Understanding the Remington 700 Long Action
What is a “Long Action”?
The Remington 700. The name alone conjures images of precise shots, legendary performance, and a rifle that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter chasing elusive game or a long-range enthusiast seeking the perfect group, the Remington 700 has likely captured your attention. But the rifle is just the foundation. To truly unlock its potential, you need to equip it with the right optics. And the critical link between your rifle and your scope? That would be the scope base.
The Remington 700 long action. It’s a workhorse, a platform known for its inherent accuracy and the vast array of calibers it accommodates. But that extended receiver length presents unique considerations when it comes to mounting a scope. This guide delves deep into the world of *Remington 700 long action scope bases*, providing you with the knowledge to select the ideal one and get your scope firmly and accurately mounted. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from understanding the long action platform to practical installation tips, ensuring you’re well-equipped to maximize your rifle’s potential.
Before diving into the scope base details, let’s clarify the Remington 700 long action itself. This designation is crucial. Essentially, the “long action” refers to the length of the receiver. This length is specifically designed to accommodate longer cartridges. Unlike its shorter counterpart, the short action, the long action is chambered for cartridges like the .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, and other rounds that often necessitate a longer bolt travel and receiver design. Understanding this is essential for choosing a compatible scope base. A scope base designed for a short action simply will not fit a long action, and vice versa.
Why the Remington 700 is a Popular Choice
The Remington 700’s enduring popularity is rooted in several factors. First, its consistent manufacturing standards and inherent accuracy have earned it a reputation for excellence. The rifle’s design, particularly the action, is known for its strength and its ability to produce tight groupings. Second, the 700 boasts exceptional versatility. It’s available in countless calibers, from hunting rounds to precision shooting cartridges. This flexibility allows shooters to customize their rifle for specific purposes, whether it’s hunting elk in the mountains or engaging targets at extended ranges. Furthermore, the aftermarket support for the Remington 700 is massive. Countless accessories and modifications are available, enabling shooters to truly personalize their rifles.
Why a Scope Base is Essential
The scope base is more than just a piece of metal. It’s the fundamental structural element that connects your scope to your rifle. Its primary function is to provide a secure and stable platform, ensuring that your scope remains firmly in place under the stress of recoil and the rigors of field use. Without a solid base, your scope could shift, throwing off your point of impact and rendering your rifle inaccurate.
Beyond providing a secure mounting point, the scope base plays a vital role in aligning your scope with the bore of the rifle. Proper alignment is crucial for achieving accurate shots. If the scope isn’t correctly aligned with the barrel, you’ll experience issues with both windage and elevation adjustments, making it difficult or impossible to zero your scope and consistently hit your target.
A quality scope base contributes to consistent accuracy by providing a stable foundation for the scope and ensuring that it holds its zero even under repeated firing. This is especially important for long-range shooting, where even minor inconsistencies can drastically affect your results. A base that shifts, flexes, or fails can quickly transform a potentially accurate rifle into a frustrating liability.
The components of a scope mounting system work together harmoniously to achieve the goal of aligning your crosshairs with your point of impact. The scope base is the cornerstone. Then, scope rings clamp around your scope’s tube and attach to the scope base. These rings provide the final connection, holding the scope securely in place. And of course, the scope itself is the optic, which magnifies the image and allows you to aim with precision.
Types of Scope Bases: Weighing Your Options
The market offers various scope base designs. Understanding these will help you make an informed decision for your *Remington 700 long action* rifle.
Picatinny Rails
Picatinny rails are arguably the most versatile option. These rails are characterized by a series of slots and grooves that run along the top of the receiver. The standardized design makes them compatible with a wide range of scope rings and other accessories. Picatinny rails are renowned for their robustness and secure mounting. They provide a solid, repeatable platform, making them an excellent choice for tactical applications, long-range shooting, and any situation where reliability is paramount.
Picatinny rails do have a couple of drawbacks. The height of the rail itself can sometimes require higher scope rings, potentially affecting the shooter’s cheek weld. The added height may necessitate adjustments to the stock or the use of a cheek riser to ensure a comfortable and consistent shooting position. The design can also add a small amount of weight to the rifle. But for most shooters, the advantages of a Picatinny rail far outweigh these minor considerations.
Weaver Bases
Weaver bases represent a more traditional approach. They feature a different slot configuration than Picatinny rails, although many rings are designed to work with both. Weaver bases are generally simpler in design and often less expensive than Picatinny rails. They provide a good, reliable mounting solution, but the less standardized nature of Weaver bases can sometimes lead to compatibility issues.
