Enhancing Long-Range Precision: The Leupold Mark 4 1-Piece 20 MOA Base for Savage 10/110 Short Action

For serious precision shooters, long-range enthusiasts, and hunters pushing the boundaries of their ethical range, optimizing every component of your rifle system is paramount. One often-underestimated yet critically important element is the scope base. It’s the foundational link between your rifle and your optic, and its integrity directly impacts your ability to achieve consistent, repeatable accuracy, especially at extended distances. If you own a Savage 10 or Savage 110 Short Action rifle with a round receiver and are looking to unlock its full long-range potential, the Leupold 170745 Mark 4 1-Piece Base with 20 MOA is engineered precisely for your needs.

This product isn't just another accessory; it's a strategic upgrade designed to solve common challenges faced by precision shooters. Have you ever wondered how to get more elevation adjustment out of your scope for those 800-yard-plus shots without maxing out your internal turret? Or perhaps you're seeking a rock-solid, incredibly durable mounting platform that can withstand the rigors of competitive shooting or demanding field conditions? The Leupold Mark 4 1-Piece 20 MOA Base provides compelling answers to these questions and more.

Why a Specialized Scope Base Matters for Long-Range Shooting

In the world of precision shooting, every minute of angle (MOA) counts. Standard flat scope bases work well for typical hunting ranges, but when you stretch out to hundreds or even a thousand yards, the bullet's trajectory drops significantly due. To compensate for this drop, your rifle scope needs to be adjusted upwards, or "dialed." Most modern scopes offer a substantial range of internal elevation adjustment, but there's a limit. If you zero your rifle at 100 yards with a standard flat base, a significant portion of your scope's internal adjustment range might be consumed simply to bring your reticle to zero, leaving less for extreme elevation corrections.

This is where a canted scope base, like the Leupold Mark 4 1-Piece 20 MOA base, becomes indispensable. The "20 MOA" in its name signifies that the base is precisely machined with a slight forward tilt, providing 20 minutes of angle of built-in elevation. This cant effectively "pre-loads" your scope, pushing the reticle down relative to the bore at the 100-yard zero. The result? You reclaim a significant amount of your scope's internal elevation travel, allowing you to dial for much longer distances without running out of adjustment. This is particularly crucial for shooters using cartridges with flatter trajectories or those aiming to push past typical long-range boundaries, making targets beyond 1,000 yards achievable with greater ease and less strain on your optic's internal mechanisms.

Unpacking the Leupold Mark 4 1-Piece Design: Durability Meets Precision

The Leupold 170745 Mark 4 base is a testament to Leupold's legacy of crafting rugged, reliable, and precise shooting accessories. It’s a purpose-built piece of equipment that brings several distinct advantages to your Savage 10/110 Short Action rifle system:

• Robust Steel Construction: Unlike some aluminum bases, the Leupold Mark 4 is machined from high-quality steel. This choice of material offers unparalleled strength and rigidity. Steel provides superior resistance to flexing, twisting, or deforming under recoil, ensuring that your scope maintains zero shot after shot, even with magnum cartridges or during high-volume shooting sessions. This inherent strength translates directly into enhanced accuracy and unwavering reliability, which are non-negotiable for serious shooters.
• Integrated 1-Piece Design: The Mark 4 base features a unified, one-piece construction. This design philosophy eliminates potential points of failure often associated with two-piece bases, such as misalignment between front and rear sections or uneven stress distribution. A single, solid piece of steel bolted securely to your receiver forms an incredibly stable and consistent platform for your scope rings. This monolithic structure is a significant factor in achieving the repeatable accuracy that serious long-range shooting demands.
• Precision Machined Cross-Slot Design: The base incorporates a proven cross-slot (Picatinny-style) design. This universal standard ensures compatibility with a vast array of scope rings that utilize a cross-slot recoil lug. The precision machining of these slots guarantees a tight, secure fit for your rings, preventing any movement of the optic under recoil. This interlocking mechanism is key to maintaining zero, even through repeated heavy recoil.
• Flawless Matte Black Finish: The base is finished in a durable, non-reflective matte black coating. This not only provides excellent corrosion resistance but also minimizes glare and reflections, which can be critical for stealth in hunting situations or for avoiding distractions in competitive environments. The finish is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the field, maintaining its appearance and protective qualities over time.

Seamless Integration with Savage 10/110 Short Action Round Receivers

Compatibility is crucial, and the Leupold Mark 4 170745 base is meticulously engineered for specific Savage rifles. It is designed to perfectly fit Savage 10 and Savage 110 Short Action rifles that feature a round receiver. This precise fit ensures optimal bore and optic alignment, which is fundamental for achieving peak accuracy. The design also accounts for 8-40 adaptable screw patterns, further solidifying its secure attachment to your rifle. When you choose a Leupold Mark 4 base, you're investing in a component that is purpose-built to integrate flawlessly with your specific Savage firearm, removing any guesswork about fitment or potential issues down the line. The inclusion of all necessary mounting hardware further simplifies the installation process, getting you to the range faster.

