Leupold 171903 Standard Base 2-Piece: The Foundation for Precision on Your Ruger American Rifle

Are you a proud owner of a Ruger American rifle, seeking to unlock its full potential for accuracy and reliability? Whether you're an avid hunter tracking elusive game, a dedicated target shooter striving for tighter groups, or a recreational enthusiast simply enjoying time at the range, the integrity of your scope mounting system is paramount. A secure, dependable base is the unsung hero that ensures your optics perform flawlessly, shot after shot. This is precisely where the Leupold 171903 Standard (STD) Base 2-Piece, designed specifically for the Ruger American Short Action, becomes an indispensable upgrade.

In the world of firearm accessories, selecting the right scope mount isn't merely about attaching an optic; it's about creating an unyielding link between your rifle and your aiming solution. Inferior mounts can lead to frustrating zero shifts, inconsistent accuracy, and even damage to your valuable scope. The Leupold STD system offers a robust, precision-engineered solution that addresses these critical concerns, providing a stable platform for standard calibers less than .300 Win. Mag.

Why Choose the Leupold Standard (STD) Mounting System?

For decades, Leupold has been synonymous with quality optics and mounting solutions. Their STD system stands out as one of the most versatile and widely trusted choices among shooters worldwide. But what makes this system so highly regarded, and why is it the ideal choice for your Ruger American rifle?

1. Precision Engineering for Peak Performance

• Unwavering Stability: Leupold STD bases are crafted from robust steel, known for its exceptional strength and rigidity. This material choice ensures a rock-solid foundation that can withstand the rigors of recoil, harsh environmental conditions, and countless trips to the field. When your scope base doesn't flex or shift, your point of impact remains consistent, shot after shot.
• Designed for Accuracy: Every Leupold STD base is manufactured to exacting tolerances. This meticulous attention to detail minimizes any potential play or movement between the base and your rifle's receiver, which is crucial for maintaining zero and achieving optimal accuracy. Precision matters, especially when every shot counts.

2. Unrivaled Versatility and Adaptability

The Leupold STD system is renowned for its ingenious design that allows for precise optical alignment. This is achieved through a unique combination of features:

• Pivoting Front Dovetail Ring: The front ring of the STD system (when used with Leupold STD rings, which are essential for this base but sold separately) features a dovetail that allows it to pivot. This flexibility is key during the scope mounting process, as it enables the user to precisely align the scope with the bore of the rifle. This initial alignment significantly reduces stress on the scope's internal erector system, prolonging its lifespan and ensuring proper optical function.
• Lateral Windage Adjustment: Complementing the pivoting front ring, the rear ring (again, when using Leupold STD rings) is equipped with a set of windage adjustment screws. These screws provide precise lateral adjustment, allowing you to fine-tune your scope's position relative to the bore without relying solely on the scope's internal adjustments. This external windage capability is a significant advantage, especially during initial bore sighting, as it helps you get on paper faster and preserves the scope's internal adjustment range for actual ballistic corrections.
• Compatibility Across STD Rings: While this product is the base, it is designed to seamlessly integrate with Leupold STD rings, available in various heights to accommodate different scope objective sizes and provide optimal cheek weld. This ensures you can customize your setup to perfection.

3. Durability Meets Design: The Strength of Steel

When considering scope mounts, the material is as important as the design. The Leupold 171903 STD Base is constructed from high-grade steel. What does this mean for you, the shooter?

• Exceptional Strength: Steel is inherently stronger and more rigid than aluminum, making it an ideal choice for components that experience significant stress, like scope bases. This strength contributes directly to the mount's ability to maintain zero under heavy recoil and adverse conditions.
• Long-Term Reliability: Unlike some lighter materials that can be prone to fatigue over time, steel offers superior longevity. These bases are built to last a lifetime of shooting, ensuring that your investment in a quality scope mount continues to pay dividends year after year.
• Corrosion Resistance: Finished in a practical matte black, the steel bases are treated to resist corrosion and wear, blending seamlessly with most rifle finishes and offering discreet performance in the field.

Tailored for the Ruger American Rifle: Short Action Compatibility

The Ruger American rifle series has become incredibly popular among hunters and shooters due to its excellent accuracy, reliable performance, and affordable price point. However, to maximize its potential, a high-quality scope mounting system is essential. The Leupold 171903 Standard Base 2-Piece is engineered specifically to fit the Ruger American Short Action models, making it a perfect match.

• Direct Fit: This two-piece base system bolts directly to the receiver of your Ruger American Short Action rifle, ensuring a precise and secure fit without any modifications.
• Optimized for Standard Calibers: While robust, these bases are perfectly suited for standard calibers under .300 Win. Mag. This includes popular cartridges like .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and many others commonly chambered in the Ruger American Short Action platform.

