Elevating Precision: The Ultimate Guide to the 20 MOA Scope Base for Remington 700 Short Action

For serious shooters, hunters, and competitive marksmen utilizing the venerable Remington 700 Short Action rifle, achieving pinpoint accuracy at extended distances is paramount. This objective requires not only a capable rifle and high-quality optics but also a meticulously engineered foundation to bridge the two. Enter the specialized 20 MOA (Minutes of Angle) scope base, a crucial component designed to unlock the full long-range potential of your firearm. This comprehensive guide explores the unique advantages and intricate details of a premium scope base, specifically optimized for the Remington 700 Short Action, to help you understand why it's an indispensable upgrade for any precision setup.

What is a 20 MOA Scope Base and Why Do You Need It?

At its core, a 20 MOA scope base is a mounting platform that introduces a slight forward cant to your rifle scope, tilting it downwards at the objective end relative to the bore. This subtle angle, precisely 20 Minutes of Angle, provides your optic with additional internal elevation adjustment. For anyone engaging targets beyond a few hundred yards, bullet drop becomes a significant factor. Standard flat bases often run out of elevation adjustment on a scope before you can compensate for the substantial drop experienced at 600, 800, 1000 yards, or even further.

Imagine you're trying to hit a target at 1,000 yards. Without a canted base, your scope might need to be adjusted so far "up" (compensating for drop) that its internal erector system reaches its mechanical limit, preventing you from zeroing or acquiring your target. A 20 MOA base effectively "pre-loads" your scope, consuming 20 MOA of your scope's "down" adjustment, thereby freeing up more of its "up" adjustment range. This simple yet ingenious design feature directly translates into:

• Extended Effective Range: The primary benefit is the ability to dial in significantly more elevation for extreme long-range shots. This is particularly vital for disciplines like PRS (Precision Rifle Series) or NRL (National Rifle League) competitions, and for ethical hunting at longer distances where every click of adjustment counts.
• Optimal Optical Performance: Most rifle scopes perform best when their internal erector system is operating closer to the mechanical center of its adjustment range. By pre-caming the scope, a 20 MOA base keeps your scope's adjustments nearer to its optical center, potentially reducing optical aberrations, minimizing parallax shifts, and ensuring cleaner sight pictures, especially at the edges of the adjustment range.
• Reduced Scope Stress: Constantly maxing out your scope's internal adjustments can put undue stress on its internal components over time. A canted base reduces this strain, potentially extending the lifespan and maintaining the reliability of your expensive optic.

If you find yourself asking, "How do I get more elevation out of my scope for long-range shooting?" or "What's the best way to compensate for bullet drop on my Remington 700 Short Action?", a 20 MOA scope base is a foundational answer. It's an essential component for any shooter looking to push the boundaries of their rifle's capability and their own shooting prowess.

Unpacking the Superior Design and Construction

A high-performance scope base, such as the one identified by UPC 656813105533 and SKU 7673-20MOA, is distinguished by its meticulous engineering and selection of robust materials. Every feature is designed with precision, durability, and shooter convenience in mind.

Low Profile Design: Aesthetics Meets Functionality

The "Low Profile Design" is more than just an aesthetic choice; it’s a functional advantage. A low-profile base keeps your scope mounted as close to the rifle's bore axis as possible. This minimizes the height-over-bore, which in turn:

• Improves Cheek Weld: A lower scope mount allows for a more natural and consistent cheek weld on the rifle stock. This consistency is critical for repeatable accuracy, ensuring your eye is aligned with the scope's optical center shot after shot.
• Enhances Ergonomics: It contributes to a more compact overall rifle setup, making it easier to maneuver, especially in field conditions or during rapid position changes in competition.
• Reduces Parallax Errors: While primarily addressed by the scope's parallax adjustment, a lower mount can subtly reduce the potential for parallax errors by keeping the line of sight closer to the bore.

Picatinny or Weaver Style Rings: Unrivaled Versatility

This base's compatibility with both Picatinny and Weaver style rings offers exceptional versatility. While the base itself conforms to the stringent 1913 Picatinny Rail standard, its design ensures that shooters are not limited to a single type of ring.

