Precision Foundation: Optimizing Your Ruger American Rimfire with Leupold STD Steel Bases

For any serious shooter, hunter, or recreational enthusiast, the foundation of an accurate rifle system isn't just the firearm itself or the chosen optic; it's the critical link between the two: the scope mounting system. This vital component ensures your scope remains precisely aligned, holds zero through countless shots and demanding conditions, and ultimately translates to consistent, repeatable accuracy downrange. If you own a Ruger American Rimfire rifle and are seeking an unparalleled level of stability and adjustability for your optic, the Leupold Standard (STD) Base (Model 170489) in Matte Black is an indispensable upgrade.

What problem does this Leupold STD Base solve for a rimfire shooter? It addresses the fundamental need for a robust, reliable, and user-friendly platform that securely anchors your scope, preventing shifts in zero and maximizing the inherent accuracy of your Ruger American Rimfire rifle. Whether you're plinking targets, hunting small game, or engaging in competitive rimfire shooting, a wobbly or misaligned scope mount can undermine even the finest rifle and optic combination. This base provides the solid, unwavering connection you need to shoot with confidence.

Engineered Excellence: Understanding the Leupold STD Mounting System

The Leupold STD mounting system is renowned for its enduring design and exceptional performance, trusted by generations of shooters. Unlike some other mounting solutions, the STD system features a distinctive two-piece base paired with Leupold STD rings (sold separately), offering a blend of versatility, strength, and precise adjustability. This particular base, identified by its part number 170489, is specifically engineered to provide a flawless fit on the Ruger American Rimfire action.

When considering the best tools for mounting a scope, shooters often ask: "Why is the base so important?" The base is the direct interface with your rifle's receiver. Any weakness, misalignment, or imprecise manufacturing in the base will directly compromise your shooting accuracy. Leupold's commitment to precision manufacturing ensures that each STD base is crafted to exacting standards, guaranteeing optimal bore-to-reticle alignment when paired with their STD rings.

Material and Construction: The Strength of Steel

A key differentiator for the Leupold STD Base 170489 is its construction from high-quality steel. In an era where lightweight alloys are common, Leupold champions the enduring benefits of steel for its STD mounting systems. Why choose steel for your rimfire rifle?

• Superior Durability: Steel offers exceptional strength and resilience, capable of withstanding the rigors of field use, bumps, and accidental impacts without compromising integrity. This means your scope mount can handle years of active use.
• Unwavering Stability: The inherent rigidity of steel minimizes flex and torsion, providing an incredibly stable platform for your optic. This is crucial for maintaining zero, especially when engaging in rapid-fire scenarios or during extended shooting sessions where consistent performance is paramount.
• Recoil Resistance: While rimfire calibers like .22LR, .17 HMR, and .22 WMR produce less recoil than centerfire cartridges, a solid steel base ensures that even these minor forces do not induce scope creep or shift your point of impact over time. This contributes significantly to long-term zero retention.
• Corrosion Resistance: Finished in a matte black, non-reflective coating, this steel base not only blends seamlessly with most rifle finishes but also provides a layer of protection against rust and corrosion, ensuring reliable performance in various environmental conditions.

The two-piece design of this base offers practical advantages, including easier access to the rifle's action for cleaning or maintenance and greater flexibility in positioning your scope for optimal eye relief, accommodating a wide range of optics and shooter preferences.

Innovative Features for Precision and Performance

The brilliance of the Leupold STD system lies in its thoughtful design, particularly the unique adjustment capabilities it provides.

The Pivoting Front Dovetail

How do I get my scope perfectly aligned with my rifle's bore? This is a common question, and the Leupold STD system offers an elegant solution. The front ring of the STD system (which mates with this base) features a pivoting dovetail. This intelligent design allows the front of the scope to pivot laterally during initial setup. This "coarse" windage adjustment is a significant advantage, enabling shooters to quickly and efficiently align the scope with the rifle's bore, often eliminating the need to use excessive internal scope adjustments. This preserves the optical quality and mechanical integrity of your scope by keeping its internal adjustment mechanisms closer to their optical center.

Precision Rear Windage Screws

Complementing the front dovetail, the rear base incorporates opposing windage screws. Once the front dovetail provides initial alignment, these screws allow for precise, micro-adjustments to the windage, ensuring your scope is perfectly zeroed. This system provides a robust and secure method for fine-tuning your point of impact, locking your zero in place with exceptional stability. This dual-adjustment capability is a hallmark of the Leupold STD system's design, offering shooters unparalleled control over their scope's alignment.

These features make the Leupold STD Base ideal for shooters who demand precision and prefer a mounting system that offers both initial alignment flexibility and robust final adjustment capabilities. It answers the question, "What is the best way to achieve precise scope alignment without over-adjusting my scope's internal turrets?"

Why Choose Leupold for Your Ruger American Rimfire?

