Question on Rem700 Picatinny Rails

[StuTalon]

Hi folks,

Just bought my first bolt action Rem700 .308 and have started optics hunting but one of the things I wanted to ask was about weaver/picatinny rails - they range from the $7 two-piece set from Weaver at Wal-Mart to $130+ Badger Ordinance one-piece rails. Assuming (which is always bad) that these rails are all manufactured to either Weaver or 1913 spec is the difference just material, coating, and how good the included hardware is? The price swing sent me here to get educated before I either buy junk and mount a $1k optic to it or overpay based on unjustified hype.

Thanks!

 

[230grRN]

Re: Question on Rem700 Picatinny Rails

Its hard to beat Seekins for an aluminum Alloy rail, Badger if you want steel. EGW also makes good products and the new Weaver tactical one piece picatinny bases look to be very well made for the cost.

 

[ORD]

Re: Question on Rem700 Picatinny Rails

There are several threads floating around about differences in bases/mounts for optics. To put it simply...not all bases are created equally and there is ample justification for not going cheap on this aspect of your rifle build up. First...skip the 2pc bases unless you are just worried about weight/bulk because you can run into problems with them that will cause you accuracy problems in the long-run (or worse...scope damage). As for the 1pc bases...you get into what really IS and IS NOT "in spec" that effects price, as well as whether you buy alloy (generally a little less expensive) versus steel bases, as well as how much cant you want/need on the base.

While the prices do vary considerably, the Badger bases are truly excellent and arguably you won't find a finer product. Also, don't discount the Seekins alloy bases which are of exceedingly high quality for only around $95 give or take (and their rings are excellent as well). If you must go for "budget" bases/rings, then take a look at the the EGW or Weaver Tactical Picatinny base (around $40 or so + S&H) and Burris XTR rings (around $50-60 + S&H).

Again...this is a situation that proves the old adage of: BUY ONCE, CRY ONCE!! You can go cheap...but it is possible that doing so may cost you more in the long run both in terms of money and in terms of accuracy.

 

[StuTalon]

Re: Question on Rem700 Picatinny Rails

Thanks guys - exactly the info I was looking for. Now to get that Vortex scope ordered before the snow starts falling....

 

[oldrifleman]

Re: Question on Rem700 Picatinny Rails

Get the EGW rail mine is rock solid and perfectly machined!

 

[Nisils14]

Re: Question on Rem700 Picatinny Rails

Nightforce bases are a good buy for the price they carry imo.

 

[hewlett260]

Re: Question on Rem700 Picatinny Rails

Seekins and Nightforce and Badger. Seekins for the price however.

 

[SEREK82]

Re: Question on Rem700 Picatinny Rails

I would go seekins I also have a mk4 base that I love either way don't skimp out on you base,rings,and glass.

 

[jarrettpaul]

Re: Question on Rem700 Picatinny Rails

Badger is good to go as well as NF... I went with badger. Little more pricey but you get what you pay for!

 

[rand909]

Re: Question on Rem700 Picatinny Rails

The Larue Remington 700 rail fits and works great on my remington. You can get them with 20 moa built in if you need it. Just another option for you.