While Weaver bases are generally considered strong, they may not offer the same level of rigidity and repeatability as Picatinny rails, especially under heavy recoil. Additionally, some Weaver bases may require lapping, a process of carefully smoothing the contact surfaces to ensure a perfect fit with the scope rings. This can be time-consuming and requires specific tools.
Specific-Brand Bases
Beyond Picatinny and Weaver, there are also proprietary designs. Some manufacturers offer scope bases specifically designed for certain scope models or brands. These bases are often tailored to provide an optimal fit and alignment. While they can be an excellent option, they limit your choice of rings and accessories.
No matter the scope base, it’s important to choose a quality brand. Reputable manufacturers use high-grade materials and rigorous manufacturing processes to ensure the durability and reliability of their products. Buying a cheap, low-quality base can lead to frustration, wasted time, and potentially damage your scope.
Choosing the Right Scope Base for Your Remington 700 Long Action
Selecting the correct *Remington 700 long action scope base* involves several key considerations.
Compatibility is paramount. The base must fit your rifle’s receiver. For the long action, this is easily determined by the overall length of the receiver. Most bases will explicitly state their compatibility (e.g., “Remington 700 Long Action”). Verify the hole spacing on your receiver matches the base. Misalignment can make mounting impossible.
The material used in the base’s construction significantly impacts its performance. Aluminum bases are popular due to their lightweight and affordability. However, they may not be as durable as steel bases, particularly under heavy recoil. Steel bases are known for their strength and resistance to deformation. While they add some weight to the rifle, the added durability is often worth it. Titanium bases offer an excellent balance of strength and weight. Ultimately, your choice of material will depend on your shooting style, the caliber of your rifle, and your priorities regarding weight and durability.
Think about your scope’s objective lens diameter. A larger objective lens requires higher scope rings to clear the barrel. Measure the objective lens diameter and determine the height of rings required to avoid contact. It is important to consider recoil too. If your rifle is chambered for a powerful cartridge or you anticipate heavy use, opt for a robust base that can withstand the stresses of recoil. Consider the aesthetics. Does it match your other accessories?
Installation and Mounting Tips
Proper installation is critical to ensuring your scope base functions correctly.
Gather the tools and supplies. You’ll need screwdrivers (Torx or slotted, depending on the screws used), a torque wrench, threadlocker (e.g., Loctite), and a degreaser or cleaning solution.
Clean the receiver thoroughly. Remove any oil, grease, or debris from the mounting surfaces. This ensures a proper bond between the base and the receiver and prevents corrosion.
Align and attach the base. Carefully align the base with the receiver’s mounting holes. Insert the screws and tighten them to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification. It is a good idea to test-fit first.
Apply threadlocker. A small amount of threadlocker helps prevent the screws from loosening under the stress of recoil. Apply the threadlocker to the screw threads before installation.
Torque the screws precisely. Use a torque wrench to tighten the screws to the manufacturer’s specifications. Over-tightening can damage the screws or the receiver, while under-tightening can allow the base to come loose.
Mount and align the scope rings. Attach the scope rings to the base. Ensure that the rings are correctly aligned. This is critical for achieving a straight and level scope picture.
Mount the scope. Place the scope in the rings and tighten the ring screws, following the manufacturer’s recommendations for torque.
Avoid common mistakes. Make sure to double-check all your screws. Use the correct torque. Be sure your eye relief is set correctly.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your scope base in top condition. Inspect the base regularly for any signs of wear, damage, or loose screws. Clean the base and receiver periodically to remove dirt, debris, and any residue that can cause corrosion.
If you experience issues, such as a scope cant or a loose zero, start by checking the scope base screws for tightness. If the screws are loose, re-torque them to the manufacturer’s specifications. If the problem persists, inspect the base for damage.
Conclusion
A quality *Remington 700 long action scope base* is an indispensable component of your shooting system. Choosing the right base, installing it correctly, and maintaining it properly are essential to unlocking the full potential of your rifle and enjoying a more accurate and reliable shooting experience.
By understanding the considerations discussed in this guide, you can confidently select a scope base that meets your needs and enhances your shooting performance. Choose a base that is compatible with your rifle, manufactured from quality materials, and suitable for the intended use of your rifle.
Investing in a quality scope base is an investment in the accuracy and enjoyment of your shooting pursuits.