• 1913 Picatinny Rail Standard: This is the gold standard for modern firearm accessory mounting. Characterized by specific dimensions for its slots and spacing, the 1913 Picatinny standard ensures universal compatibility with a vast array of scope rings and other accessories that adhere to the same specification. It provides a secure, repeatable mounting surface that resists movement under recoil and impact.
• Weaver Style Rings: Many shooters may already own Weaver-style rings, which are an older but still widely used standard. While Picatinny rails have a continuous slot across the width of the rail and often deeper, wider slots, many Weaver rings are designed to fit into these slots as well. The compatibility ensures that upgrading your base doesn't necessarily mean buying a new set of rings, offering cost efficiency and convenience.

This dual compatibility means you can confidently mount a wide range of optics, from high-magnification precision scopes to lightweight hunting scopes, knowing they will be securely anchored.

7075-T6 Aluminum Construction: The Apex of Strength and Lightness

The choice of material for a scope base is critical for its performance and longevity. The use of "7075-T6 Aluminum" is a clear signal of superior quality and engineering.

• 7075 Aluminum Alloy: This aerospace-grade aluminum alloy is renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. It contains zinc as the primary alloying element, making it one of the strongest aluminum alloys available, often compared to some steels in terms of strength, but at a fraction of the weight.
• T6 Temper: The "T6" designation refers to a specific heat treatment process that significantly enhances the alloy's strength and hardness. This process involves solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging, which maximizes its mechanical properties.
• Benefits for a Scope Base:
  • Rigidity and Stability: The inherent strength of 7075-T6 aluminum ensures the base remains rigid and stable under the harshest recoil, maintaining zero and preventing any flex that could compromise accuracy.
  • Lightweight Design: Despite its strength, aluminum keeps the overall weight of your rifle system down, a crucial factor for hunters trekking long distances or competitive shooters seeking to optimize their rifle's balance.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer, providing excellent corrosion resistance, especially when combined with a durable finish like matte black. This ensures the base withstands varied environmental conditions without degrading.

For those asking, "What material is best for a rifle scope mount?" or "How durable is a scope base?", 7075-T6 aluminum is the definitive answer, signifying a product built for extreme conditions and unwavering performance.

Mounting with Torx T-15 Screw (Supplied) & 25 in/lb Recommended Torque Setting

Proper installation is paramount for any scope base, and this product streamlines the process with precision-engineered mounting hardware and clear instructions.

• Torx T-15 Screw: The inclusion of Torx T-15 screws is a deliberate choice for superior fastening. Torx (star-shaped) drive systems offer several advantages over traditional slotted or Phillips head screws:
  • Increased Torque Transfer: The design allows for greater torque to be applied without cam-out (slipping), ensuring a very secure fit.
  • Reduced Stripping: Less likelihood of stripping the screw head, leading to a more reliable and frustration-free installation.
  • Better Grip: The driver engages more fully with the screw head, providing a positive feel during installation.
• 25 in/lb Recommended Torque Setting: This specific torque value is not a suggestion but a critical specification for optimal performance and safety.
  • Ensures Secure Mounting: Applying the correct torque ensures the base is firmly seated on the receiver, preventing any movement under recoil that could affect accuracy or shift your zero.
  • Prevents Damage: Too little torque can lead to a loose mount; too much torque can strip threads, deform the base, or even damage the rifle's receiver. The 25 in/lb setting is precisely calibrated to achieve maximum clamping force without risk of damage.
  • Repeatability: When removing and reattaching the base (for cleaning or maintenance), applying the same torque value ensures consistent re-zeroing.

Always use a quality torque wrench to apply this specified setting. If you're wondering "How do I properly install a scope base on my Remington 700?" or "What torque settings should I use for my rifle scope mounts?", this product provides the precise answer.

Matte Black Finish: Non-Reflective and Durable

The "Matte Black" finish is a functional attribute, not just an aesthetic one.

