Understanding the Savage Mark 2 Receiver
Receiver Basics
The Savage Mark 2 is more than just a rimfire rifle; it’s a gateway to precision shooting without emptying your wallet. Its affordability and accuracy have made it a favorite among both novice and seasoned shooters. But to truly unlock the potential of your Mark 2, you need the right optics. And that starts with a solid and reliable foundation: the Savage Mark 2 Scope Base. This article will be your comprehensive guide, ensuring you select the perfect scope base and confidently mount your optic for enhanced performance on the range or in the field.
This guide will explore the nuances of scope bases tailored specifically for the Savage Mark 2, covering everything from the various types available to step-by-step installation instructions. We will consider the key factors to help you choose the best scope base for your specific shooting style, budget, and the type of optic you wish to mount. Mounting a scope might seem complex, but with the right information, it’s a straightforward process that can significantly impact your shooting accuracy.
Drilled and Tapped
Before diving into the world of scope bases, it’s essential to understand the heart of the Savage Mark 2: the receiver. The receiver is the central component of the rifle, the backbone to which all other parts, including the scope base, are attached. The Savage Mark 2 receiver is primarily designed for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge, a popular choice for target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting due to its low recoil and inexpensive ammunition.
One of the first things you’ll encounter when considering scope mounting is whether your rifle’s receiver is drilled and tapped. “Drilled and tapped” simply means that the receiver has pre-drilled holes with threads designed to accept mounting screws. The standard hole spacing, or the distance between the holes, on the Savage Mark 2 is generally consistent, although it is crucial to confirm the exact specifications for your particular model before purchasing a scope base. Older or more budget-friendly models might lack these drilled and tapped holes and instead utilize a grooved receiver, commonly a 3/8″ dovetail, designed to accept scope rings directly.
Receiver Material and Design
The receiver material is typically steel, offering good durability and resistance to wear and tear. This is important because the scope base needs to be firmly secured to withstand the repeated forces generated by firing the rifle. The overall design of the receiver is relatively compact, emphasizing maneuverability, which makes for a comfortable shooting experience.
Considering the receiver’s characteristics will guide you toward selecting a suitable base. Mismatched base and receiver components will likely lead to mounting issues and compromise your shooting precision. That is why knowing the receiver details is a critical first step.
Exploring Scope Base Options
The world of Savage Mark 2 Scope Base options is diverse, offering various approaches to meet specific shooting needs and preferences. Each type of base presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these differences will allow you to make a decision that aligns with your shooting style, the scope you are using, and, of course, your budget.
One-Piece Bases
One-piece scope bases are designed as a single, solid unit that bridges the entire top of the receiver. They offer inherent advantages in terms of stability and alignment. Because the rings are already integrated into the base, the installation process is often simplified, and there are fewer points of potential error. This design ensures that both rings are perfectly aligned, minimizing the risk of straining the scope’s internal mechanisms, which can happen when there is misalignment.
The rigidity of a one-piece base makes them especially well-suited for scopes that experience heavy recoil, though .22LR rifles like the Mark 2 generate relatively little recoil. This extra stability can provide greater confidence in the scope’s ability to hold its zero, or the point of impact. For shooters who prioritize ruggedness and consistency, a one-piece base can be an excellent choice.
However, one-piece bases tend to be more expensive than their two-piece counterparts, as they require more material and manufacturing complexity. Also, if the base is damaged or if you want to try a different set-up, the entire base needs to be changed, which can be costly.
Two-Piece Bases
Two-piece Savage Mark 2 Scope Base setups, as the name suggests, consist of two separate bases, one for each ring. These bases are individually attached to the receiver, offering greater flexibility in terms of placement and eye relief adjustment. This adjustability can be particularly helpful when working with a scope that has a limited range of eye relief adjustment or when accommodating shooters with different body types.
One of the significant advantages of two-piece bases is that they are often more affordable than one-piece options. They also provide greater flexibility in mounting different scopes, as you are not restricted to a single, pre-determined length. The two-piece design can be easier to install, but you must ensure that the two bases are properly aligned during installation to prevent any scope stress.
