Leupold 51723 Standard Base: The Foundation for Precision Shooting with Your Ruger 10/22

For any shooter aiming to maximize the accuracy and reliability of their beloved Ruger 10/22, a robust and dependable scope mounting system is an absolute necessity. The Leupold 51723 Standard Base, a meticulously engineered 1-piece matte black steel base, stands out as a prime choice for enthusiasts and serious users alike. This foundational component is designed to provide an unyielding platform for your optic, ensuring consistent performance whether you're plinking at the range, engaged in competitive rimfire shooting, or out in the field pursuing small game.

Why is a Quality Scope Base Crucial for Your Ruger 10/22?

Many new shooters often underestimate the importance of the scope base, focusing solely on the scope itself. However, even the most expensive, high-performance optic will underperform if its connection to the rifle is anything less than rock-solid. A stable base ensures that your scope maintains its consistent zero shot after shot, eliminating frustrating shifts in point of impact that can plague lesser mounting systems.

The Ruger 10/22 is renowned for its reliability, versatility, and sheer fun factor. It's a rifle that many begin their shooting journey with and often keep for a lifetime. To unlock its full potential, particularly when adding a magnified optic, a purpose-built base like the Leupold 51723 is indispensable. This base is specifically tailored for the Ruger 10/22 platform, ensuring a perfect, secure fit that translates directly into improved accuracy and shooting confidence.

Unpacking the Leupold Standard (STD) Mounting System: A Legacy of Reliability

Leupold's Standard (STD) rings and bases are celebrated in the shooting community for their exceptional versatility and enduring strength. This particular 1-piece base, with the manufacturer part number (MPN) 51723, represents the pinnacle of this proven design. It's constructed from high-quality steel, a material chosen for its inherent strength, rigidity, and resistance to environmental factors, guaranteeing longevity and unwavering performance even in challenging conditions. The matte black finish not only provides a sleek, non-reflective appearance that complements most firearms but also offers an added layer of corrosion resistance.

Key Features and Engineering Advantages of the Leupold 51723 Base:

• Steel Construction: Unlike aluminum alternatives, the steel composition of the Leupold 51723 base offers superior rigidity and durability. This material choice is critical for resisting flexing under recoil and maintaining a consistent zero over thousands of rounds, which is particularly beneficial for high-volume shooters.
• 1-Piece Design: The single-piece construction of this base provides a continuous, integrated platform for your scope. This design often offers enhanced rigidity and alignment compared to two-piece systems, reducing potential points of failure and simplifying the mounting process. For the Ruger 10/22, a 1-piece base can provide a streamlined look and a robust foundation across the receiver.
• Matte Black Finish: The low-luster matte black finish minimizes glare and reflections, a practical benefit for hunters and tactical shooters alike. It also provides excellent resistance to nicks, scratches, and the elements, preserving the aesthetic and protective qualities of the base over time.
• Optimized for Standard Calibers: While the Ruger 10/22 is a rimfire rifle, this base's design integrity makes it suitable for standard calibers up to .300 Win. Mag., speaking volumes about its inherent strength and engineering. This over-engineering for a rimfire application translates into exceptional stability and reliability.

The Ingenuity of the Leupold STD Ring System Compatibility

While the Leupold 51723 Standard Base itself does not include rings, it is engineered to seamlessly integrate with Leupold's extensive range of STD rings. These rings are available in five different heights, allowing shooters to achieve the optimal scope mounting height for their specific optic and shooting preference.

One of the standout features of the Leupold STD system, and a core reason for its popularity, is the unique front dovetail ring design. When paired with compatible STD rings (sold separately), this system allows the front ring to pivot into the base's dovetail slot. This pivoting action, combined with the rear windage screws, enables precise lateral adjustment of the scope during the bore sighting process.

Mastering Scope Alignment and Windage Adjustment:

• Front Dovetail Pivot: This innovative design simplifies the initial alignment of your scope. Instead of wrestling with scope turrets for significant windage corrections during initial setup, the base and rings allow you to mechanically align the scope with the bore. This means less internal adjustment is needed from your scope's turrets, preserving their optimal range of motion for fine-tuning at the range.
• Rear Windage Screws: Once the front dovetail is seated, the rear ring is secured by two opposing windage screws. These screws allow for incredibly precise left-to-right (windage) adjustments, ensuring that your scope is perfectly centered over the bore. This precision is invaluable for achieving a true mechanical zero, which is the starting point for accurate shooting.

Leveraging Shims for Enhanced Ballistics and BDC Applications

Another advanced feature facilitated by the Leupold STD system, including the 51723 base, is the ability to use shims. Shims are thin, precisely cut pieces of material that can be placed under the rear scope ring to subtly alter the scope's cant or elevation relative to the bore.