Choosing Leupold isn't just about buying a product; it's investing in a legacy of American craftsmanship, innovation, and unwavering quality. For over a century, Leupold has been a trusted name in the optics industry, renowned for products that perform flawlessly in the most demanding environments.

• Trusted Performance: Leupold products are engineered and manufactured in the USA, built to perform when it matters most. This STD base embodies that commitment to reliability and excellence, ensuring your Ruger American Rimfire setup is ready for any challenge.
• Optimized for Rimfire: While the STD system is robust enough for centerfire calibers (generally compatible with calibers less than .300 Win. Mag.), this specific base is tailored for the Ruger American Rimfire, guaranteeing a perfect, secure fit for your .22LR, .17 HMR, or .22 WMR rifle. This specialization ensures that every aspect of the base's design is optimized for the unique characteristics of rimfire shooting.
• Seamless Integration: When paired with Leupold STD rings (available in five different heights to achieve optimal scope clearance and eye relief), this base creates a cohesive, high-performance mounting solution that not only looks professional but also delivers consistent, repeatable results.
• Long-Term Value: Investing in a Leupold STD base is an investment in your shooting future. Its robust steel construction and precision engineering mean it will withstand years of use, providing a reliable foundation for your optics for the life of your rifle.

Who is the Leupold STD Base for? Real-World Use Cases

The Leupold STD Base 170489 is the ideal choice for a variety of Ruger American Rimfire owners:

• The Precision Rimfire Shooter: For those who meticulously pursue tight groups and repeatable accuracy, the precise windage adjustment and robust steel construction ensure your zero holds, shot after shot.
• The Small Game Hunter: Reliability in the field is paramount. This durable base provides peace of mind that your scope will remain true, even when navigating challenging terrain or enduring adverse weather.
• The New Rifle Owner: If you're a new owner of a Ruger American Rimfire and are looking for a reliable, easy-to-understand mounting system that will serve you well for years, the Leupold STD is an excellent starting point. It simplifies the bore-sighting process and provides a stable platform.
• The Upgrade Seeker: For shooters looking to replace lesser-quality or worn-out mounts, this Leupold base offers a significant upgrade in terms of stability, durability, and adjustability.
• Anyone Demanding Quality: If you value American-made products and the peace of mind that comes with using equipment from a world-renowned brand, this Leupold base fits the bill perfectly.

Achieving Optimal Performance: Installation Considerations (General)

While this description does not provide step-by-step installation instructions, understanding the general considerations for mounting any scope is important for maximizing the benefits of your Leupold STD base. Proper installation ensures that the base is securely attached to the rifle receiver and that the rings (and thus the scope) are perfectly aligned. This typically involves:

• Secure Attachment: Using the included mounting hardware and adhering to manufacturer-recommended torque specifications for attaching the bases to the receiver.
• Ring Orientation: Ensuring STD rings are correctly oriented and torqued to the bases, allowing for the front dovetail pivot and rear windage adjustment.
• Scope Leveling: Properly leveling the scope within the rings to prevent cant, which can lead to windage errors at longer distances.
• Eye Relief Adjustment: Positioning the scope forward or backward in the rings to achieve optimal eye relief for the shooter.

Many shooters find that pairing a high-quality base like the Leupold STD with precision-machined STD rings allows for a straightforward and robust mounting process, leading to a truly integrated and high-performing system.

Availability and Trust: Your Source for Leupold

The Leupold Standard Base for Ruger American Rimfire, model 170489, is a prime example of the quality and precision Leupold brings to the shooting world. This essential component is available for your Ruger American Rimfire rifle at DEGuns.com, a trusted source for firearms, optics, and accessories. When you choose Leupold through DEGuns, you're not just getting a product; you're getting the support and service that ensures your investment is well-placed. Trust in the Leupold name and its availability at DEGuns for all your scope mounting needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Leupold STD Bases

Here are answers to some common questions regarding the Leupold STD Base 170489 and the STD mounting system:

Question	Answer
What rifles are compatible with the Leupold STD 170489 base?	This specific base is designed exclusively for the Ruger American Rimfire rifle models.
Why choose a steel scope base over aluminum?	Steel offers superior strength, rigidity, and durability, providing a more stable and recoil-resistant platform compared to lighter aluminum options.
How do Leupold STD bases improve accuracy?	The Leupold STD system, with its front pivoting dovetail and rear windage screws, allows for precise mechanical alignment of the scope with the bore, reducing the need for excessive internal scope adjustments and enhancing overall shooting accuracy.
Are Leupold STD bases easy to install?	With basic tools and an understanding of scope mounting principles, many shooters find the STD system straightforward to install, especially when following Leupold's guidelines. It includes mounting hardware.
Do I need specific rings for Leupold STD bases?	Yes, Leupold STD bases are designed to be paired exclusively with Leupold STD rings, which feature the unique pivoting dovetail and provide the necessary secure interface. Rings are sold separately.