Introduction
The Remington 700. The name itself evokes images of classic American rifles, renowned for their accuracy, dependability, and sheer versatility. It’s a platform that has served hunters, target shooters, and law enforcement personnel for decades. Its longevity is a testament to its enduring design and the ability to be adapted for a wide variety of shooting needs. But to truly unlock the potential of your Remington 700, especially if you’re striving for pinpoint accuracy, the right setup is crucial, and that all starts with the Remington 700 LA scope base.
Choosing the right scope base isn’t just about finding something that fits. It’s about establishing a solid foundation, the very backbone upon which your optic will rest. A poorly chosen or improperly installed scope base can lead to all sorts of problems: a scope that fails to hold zero, a frustrating inability to consistently hit your target, and ultimately, a diminished shooting experience. This guide delves deep into the world of Remington 700 LA scope bases, providing you with the knowledge and insights you need to make an informed decision and achieve optimal performance from your rifle. We’ll cover everything from understanding the different types of bases available to the installation process, helping you build a setup that is as reliable as it is accurate.
Demystifying the Long Action
Before delving into the specifics of scope bases, it’s important to understand the Remington 700 Long Action (LA). The “LA” designation refers to the receiver length and is a key factor in selecting the correct scope base. The long action receiver is designed to accommodate longer cartridges. This typically translates to cartridges like the .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, and various magnum calibers. The longer receiver allows for a longer bolt travel and, consequently, the ability to feed and extract these longer cartridges smoothly.
What does this mean for your scope base selection? First, it means you must specifically choose a base designed for the Remington 700 LA. Using a short action base on a long action receiver simply won’t work; the screw hole spacing and overall dimensions are incompatible. Second, the long action’s increased bolt travel may impact the scope base’s position relative to your eye. Understanding the action length helps you choose a base and scope combination that allows for comfortable eye relief and proper scope placement. Properly fitting your scope to the rifle helps ensure you can achieve a natural shooting stance and optimal sight picture, allowing you to shoot with greater accuracy and consistency.
The Significance of a Quality Base
The scope base is more than just a piece of metal connecting your scope to your rifle. It’s an integral component that directly impacts your rifle’s accuracy, durability, and overall performance. A high-quality scope base, meticulously crafted from robust materials, is essential. A poorly made base can introduce several issues that will hinder your shooting.
Accuracy is paramount. A scope base that is not perfectly aligned with the bore can cause significant problems. Even a slight misalignment can force you to make major adjustments to your scope’s windage and elevation, potentially leading to inconsistencies. The best scope bases are precision-machined to minimize these issues, ensuring that your scope is properly aligned and that your adjustments translate directly to changes in your point of impact. This leads to shots that land where you intend them to, every time.
Durability is another key consideration. Your rifle will experience significant forces, especially during recoil. A scope base must be able to withstand these forces without bending, breaking, or shifting. This is where the quality of materials and construction truly matters. A base crafted from high-grade steel or aircraft-grade aluminum will offer far greater resistance to these stresses compared to a cheaper, less durable alternative. Selecting a base made from durable materials helps to ensure that your scope remains securely attached to your rifle for years of use.
The scope mounting also impacts aesthetic and perceived value. A well-designed base integrates seamlessly with your rifle, enhancing its overall appearance. In contrast, a base that looks cheap or ill-fitting can detract from the rifle’s aesthetics. By selecting a quality base from a reputable brand, you also invest in a product that adds to the perceived value of your entire setup.
Exploring Different Scope Base Styles
The world of Remington 700 LA scope bases offers a variety of choices, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Knowing the differences between these styles will help you select the best option for your specific needs.
Two-piece bases represent a classic, economical solution. They consist of two separate bases, one for the front of the receiver and one for the rear. These bases are often affordable and offer flexibility in terms of scope ring placement, allowing you to adjust the eye relief to your liking. However, two-piece bases can be less rigid than other options, and there is a greater potential for slight misalignment, which can affect your accuracy.
One-piece bases are designed for increased rigidity and potentially improved accuracy. These bases are made from a single piece of metal, which provides a more stable platform for your scope. This design minimizes the potential for flex and movement, especially during recoil. This typically results in more reliable scope performance. One-piece bases are often considered a premium choice, but they typically come at a slightly higher price point. You may also have slightly less flexibility in positioning your scope.
