Bolt guns - 20 MOA base or higher rings / mount?

[RHINOWSO]

Long story short, I'm getting into the precision rifle thing. I have a Remington 700 AAC-SD on layaway and am pondering how I want it to be set up. I'm looking to press long range shooting, out to 1000m and am considering a number of scopes.

I researching, I see that some people go with a 20 MOA base to give more elevation available for adjustments / holdovers at longer distances... I was wondering what (if anything) was the difference in doing this or just going with a higher set of rings / mounting system.

Also, as I understand it the 20 MOA bases simply raise the height of the scope - or do they actually have a upward rise from back to front, although I'm pretty sure they don't.

Thanks for the help, I looked around here and the interweb but couldn't find a definitive answer - it looks like most people go with a 20 MOA mount and lower rings, and the use of a QD mount system is very rare. I'd like the option of taking the scope to other guns occasionally, so a ADM mount of some type might be the way I go - depending on the the power of the scope I end up getting, that is.

Rhino

[Jack-O]

no, the 20moa base when installed correctly, provides an angular increase of 20 MOA over standard rings. this allows calibers like the 308 to get enough elevation at longer ranges without having to rely on the extremes of scope adjustment. some scopes just dont have enough elevation, and this rail helps.

in short, it's sloped

[RHINOWSO]

Thanks.

[markm]

I originally had a standard base on my 20" rem 700 .308. Then I switched scopes to a Bushnell Elite Tactical. That scope would run out of elevation when shooting 1000 yards. So I had to buy a 20 MOA base.

Interestingly enough, when I swapped the base, my POI moved 24 inches high at 100 with minimal windage adjustment needed.

[Inuvik]

it looks like most people go with a 20 MOA mount and lower rings, and the use of a QD mount system is very rare. I'd like the option of taking the scope to other guns occasionally, so a ADM mount of some type might be the way I go - depending on the the power of the scope I end up getting, that is.

Rhino

I am just starting to research a build myself, and noticed the same thing. Is there some specific disadvantage to a one-piece (Larue SPR) type scope mount/rings other than the price? Is it just pointless given the cost vs. return on a bolt gun?

[mikeith]

I am just starting to research a build myself, and noticed the same thing. Is there some specific disadvantage to a one-piece (Larue SPR) type scope mount/rings other than the price? Is it just pointless given the cost vs. return on a bolt gun?

I've been told that the better QD one piece mounts out there are spot on. It's a matter of making sure you are consistent in remounting it (base pushed forward tight against the picatinny rail)

I'm going this route as well because I'm buying my first really nice scope and want to be able to use it on more than one platform with more ease

[RyanB]

QD is useful on an AR and one piece is necessary to get the front ring out over the handguard.

If you're using a 30mm scope on a 700, look at the Nightforce unimount. Fewer parts, cheaper than a ring plus a base and you can mount a level to it.

[Inuvik]

QD is useful on an AR and one piece is necessary to get the front ring out over the handguard.

If you're using a 30mm scope on a 700, look at the Nightforce unimount. Fewer parts, cheaper than a ring plus a base and you can mount a level to it.

Pardon my ignorance, but if you utilize the Unimount on a 700 with a 20 MOA rail, will you not have 40 MOA total to adjust for? Would that be an issue at closer ranges?

http://nightforceoptics.com/unimount/

Also, Is there a difference (other than brand preference) between the function of the NF mount and this Larue?

http://www.laruetactical.com/lt120

[RyanB]

My apologies, I meant the direct mount.

[RHINOWSO]

My apologies, I meant the direct mount.

Looks interesting and something I'll take a look at. Probably going with a Viper PST 6-24x50. I have no problem laying out the cash for a NF or other scope, but want something entry level to start off with and as I shoot, see what else is out there.

Thanks for all the replies.

Rhino