Benefits Beyond Elevation: Why Shooters Choose Leupold Mark 4 Bases

The advantages of upgrading to a Leupold Mark 4 1-Piece 20 MOA base extend far beyond simply gaining more elevation:

• Unwavering Zero Retention: The combination of robust steel construction and the rigid 1-piece design means your scope will hold its zero even through thousands of rounds, rough handling, and varying environmental conditions. This reliability is critical whether you're chasing a trophy buck or a top score on the firing line.
• Enhanced Scope Lifespan: By utilizing a canted base, you reduce the need to frequently use your scope's maximum internal elevation adjustment. Operating within the middle of your scope's adjustment range typically puts less strain on the erector system, potentially extending the lifespan and consistent performance of your expensive optic.
• Simplified Ballistic Solutions: With 20 MOA of built-in cant, your ballistic calculations become more straightforward for long-range engagements. You're starting with a "head start" on elevation, allowing your scope's turrets to track more efficiently for extreme distances.
• Professional-Grade Foundation: The Mark 4 series is trusted by military, law enforcement, and competitive shooters worldwide. This pedigree speaks volumes about its performance, durability, and ability to meet the most stringent demands. Choosing a Mark 4 base means equipping your rifle with a component used by professionals.
• A Sound Investment in Accuracy: While it may seem like a small part, the scope base is the crucial bridge between your rifle and your optic. Investing in a high-quality, purpose-built base like the Leupold Mark 4 ensures that your rifle's inherent accuracy potential is fully realized and consistently delivered.

Common Questions About 20 MOA Bases and Installation

What does "20 MOA" actually mean in a scope base?
"MOA" stands for Minute of Angle, a unit of angular measurement. 1 MOA roughly equals 1 inch at 100 yards. A "20 MOA" base means that the base is angled by 20 minutes of angle relative to the bore. This slight tilt effectively points your scope "down" by 20 MOA, allowing you to use 20 MOA less of your scope's internal elevation adjustment to achieve a 100-yard zero. This frees up that valuable internal adjustment for dialing in extreme long-range shots.

Do I absolutely need a 20 MOA base for long-range shooting?
While not always strictly "needed" for every long-range scenario, a 20 MOA base is highly recommended for practical long-range shooting (typically beyond 500-600 yards). It provides significant advantages by maximizing your scope's usable elevation travel, especially if your optic has limited internal adjustment or if you plan to shoot at distances where bullet drop is substantial. For very short-range shooting, a flat base is perfectly adequate, but for precision or extended ranges, a canted base is a wise choice.

Is it difficult to install a 1-piece scope base?
Installing the Leupold Mark 4 1-Piece base is a straightforward process for anyone with basic gunsmithing tools and knowledge. The base comes with the necessary mounting hardware. Key steps include thoroughly cleaning the receiver's mounting surface, applying a small amount of thread-locking compound to the screws, and torquing them to the manufacturer's recommended specifications (Leupold often provides these instructions, or a good gunsmithing guide can advise). Proper torque is critical to prevent loosening under recoil and ensure a secure, stress-free mount. It's also vital to ensure the base is aligned correctly before tightening.

What kind of scope rings should I use with this base?
The Leupold Mark 4 base utilizes a Picatinny (cross-slot) style interface. You'll need to select scope rings that are designed to mount to a Picatinny rail. Leupold offers an excellent range of compatible Mark 4 rings (such as their Mark 4 Rings) known for their strength and precision, which would be a natural pairing. However, any quality Picatinny-compatible rings from reputable manufacturers will work. Ensure your chosen rings match your scope's tube diameter (e.g., 30mm, 34mm) and provide the correct height for your specific rifle and scope objective lens.

How does a 1-piece base compare to a 2-piece base?
A 1-piece base, like the Leupold Mark 4, offers superior rigidity and structural integrity compared to a 2-piece design. Because it's a single, solid unit, it eliminates potential flex points and ensures perfect alignment between the front and rear mounting points. This translates to more consistent accuracy and greater resistance to impact or stress. Two-piece bases can be lighter and offer more flexibility for scope placement, but for ultimate precision and durability, especially on long-action rifles or those experiencing heavy recoil, a 1-piece base is generally preferred.

Where to Acquire Your Leupold Mark 4 1-Piece 20 MOA Base

When investing in critical components for your precision rifle, trust and reliability are paramount. The Leupold 170745 Mark 4 1-Piece Base with 20 MOA for Savage 10/110 SA Round Receiver, with its matte black finish and robust steel construction, represents a significant upgrade for any serious shooter. To ensure you receive a genuine Leupold product backed by knowledgeable customer service and a commitment to quality, we recommend purchasing through DEGuns. As a leading retailer of firearms and accessories, DEGuns is a trusted source for Leupold products, providing a seamless purchasing experience and ensuring you get the exact, high-quality component you need to elevate your long-range shooting capabilities. Enhance your rifle's potential and gain the competitive edge by choosing the proven performance of the Leupold Mark 4 base from DEGuns.

Product Specifications Overview

Feature	Detail	Benefit
Brand	Leupold	Trusted leader in optics and accessories
Series	Mark 4 Base	Professional-grade mounting solution
Model	170745	Specific identifier for perfect fit
Firearm Fit	Savage 10 / 110 Round Receiver (Short Action, 8-40 Adaptable)	Guaranteed precise compatibility for specified rifles
Color	Matte Black	Non-reflective, durable finish
Action	Short	Optimized for Savage Short Action receivers
Material	Steel	Superior strength, rigidity, and zero retention
Firearm Type	Rifle	Designed for rifle scope mounting
Mount Type	To Receiver	Securely attaches directly to the rifle receiver
Rings Included	No	Allows choice of preferred rings
Style	Cross-Slot (Picatinny)	Universal compatibility with Picatinny rings
MOA	20	Provides built-in elevation for long-range shooting
Includes	Mounting Hardware	Ready for installation
Pieces	1	Enhanced strength and stability over 2-piece designs
Weight	4.70 oz	Lightweight yet robust design
SKU	72565	Internal stock keeping unit
UPC	030317010430	Universal Product Code for identification
MPN	170745	Manufacturer Part Number