Picatinny rails have become a popular and versatile option. These rails feature a series of slots and are manufactured to a standardized specification (MIL-STD-1913), allowing for compatibility with a wide range of scope rings and other accessories. Picatinny rails offer exceptional versatility, allowing you to change scopes or add other accessories (like red dot sights or laser designators) with ease. They are typically very robust and offer excellent alignment.
Weaver-style bases are another common choice, predating the Picatinny rail. They are similar in concept to Picatinny rails, offering multiple slots for scope ring attachment. Weaver bases, however, are not standardized to the same extent as Picatinny rails, so compatibility between bases and rings is something you should carefully assess.
The incorporation of inclination or MOA (Minutes of Angle) is a vital consideration. Many scope bases are available with built-in MOA, which subtly angles the scope relative to the bore. This allows you to compensate for bullet drop at longer ranges. If you are shooting at distances beyond a few hundred yards, a base with MOA inclination is highly recommended. The amount of MOA you need will depend on your cartridge, your scope’s elevation adjustment range, and your desired shooting distances.
Key Factors for Informed Decision-Making
Choosing the right Remington 700 LA scope base involves more than simply picking the first one you see. Several factors should guide your selection.
The caliber of your rifle plays a significant role. Heavier recoiling cartridges will put more stress on the scope base, so you’ll want to consider a base made from a very strong material. The type of scope you plan to mount is also important. Larger objective lenses may require higher rings, which means the base will affect this. Consider your shooting application. Are you primarily hunting, engaging in target shooting, or using your rifle for tactical purposes? The environment and the demands on your rifle will shape the base you select.
Set a budget for your project. Scope bases can range in price from affordable to quite expensive, so it’s important to establish a price range. Researching the brand reputation of scope base manufacturers and reading customer reviews will help you assess the quality, durability, and reliability of a given base. The materials used in the construction of the base (steel or aluminum) impact durability and performance.
The finish of the base matters for both aesthetics and durability. A matte finish is often preferred as it reduces glare.
Mastering the Installation Process
Installing a Remington 700 LA scope base correctly is crucial to ensure accuracy and reliability. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials: a torque wrench (essential!), the correct size screws (often included with the base), a high-quality thread locker (like Loctite), a degreasing solvent, and any needed Allen wrenches or other tools. Ensure your rifle’s receiver is meticulously clean before mounting the base. Removing any oil, grease, or debris will ensure proper adhesion and prevent any slippage.
Carefully align the scope base on the receiver. For two-piece bases, this involves aligning each base independently. For one-piece bases, align the base along the receiver. Ensure the base sits flush against the receiver. Next, install the screws, and tighten them to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications using your torque wrench. Over-tightening or under-tightening the screws can lead to problems.
Apply a small amount of thread locker to the threads of the screws before installing them. This helps prevent the screws from loosening due to vibration or recoil. Double-check all of your work to ensure it is correct.
Leading Scope Base Manufacturers
Several manufacturers have established themselves as leaders in the realm of Remington 700 LA scope bases. These brands have earned their reputations through quality craftsmanship, innovation, and a commitment to shooter satisfaction.
Leupold is a name synonymous with quality optics, and they offer a wide range of scope bases designed to pair perfectly with their scopes and your rifle. Nightforce is renowned for its ultra-durable, high-performance scopes and also provides bases for the Remington 700. Talley offers high-quality, lightweight scope bases. Warne, another well-respected brand, is known for its durable bases and rings. EGW (Evolution Gun Works) produces a variety of precision-machined bases, including Picatinny rails, that are very popular among serious shooters. There are other notable brands, such as Seekins Precision and Badger Ordnance, which are also highly respected in the industry.
Maintenance and Proactive Care
Regular maintenance and troubleshooting can help you avoid unnecessary problems. Regularly inspect the scope base for any signs of loosening, damage, or corrosion. The most common issue is loose screws. After extended use, give the base a good cleaning. This is especially important after being exposed to the elements. If your scope begins to have trouble holding its zero, the scope base may be the culprit. If a visual inspection does not reveal any obvious problems, the best thing to do is to consult with a qualified gunsmith, who can fully inspect the rifle and base for issues.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right Remington 700 LA scope base is a crucial step in building an accurate and reliable rifle setup. By understanding the different types of bases, the factors to consider, and the proper installation process, you can make an informed decision and equip your rifle for optimal performance. Remember to research different brands, read reviews, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from experienced shooters or gunsmiths. With the right base in place, you’ll be well-equipped to experience the true potential of your Remington 700.
