Rifle Scopes 20 MOA Base vs. 20 MOA Scope Mount

[mikethetiger55]

Question for fellow Hide members: Is there any discernible difference between using a 20 MOA scope mount vs. a 20 MOA base w/ standard rings? I have a Tikka CTR and was looking at using a one-piece 20 MOA mount from Seekins as opposed to replacing the existing rail on the gun. Is there a preference on one vs. the other?

Thanks

 

[lash]

No, there should not be. MOA is essentially an angular measurement, so 20 MOA is 20 MOA. Depending upon your scope usage and rifle usage, you might find that one is better for you than another.. The 20 MOA rail will allow you to use any style rings or mount and achieve the angular advantage for distance. On the other hand, If you want to trade the scope among different rifles, it could be to your personal advantage if you have it mounted in a 20 MOA mount. It really doesn't matter to the scope though.

 

[hamstur]

If not using a flat-top set up (e.g., AR, AIAX) then 95% of shooters on bolt guns achieve optimal cheek weld & eye relief with ~1 to 1-1/8" rings at the tallest, also assuming average/typical rail height.

That Seekins 1.5" 20MOA is more designed for an AR and going to be really high.

 

[MWM-5150]

Using a 20MOA rail will provide you with more flexibility with ring height selection. I have the same rifle and went with a Mountain Tactical 20MOA rail and Seekins High rings. The problem I saw with most (not all) 20MOA 1-piece mounts was the optic center-line is typically set around 1.45" to 1.5". To me that would way too high to achieve proper cheek weld on that rifle with its factory stock configuration, so I went with the rail.

Funny as it is, I still ended up needing an adjustable cheek riser to get myself squared up right.

Im sure you're aware, getting that factory rail off can be troublesome, but its not impossible. Just needs some heat and patience.

 

[mikethetiger55]

Using a 20MOA rail will provide you with more flexibility with ring height selection. I have the same rifle and went with a Mountain Tactical 20MOA rail and Seekins High rings. The problem I saw with most (not all) 20MOA 1-piece mounts was the optic center-line is typically set around 1.45" to 1.5". To me that would way too high to achieve proper cheek weld on that rifle with its factory stock configuration, so I went with the rail.

Funny as it is, I still ended up needing an adjustable cheek riser to get myself squared up right.

Im sure you're aware, getting that factory rail off can be troublesome, but its not impossible. Just needs some heat and patience.

Thanks. That is exactly what I am trying to avoid. After looking at it further I do think that the Seekins mount won't work for the intended application. Guess it's time to break out the old heat gun...

 

[BobinNC]

mikethetiger55,

Before you try and pry off that 0 MOA mount, there's a couple of things to keep in mind. The old standard of 20 MOA bases was established more than 10 years ago. There were not many scopes then that had more than 80 MOA of total adjustment. And the most popular round was still the .308 Winchester which is not exactly flat shooting and almost required a canted base on the scopes sold then, to reach 1kyds.

Today however, it's a pretty poor tactical scope that has less than 90 moa on tap (there are exceptions like the fine S&B 4-16x50mm). Further more, the 6mm and 6.5 mm cartridges are ruling the range, and with them you only need about 12.5 mils (45 MOA or so) to reach 1200 yds. So depending again on your scope, cartridge and physical range, the practical absolute necessity minimum of a 20 MOA base to reach 1kyds and beyond no longer exists. In fact I can make a case for the hotter 6mm, 6.5's and the big magnum 30's that a 30 MOA or more is more appropriate.

None of this says you shouldn't get a new 20 MOA base, but instead look at all factors before spending money, that you may not have too, to reach your desired goals.

 

[mikethetiger55]

Again, thanks for all of the responses - all very helpful. BobinNC, my scope is a Bushnell LHRSi with 24 mils of adjustment. My Tikka CTR is a 6.5 creedmoor so it sounds like I will be in decent shape. Just getting back into long-range shooting and the vast majority of the time I will only be shooting out to 600 as that is the longest distance available at my local range.

 

[Steel+Killer]

I also have a Tikka CTR 6.5CM and I use the factory base with a SPUHR 20MOA one piece mount I mainly shoot out to 600yds and occasionally out to 1000yds but to be honest I could probably have gotten away with a 0 MOA mount.