Benefits of Using Shims with Your Leupold STD Base:

• Optimized Elevation Adjustment: By shimming the base, you can mechanically pre-adjust the scope's elevation to more closely match your rifle's natural point of impact. This "pre-loading" of elevation allows you to keep your scope's internal elevation adjustment turrets closer to their optical center.
• Maximizing BDC Potential: For shooters utilizing scopes with Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticles or external ballistic turrets, reserving the scope's internal elevation adjustment is paramount. By using shims to get closer to your initial zero, you maximize the available upward and downward travel of your scope's elevation turret. This means you have more clicks available for dialing in long-range shots with your BDC reticle or turret, significantly extending your effective shooting range without running out of elevation adjustment.
• Precision for Rimfire Trajectories: While the 10/22's rimfire cartridges have less dramatic bullet drop than centerfire, understanding and managing trajectory is still crucial for precision. Using shims can help align your scope to minimize the need for extreme turret adjustments, making your BDC or elevation turret more effective for varied distances.

Who is the Leupold 51723 Standard Base Designed For?

This Leupold scope base is an ideal upgrade for a wide array of Ruger 10/22 owners:

• The Casual Plinker: If you enjoy informal target shooting, this base will ensure your scope stays zeroed, reducing frustration and increasing enjoyment.
• The Small Game Hunter: For those using their 10/22 for squirrel, rabbit, or other small game hunting, a reliable scope mount is critical for ethical and precise shots.
• The Competitive Rimfire Shooter: In disciplines like Rimfire Challenge or NRL22, where precision and speed are key, a stable and repeatable zero provided by this base is a significant advantage.
• The Accuracy Enthusiast: If you're constantly seeking to wring out every last bit of accuracy from your 10/22, this Leupold base is a foundational step.
• Anyone Installing a Scope on a Ruger 10/22: If you're asking, "What's the best way to mount a scope on my Ruger 10/22?" or "How do I ensure my scope stays sighted in?", the Leupold 51723 is a direct answer.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

Mounting the Leupold 51723 Standard Base to your Ruger 10/22 receiver is a straightforward process, especially since mounting hardware is included. However, for optimal performance and longevity, a few best practices are recommended:

• Cleanliness is Key: Ensure both the rifle's receiver and the base are clean and free of oils or debris before installation.
• Proper Torque: Use a torque wrench to tighten the mounting screws to the manufacturer's specified foot-pounds. Overtightening can strip threads or deform the base, while undertightening can lead to movement and a loss of zero. While Leupold provides guidelines, consulting your rifle's manual or a gunsmith for specific torque values is always a good idea.
• Thread Locker (Optional but Recommended): A small amount of non-permanent thread-locking compound (e.g., blue Loctite) on the mounting screws can provide an extra layer of security against recoil-induced loosening, particularly if you shoot high volumes.
• Regular Inspection: Periodically check the mounting screws for tightness, especially after extended shooting sessions or exposure to harsh conditions.
• Cleaning: Wipe down the base with a lightly oiled cloth after use to prevent rust, particularly if it has been exposed to moisture. The matte black finish is durable, but proper care prolongs its life and appearance.

Why Choose Leupold? A Brand Synonymous with Optical Excellence

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has a long-standing reputation as a leader in the optics industry, known for producing rugged, reliable, and optically superior products. When you choose a Leupold product like the 51723 Standard Base, you're not just buying a piece of metal; you're investing in decades of engineering expertise, rigorous testing, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Their products are often seen as the benchmark for durability and performance in the field. This commitment to excellence ensures that components like the Leupold 51723 base provide the stable foundation needed for peak optical performance. When considering options for optimizing your firearm, Leupold consistently emerges as a reputable choice.

For those seeking to purchase genuine Leupold products, including this essential scope base, DEGuns is a trusted source offering a wide selection of Leupold accessories to enhance your shooting experience.

Detailed Product Specifications

The Leupold 51723 Standard Base is an essential component for any Ruger 10/22 owner looking for a secure and versatile scope mounting solution.

Feature	Specification	Detail
Brand	Leupold	A trusted leader in optics and mounting solutions.
Model	Standard Base	Part of Leupold's versatile STD mounting system.
Firearm Fit	Ruger 10/22	Specifically designed for seamless integration with the Ruger 10/22.
Color	Matte Black	Non-reflective finish for tactical and field use, enhancing durability.
Material	Steel	Provides superior strength, rigidity, and long-term reliability.
Firearm Type	Rimfire Rifle	Perfect for the popular and versatile Ruger 10/22 platform.
Mount Type	To Receiver	Securely attaches directly to the rifle's receiver.
Pieces	1	Single-piece design offers enhanced stability and alignment.
Weight	2.80 oz	Lightweight yet incredibly robust for optimal balance.
Rings Included	No	Designed to be paired with Leupold STD rings (sold separately).
Includes	Mounting Hardware	Comes with necessary screws for immediate installation.
SKU	35468	Internal inventory management identifier.
UPC	030317517236	Universal Product Code for easy identification and tracking.
MPN	51723	Manufacturer Part Number.