Guide
Proper installation is critical for accuracy and safety. Follow these steps carefully:
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Clean the Receiver: Thoroughly clean the receiver rails of your Remington 700 to remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with a proper fit.
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Apply Threadlocker (Optional): Many experienced shooters recommend using a high-quality threadlocker (like Loctite) on the base screws to prevent loosening during recoil.
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Align and Secure the Base: Carefully align the base on the receiver rails and securely tighten the screws. Ensure the base is properly seated and aligned before tightening fully.
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Mount the Rings: Install your scope rings according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Again, ensure they are properly aligned and tightened.
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Mount the Scope: Carefully mount your scope into the rings, ensuring it's securely fastened.
Maintaining Your Scope Base
Regular inspection of your scope base screws is essential to ensure they remain tight and secure. Periodically check them for tightness, especially after extended shooting sessions.
Conclusion
Selecting and installing the correct Remington 700 scope base is a crucial step in ensuring accuracy and reliability. By understanding the different options, choosing the right ring height, and carefully following the installation instructions, you can significantly improve your shooting experience. Remember, safety is paramount; always handle firearms responsibly.