• Non-Reflective: In hunting and tactical scenarios, minimizing glare and reflections is crucial. A matte finish absorbs light rather than reflecting it, helping to keep your position concealed and preventing distracting glare that could impair your sight picture.
• Durability: Typically, matte black finishes on aluminum scope bases are achieved through anodization, a process that creates a hard, corrosion-resistant surface. This enhances the longevity of the base, protecting it from scratches, abrasions, and environmental wear.

Seamless Integration with Remington 700 Short Action Rifles

This specific scope base is meticulously designed for "Remington 700 Short Action pattern rifles." Understanding this compatibility is key for any shooter considering an upgrade.

The Remington 700 Short Action is one of the most popular and widely adopted bolt-action rifle platforms globally. It serves as the foundation for countless custom builds, precision rifles, and hunting firearms. Its robust design and adaptability make it a favorite among gunsmiths and enthusiasts alike.

• Precision Fit: A base designed specifically for the Remington 700 Short Action ensures a perfect, wobble-free fit to the receiver. This precise machining is crucial for maintaining zero and transferring recoil energy consistently.
• Common Calibers: Short actions typically house cartridges like .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Remington, and similar calibers. This base is engineered to withstand the recoil impulse generated by these popular rounds.
• Enhancing a Legacy Platform: By upgrading to a premium 20 MOA base, you are enhancing the inherent accuracy and versatility of an already legendary rifle platform, pushing its performance capabilities further for modern long-range shooting demands.

If your rifle is a Remington 700 Short Action, this base is engineered to integrate perfectly, providing a solid, dependable interface for your chosen optic.

The Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Approach (Conceptual)

While the product itself doesn't come with a full installation guide, understanding the general steps and what to expect can be helpful. Proper installation ensures your base functions as intended and maintains your rifle's zero.

1. Safety First: Always ensure your firearm is unloaded and safe before beginning any work. Remove the bolt.
2. Clean the Receiver: Thoroughly clean the top of your Remington 700 Short Action receiver where the base will sit. Use a degreaser to remove any oil, grease, or debris. This ensures a clean mating surface and proper adhesion if using thread locker.
3. Position the Base: Align the 20 MOA base (UPC 656813105533) with the screw holes on your rifle's receiver. Ensure the forward cant is oriented correctly (higher at the rear).
4. Apply Thread Locker (Optional but Recommended): For maximum security and resistance to vibration, apply a small amount of non-permanent (e.g., blue) thread locker to the threads of the supplied Torx T-15 screws.
5. Insert Screws: Start each screw by hand to avoid cross-threading.
6. Tighten in Sequence: Use your Torx T-15 bit and a quality torque wrench. Tighten the screws in an alternating pattern (e.g., front-rear, then middle if applicable, then front-rear again) to ensure even pressure.
7. Apply Recommended Torque: Tighten all screws to the specified 25 in/lb. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the screws, base, or rifle's receiver threads.
8. Double Check: Verify that the base is firmly seated and does not wobble.

Following these steps will provide a solid foundation for your scope, ensuring reliable performance during your most demanding shooting sessions.

Why Upgrade to a Premium 20 MOA Base from DEGuns?

Choosing a high-quality scope base is an investment in your shooting performance. While there are many options on the market, a base like this one, available at DEGuns, offers distinct advantages that translate into tangible benefits for the shooter:

• Precision Engineering: Every aspect, from the exact 20 MOA cant to the precise slot dimensions, is engineered to exacting standards. This eliminates variables that could compromise accuracy.
• Unwavering Durability: The 7075-T6 aluminum construction means this base is built to last, resisting corrosion, impact, and the rigors of recoil, ensuring consistent performance over years of use.
• Enhanced Long-Range Capability: This is the primary problem solved. By providing additional elevation, the base empowers shooters to confidently engage targets at distances previously unattainable with a flat base.
• Optimized for the Remington 700 Short Action: A perfect fit means no compromises, ensuring maximum contact and stability between the base and the rifle's receiver.
• Trusted Source: When purchasing critical rifle components, buying from reputable retailers like DEGuns ensures you receive genuine, high-quality products backed by excellent customer service. DEGuns specializes in providing firearms and accessories, understanding the needs of precision shooters.

