Scope base question

[jrpowell3]

So, I got my fiancee drunk and got her to agree to get me a Rem700 SPS Varmint in .308Win for Christmas.

I tried searching and couldn't find the answer to my question, so here goes.


Regarding scope bases, which is better, traditional pillar style scope bases, or putting a picatinny rail and using that style of scope bases?

My intent for this rifle is long range target shooting with flexibility to hunt with it.

I already know I'll need to change the stock.

Thanks

[Mr. Patis]

1 piece 20moa Tps base and ring combo....the 1 piece base helps to sturdy the action

[jrpowell3]

So, you're saying go with the picatinny rail?

[dfletcher]

The picatinny does seem to work very well and is very flexible. I'm not a big fan though I use them. My 700 VLS in 6mm Remington has plain old turn in bases with wind adjustable rear. I tend to not shoot more than 400 yds or so, on a good day.

[Yerman]

A quality scope base will help keep quality rings in line with your scope and require little to no lapping.

I choose a Badger 20 MOA steel base with Badger aluminum rings.

A recoil lug is also a huge added benefit of a quality base.

Don't go cheap on your base, rings or optic.

[JMP]

I favor a picatinny rail with 0 MOA. Then, I get a one-piece mount of my choosing to get to a desirable cant for the scope. Then, my scopes don't really ever need to be removed from the mount and it's easy to swap scopes on different rifles.

[jrpowell3]

Yerman, which recoil lug? I thought the lug was on the bottom of the action and engaged with the stock

[jrpowell3]

I favor a picatinny rail with 0 MOA. Then, I get a one-piece mount of my choosing to get to a desirable cant for the scope. Then, my scopes don't really ever need to be removed from the mount and it's easy to swap scopes on different rifles.

What rings do you use?

[Yerman]

Yerman, which recoil lug? I thought the lug was on the bottom of the action and engaged with the stock

That's the recoil lug for your action. Quality bases also have them to prevent the base/scope from moving under recoil.

[jrpowell3]

That's the recoil lug for your action. Quality bases also have them to prevent the base/scope from moving under recoil.

Gotcha. Thank you for the explanation. Badger ordnance, as referenced by you, has that integral recoil lug.

[Mr. Patis]

The tps base also have the recoil stop/lug...i think it's
cheaper than the badger

[Carcassonne]

So, you're saying go with the picatinny rail?

Picatinny rails are compatible with Weaver base components, but the Weaver base is not always compatible with Picatinny components.

If you don't mind the look of a lot of extra grooves in your scope base, get the Picatinny.

With a Picatinny you get more adjustment on where you want the rings. A Weaver base usually only gives you 1 or 2 places to mount the rings.


.

[jrpowell3]

The tps base also have the recoil stop/lug...i think it's
cheaper than the badger

I was looking at bases, and you're right.

[jrpowell3]

Picatinny rails are compatible with Weaver base components, but the Weaver base is not always compatible with Picatinny components.

If you don't mind the look of a lot of extra grooves in your scope base, get the Picatinny.

With a Picatinny you get more adjustment on where you want the rings. A Weaver base usually only gives you 1 or 2 places to mount the rings.


.

That's good to know, so picatinny it is.

I like what JMP is saying regarding 0 MOA bases. I guess I'd need to find rings with the 20 MOA cant.

[Yerman]

That's good to know, so picatinny it is.

I like what JMP is saying regarding 0 MOA bases. I guess I'd need to find rings with the 20 MOA cant.

You can't get 20moa in rings. If you want to go that route, you will need a one-piece.

So, bases are recommended over "pillar style"

If you want more usable elevation out of your scope, either:

1) 20 MOA base and standard rings
Or
2) 0 MOA base with 20 MOA one piece

Stick with quality whatever you get.

Make sure you push your mounts forward when tightening. Use a torque wrench. Lap if needed. Etc, etc. watch lots of YouTube about proper installation of your scope. Ask if you need help