While two-piece bases are generally very stable, they are more prone to misalignment if not installed correctly. This can impact accuracy and even damage the scope over time. Therefore, careful installation and proper alignment are essential when using two-piece bases.
Integrated Bases
Many Savage Mark 2 rifles come equipped with a 3/8″ dovetail groove integrated into the receiver. This design allows you to mount the scope directly by using scope rings that are specifically designed to fit this dovetail. This is the most basic and budget-friendly scope-mounting method, and it offers the advantage of simplicity and ease of installation.
Dovetail systems are a great way to get started with optics on your Mark 2.
However, dovetail bases have limitations. They may be less adaptable to a wider range of scope sizes or mounting positions. They also lack the modularity of other options, as you’re essentially limited to using only rings that attach directly to the dovetail. This is a great method to start with if you want something simple or are looking for a more budget-friendly solution.
Picatinny and Weaver Rails
Picatinny and Weaver rails are standardized rail systems that offer unparalleled versatility in scope mounting. These rails feature a series of slots and grooves along their length, allowing for easy and repeatable attachment of various accessories, including scopes, red dots, and other optics.
Picatinny rails and Weaver rails share similar characteristics but differ in some details. Picatinny rails are more standardized, with precise dimensions that ensure compatibility across a wide range of accessories. Weaver rails, while compatible with many Picatinny accessories, may have slightly different dimensions.
A Picatinny/Weaver rail system gives you a lot of flexibility with scope ring placement and enables mounting of other accessories. This is great for shooters who want to adapt and change their set-ups with different scopes or accessories. They also offer a more robust and stable mounting platform. The downside is the added cost compared to dovetail solutions.
Choosing the Right Base for Your Needs
Selecting the ideal Savage Mark 2 Scope Base is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Several factors must be considered to make an informed choice.
Considerations
Scope Type: The type and size of your scope will heavily influence your base selection. Larger scopes with bigger objective lenses will demand higher-profile rings to clear the barrel, while scopes with different tube diameters will require specific base or ring compatibility. Consider the scope’s tube diameter, objective lens size, and overall length.
Budget: Scope base prices vary widely. From a basic dovetail ring setup to a more expensive one-piece base, there is a range of prices to consider. Determine a realistic budget to ensure you don’t overspend.
Shooting Style: Your primary shooting activities will influence the ideal choice. For target shooting where precision is paramount, you may prefer a more robust and stable base. If your shooting style involves hunting, a lightweight and compact base might be more appealing.
Receiver Type: As mentioned previously, the receiver’s configuration is crucial. Does your rifle feature pre-drilled and tapped holes, or does it utilize a 3/8″ dovetail?
Eye Relief: Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the ocular lens (the lens closest to your eye). Make sure to accommodate the scopes eye relief requirements.
Specific Recommendations
For target shooters, a sturdy one-piece Picatinny or Weaver base is an excellent choice. These bases will provide a solid platform and allow for using various scopes and accessories. Alternatively, a two-piece base will still provide a good foundation if you are trying to keep the price down.
Hunters may prefer a lightweight two-piece base to keep the rifle’s overall weight down. A dovetail setup with a lower profile scope is also a good option.
For plinking, a simple dovetail mount or two-piece base will work, especially for scopes with smaller objective lenses.
Base Angle (MOA)
Some scope bases are manufactured with an angled base, typically measured in Minutes of Angle (MOA). MOA is an angular measurement, equal to roughly one inch at one hundred yards. Angled bases subtly tilt the scope, providing additional elevation adjustment to compensate for bullet drop at longer ranges. This can be particularly useful if you plan on shooting at distances beyond what the scope’s internal adjustments can accommodate.
A 20 MOA base is a popular choice as it can give you extra elevation for longer distances. This is especially useful if you have a scope with limited internal adjustment. Always verify the specifications of your scope and the desired range before choosing a specific MOA base.
Installation Guidance
Installing your Savage Mark 2 Scope Base is a straightforward process, but precision is key to achieving optimal accuracy and scope performance. Follow these steps carefully.
