Finding the right 20 MOA scope base can improve long-range accuracy by providing extra elevation travel and a secure mounting platform. This guide highlights five top-rated bases suited for popular actions like Remington 700 and other bolt-actions, with an emphasis on solid construction, compatibility, and durability. Each option is evaluated on materials, fit, and practical mounting features to help you choose a reliable foundation for your optic system.
| Product | Brand | Action/Compatibility | Material | MOA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base | Leupold | Remington 700 SA | 7075-T6 Aluminum | 20 |
| Nightforce Standard Duty Base (Long Action) | Nightforce | Remington 700 Long Action | Aluminum | 20 |
| EGW Picatinny Rail Scope Mount | EGW | Savage Round Back Short Action | 6061-T6 Aluminum | 20 |
| UTG MT-RSX20MOA | UTG | Picatinny bases | Aluminum | 20 |
| Monstrum Lockdown V3 | Monstrum | Picatinny Rails | Aluminum | 20 |
style=”display:none;”>Note: This summary table provides a quick reference to the five chosen bases and their key specs. Details follow in the product sections.
Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for Remington 700 SA 20-MOA
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is designed for Remington 700 short- to standard-action platforms, offering a 20 MOA elevation and a matte finish. It is machined from 7075-T6 aluminum, providing high strength-to-weight characteristics. The cross-slot design supports both Picatinny and Weaver-style rings, enabling versatile ring choices and easier ring alignment during installation. This base is suitable for long-range shooting where extra elevation is beneficial and where weight reduction is important for field use.
Key points: lightweight aluminum construction, compatible with common ring styles, and a robust matte finish for concealment. The base is intended to deliver reliable zero retention across recoil cycles while maintaining rigidity for precision optics alignment.
Nightforce Standard Duty 1-Piece 20 MOA Base (Long Action)
The Nightforce Standard Duty base is a cost-conscious option that maintains solid mounting fidelity. This 1-piece Picatinny-style base is machined to Mil-Spec 1913 rail standards and hard anodized for durability and corrosion resistance. It’s designed to fit Remington 700 long-action receivers, offering a consistent 20 MOA of elevation and a broad contact area to distribute recoil forces evenly. The integrated 20 MOA geometry aids long-range zero optimization by allowing more adjustment travel in the optic.
Considerations include fitment accuracy to receivers and the ease of securing rings without compromising alignment. The base’s flat, uniform surface helps prevent canting under recoil and improves repeatability when re-zeroing after sight changes or cleaning.
Nightforce Standard Duty 1-Piece 20 MOA Base (Short Action)
For short-action Remington 700 platforms, this Nightforce base provides the same durable, single-piece design with 20 MOA of elevation. The aluminum construction and hard anodized finish align with typical field-use demands, including weather and handling scenarios. Its Picatinny-style channel ensures compatibility with a wide range of rings, aiding quick mounting and consistent alignment during scope swaps or upgrades. As with the long-action version, expect reliable zero retention when subjected to rugged use.
EGW Picatinny Rail Scope Mount for Savage (20 MOA)
The EGW Picatinny Rail Scope Mount is designed for Savage round back short-action rifles, featuring a 20 MOA configuration. Constructed from billet 6061-T6 aluminum, this base emphasizes strength and dimensional stability. It offers a straightforward mounting footprint that aligns with standard Picatinny rails, making it a practical choice for shooters who want reliable elevation with an easy-swap optic setup. The matte black finish helps reduce glare in bright field environments.
UTG MT-RSX20MOA UTG Super Slim 20 MOA Mount
The UTG MT-RSX20MOA is a lightweight, ultralow-profile 20 MOA elevated Picatinny mount. Its slim profile helps reduce overall height while preserving windage and elevation range. The mount features a 13-slot design with distinctive scalloped slots to minimize snag risk and accommodate a wide range of optics. It’s described as a balanced solution for shooters seeking both weight savings and robust elevation control on longer-range rigs.
Monstrum Lockdown V3 Picatinny Riser Mount (20 MOA)
The Monstrum Lockdown V3 is a 5.5-inch Picatinny riser with a built-in recoil-stop base. It provides 20 MOA of elevation and a low-profile stance suitable for stacking with various optics. The design emphasizes a zero-wiggle interface, aiming to hold zero through heavy recoil and multiple user adjustments. This base is positioned as a versatile option for shooters who need precise sight alignment with a raised mounting height for certain long-range configurations.
Outerimpact 20 MOA Short Action Picatinny Base
Outerimpact offers a 20 MOA base designed for short-action receivers with precise, billet aluminum construction. The 6061-T6 material and matte finish contribute to a durable mounting surface that supports long-range operations while fitting the specific hole spacing of short-action platforms. It’s a practical option for builders focusing on lightweight yet strong foundations for elevated optics setups.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For 20 MOA Bases
When selecting a 20 MOA base, consider compatibility with your action, the number of slots and their spacing, and whether you need a one-piece base or a riser system. Material choice matters for weight and strength, with 7075-T6 and 6061-T6 alloys offering different trade-offs between rigidity and ease of machining.
Alignment and surface finish affect zero retention and corrosion resistance. A hard anodized finish provides durability and scratch resistance, while a matte finish reduces glare in bright settings. Be sure to verify receiver compatibility (Remington 700 long vs short action, Savage short action, etc.) and confirm the base’s influence on ring mounting alignment and recoil transfer.
Elevation range is a core benefit of 20 MOA bases. Check how the base interacts with your optic’s adjustment range to ensure you have enough vertical travel for zeroing at your typical engagement distances. If you use a lightweight rifle for field work, weight implications and rigidity under recoil are particularly important considerations.
Ease of installation and adjustability also matter. Some bases are designed as single-piece mounts for maximum rigidity, while others incorporate a rail that can accommodate different rings or offset features. Finally, budget and availability should be weighed against the expected service life and warranty support from brands like Leupold, Nightforce, EGW, UTG, and Monstrum.