Key Features and Design Advantages of the Two-Piece System

Understanding the nuances of the two-piece base design further highlights its benefits:

• Enhanced Access to the Action: A significant advantage of a two-piece base system over a one-piece rail is the unimpeded access it provides to the rifle's action. This makes loading single rounds easier, allows for quicker cleaning, and simplifies maintenance tasks.
• Reduced Weight: Generally, a two-piece base is lighter than a comparable one-piece rail, which can be beneficial for hunters who prioritize weight savings for long treks in the field.
• Flexibility in Scope Placement: While the STD system's specific design dictates front and rear ring placement for its windage capabilities, the two-piece nature still offers a clean aesthetic and functional advantage for many rifle configurations.
• Seamless Integration: The matte black finish not only provides a non-reflective, tactical appearance but also integrates beautifully with the aesthetics of most Ruger American rifles, offering a professional and streamlined look.

Who Benefits Most from Leupold STD Bases on a Ruger American?

This scope base is designed for anyone who values reliability, precision, and durability in their shooting setup. Consider these scenarios:

• The Dedicated Hunter: Imagine a critical shot opportunity presenting itself in challenging conditions. Your Leupold STD bases ensure your scope holds zero, even after hours of bumpy travel or unexpected drops. This translates to confidence when it matters most, knowing your shot will land where you aim. Hunters frequently ask, "What are the most reliable scope mounts for a hunting rifle?" The Leupold STD system is a consistent answer due to its robust steel construction and secure design.
• The Precision Target Shooter: For those who meticulously dial in their shots at the range, maintaining consistent accuracy is key. The external windage adjustment feature of the STD system allows for precise optical alignment, minimizing stress on your scope's internal components and preserving its adjustment range for actual ballistic corrections. This helps achieve those coveted tight groups. Shooters often inquire, "How can I improve my rifle's accuracy with a new scope?" A stable, precisely aligned base is the crucial first step.
• The Versatile Sportsman: Whether you're plinking, varmint hunting, or preparing for deer season, a reliable scope mount eliminates a major variable in your shooting performance. The Leupold STD bases provide the peace of mind that your setup is robust enough for any activity your Ruger American rifle accompanies you on.

Ensuring Optical Clarity and Accuracy: A Foundation for Success

Your scope is only as good as the foundation it rests upon. The Leupold 171903 STD bases contribute significantly to:

• Maintaining Zero: The primary function of any scope mount is to hold your scope firmly in place, resisting the forces of recoil and impact. These steel bases excel at this, ensuring your rifle's zero remains consistent, even through hundreds of rounds or rough handling in the field.
• Minimizing Stress on Optics: By allowing for external windage adjustments and proper alignment, the Leupold STD system reduces the need for excessive internal adjustments within your scope. This prevents undue stress on the scope's erector tube and reticle, extending the life and maintaining the optical integrity of your valuable glass.
• A Foundation for Sub-MOA Performance: For rifles capable of sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy, every component must perform flawlessly. The Leupold STD bases provide the rigid, non-flexing platform necessary to translate the rifle's inherent accuracy into precise bullet placement.

Installation and Setup Considerations

Installing the Leupold 171903 STD Base 2-Piece is straightforward for anyone with basic gunsmithing tools. The package includes the necessary mounting hardware, simplifying the process. While specific installation steps should always follow the included instructions, the general approach involves:

1. Cleaning the receiver threads.
2. Securing the bases firmly to the receiver using the provided screws.
3. Applying proper torque to ensure a secure, long-lasting attachment.

Once the bases are installed, you will need to procure Leupold STD rings that match your scope's tube diameter (e.g., 1-inch or 30mm) and desired height. The design of the STD system makes initial scope alignment and bore sighting incredibly efficient due to its integral windage adjustment capabilities.

The Leupold Legacy of Excellence

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has a storied history spanning over a century, rooted in American manufacturing and innovation. Their commitment to quality, performance, and customer satisfaction has earned them a reputation as one of the most trusted names in the shooting industry. Choosing Leupold products means investing in a legacy of excellence, knowing that your equipment is backed by generations of expertise and a dedication to the shooting sports. This 2-piece standard base is a testament to that enduring commitment, offering a reliable, high-performance solution for your Ruger American rifle.

Where to Find This Essential Upgrade

For shooters looking to optimize their Ruger American rifle with a robust and reliable scope mounting solution, the Leupold 171903 Standard Base 2-Piece in Matte Black is an excellent choice. This product, along with a wide array of other high-quality firearm accessories, is available at DEGuns. Investing in a Leupold STD base is an investment in your rifle's potential and your shooting confidence.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Model	Standard Base
SKU	171903
UPC	030317013042
Firearm Fit	Ruger American
Color	Matte Black
Action Type	Short
Material	Steel
Firearm Type	Rifle
Mount Type	To Receiver
Rings Included	No
Style	Reversible Front
Includes	Mounting Hardware
Pieces	2
Weight	4 oz