Tools Required
Screwdrivers: Ensure you have the right-sized screwdrivers to fit your scope base screws.
Torque Wrench: A torque wrench allows you to tighten screws to the recommended specifications without over-tightening, which can damage your scope or receiver.
Degreaser/Cleaning Solution: Cleanliness is crucial.
Thread Locker: A thread locker such as Loctite helps to prevent screws from loosening due to vibration.
Step-by-Step Installation Instructions
Preparation: Before you start, make sure the rifle is unloaded and that the area is well-lit. Clean the receiver’s top and the screw holes. This ensures a clean surface and improves the thread locker’s effectiveness.
Apply Thread Locker (Optional): If recommended by the manufacturer, apply a small amount of thread locker (e.g., Loctite) to the threads of the mounting screws. Be careful not to use too much.
Install the Base: Carefully align the base with the receiver’s screw holes, or if installing a two-piece base, install the front base first.
Tighten the Screws: Tighten the screws gradually, using the correct-sized screwdriver, while ensuring that the base is properly aligned. Use a torque wrench to tighten the screws to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications.
Ring Installation: If you are using rings that attach directly to the base, make sure you mount them following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Tips and Troubleshooting
Alignment: The base must be aligned with the receiver. Improper alignment can lead to scope stress and reduce accuracy.
Overtightening: Avoid overtightening the screws. Excessive force can strip the threads and damage the receiver or the screws.
Stripped Screws: If you strip a screw, use an extractor tool or consult a gunsmith.
Scope Ring Compatibility
Once you’ve installed your Savage Mark 2 Scope Base, you need to select the appropriate scope rings. Scope rings are designed to hold your scope securely to the base. Choosing the right rings is just as important as selecting the right base.
Ring height is an important consideration. The ring height, or the distance from the base to the bottom of the scope tube, needs to clear the objective lens of your scope and the barrel. If the objective lens is too close to the barrel, it can be damaged. A general rule of thumb is to have at least 1/8″ of clearance between the objective lens and the barrel.
Ring types vary, but you must be sure that they are compatible with the base that you’ve selected. Weaver and Picatinny rings fit those rail types, and you must choose specific ring sets for two-piece bases.
Choosing a scope base and rings might seem complicated, but it will improve your shooting experience with accuracy.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance will ensure the longevity of your Savage Mark 2 Scope Base and your rifle’s optical system. Cleaning and proper care will protect your investment.
Cleaning: Regularly wipe down the base and mounting area. Remove any dust, debris, or oil that may accumulate.
Screw Tightness: Check the screws periodically to ensure they remain tight. After shooting, screws can come loose over time.
Inspection: Inspect the base for any signs of damage, such as rust, corrosion, or cracks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best scope base for the Savage Mark 2?
The best scope base depends on your needs and preferences. A one-piece Picatinny or Weaver base is great for versatility and solid mounting. A dovetail setup is perfect for affordability and ease of mounting.
Can I use Weaver bases on my Savage Mark 2?
Yes, as long as your rifle has pre-drilled and tapped holes or a Picatinny or Weaver rail.
What is the difference between Picatinny and Weaver rails?
Picatinny rails are more standardized in their dimensions, offering broader accessory compatibility. Weaver rails are similar but have slightly different specifications.
What MOA base should I choose?
The correct MOA depends on the shooting distance and the scope’s internal elevation adjustments. A 20 MOA base is a common choice for increasing the elevation range, helping with long-range accuracy.
How to fix stripped screws?
If you strip a screw, try using a screw extractor tool. If the damage is severe, it’s best to consult a gunsmith.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Savage Mark 2 Scope Base is critical for achieving optimal accuracy and enjoyment with your rifle. This comprehensive guide has offered a detailed look at the various base options, considerations for making the right choice, and a step-by-step approach to installation. From basic dovetail mounts to the versatility of Picatinny rails, there’s a base to fit every shooter’s budget and shooting style. Take your time, do your research, and select the base that best meets your requirements.
Remember to always prioritize safety. Double-check all screw threads and do not overtighten any of the screws.