Consider the common questions precision shooters ask: "How can I improve my rifle's long-range accuracy?" or "What are the essential upgrades for a Remington 700 Short Action for competitive shooting?" A 20 MOA scope base is a fundamental answer, providing the mechanical advantage needed to maximize your rifle's optical capabilities. It's not just a piece of metal; it's a performance enhancer, allowing your scope to operate at its full potential and ensuring that your bullet impacts precisely where your reticle indicates, even at extreme distances.

This premium scope base, identified by UPC 656813105533 and SKU 7673-20MOA, represents a commitment to precision and reliability. It's the ideal choice for anyone looking to optimize their Remington 700 Short Action for long-range shooting, competitive events, or demanding hunting conditions, providing the stable, canted platform your high-performance optics deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About 20 MOA Scope Bases

Q: What exactly does "20 MOA" mean in a scope base?
A: "20 MOA" means the base has a built-in forward cant (slope) of 20 Minutes of Angle. This slight tilt directs your scope downwards relative to the bore, effectively giving your scope more "up" elevation adjustment range. This is crucial for compensating for bullet drop at long distances.

Q: Do I really need a 20 MOA base for my Remington 700 Short Action?
A: If you plan to consistently shoot at distances beyond 300-400 yards, especially out to 600 yards or further, a 20 MOA base is highly recommended. It allows your scope to use its full elevation adjustment range without "running out" of clicks due to bullet drop. For closer range shooting or hunting where distances are typically under 300 yards, a flat (0 MOA) base may suffice, but a 20 MOA base won't negatively impact closer shooting if you have enough "down" adjustment on your scope.

Q: Can I use Weaver rings on a Picatinny rail like this one?
A: Yes, this particular base (UPC 656813105533) is designed to be compatible with both Picatinny and Weaver style scope rings. While a Picatinny rail has precise dimensions, many Weaver rings are manufactured in a way that allows them to securely mount on a Picatinny rail, offering excellent versatility.

Q: Why is 7075-T6 aluminum considered superior for scope bases?
A: 7075-T6 aluminum is an aerospace-grade alloy known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. The "T6" refers to a specific heat treatment process that maximizes its hardness and strength. This material choice ensures the base is incredibly rigid and durable, capable of withstanding significant recoil and impact while keeping the overall rifle weight down.

Q: What's the importance of the 25 in/lb torque setting?
A: The 25 in/lb torque setting is critical for a secure and consistent mount. Applying the correct torque prevents the base from shifting under recoil, which could cause your zero to wander. It also prevents overtightening, which could strip threads or deform the base or receiver. Always use a quality torque wrench for installation.

Q: Where can I purchase this specific 20 MOA scope base for my Remington 700 Short Action?
A: This premium 20 MOA scope base, identified by UPC 656813105533 and SKU 7673-20MOA, is available through reputable firearms accessory dealers like DEGuns.

Product Specifications Table

Feature	Detail	Benefit
Built-in Cant	20 MOA	Extends usable scope elevation for long-range shooting
Design Profile	Low Profile	Enhances cheek weld, improves ergonomics, compact setup
Ring Compatibility	Picatinny or Weaver Style Rings	Versatility with a wide range of scope rings
Rail Standard	1913 Picatinny Rail	Industry-standard, ensures secure and repeatable mounting
Construction Material	7075-T6 Aluminum	Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, durability, corrosion resistance
Mounting Hardware	Torx T-15 screw (supplied)	Secure fastening, reduces cam-out, less stripping risk
Recommended Torque	25 in/lb	Ensures proper, secure installation without damage
Finish	Matte Black	Non-reflective, durable, corrosion-resistant
Rifle Fitment	Remington 700 Short Action pattern rifles	Precision fit for specific, popular rifle action
SKU	7673-20MOA	Unique product identifier
UPC	656813105533	Universal Product Code for easy identification and purchasing