At a Glance: Best Scope Rings For Remington 700
- EDITORS PICK: NightForce UltraLite Remington 700 Short Action 20MOA Direct Mounts
- RUNNER UP: Hawkins Precision Long Range Hybrid Scope Rings
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Talley Lightweight Alloy Scope Mounts for Browning/Howa/Remington
Comparison of The Best Scope Rings For Remington 700
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
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Our Top Pick
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NightForce UltraLite Remington 700 Short Action 20MOA Direct Mounts |
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View Latest Price |
Our Top Pick
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Hawkins Precision Long Range Hybrid Scope Rings |
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View Latest Price |
Our Top Pick
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Talley Lightweight Alloy Scope Mounts for Browning/Howa/Remington |
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View Latest Price |
The Remington 700 speaks volumes about your rifle collection; even if it’s the only rifle you own, it’s one of the best for long-range precision shooting and probably the top choice for most hunters. In fact, it’s widely used by our military and armed forces, including the American Military Marksmanship.
Our Guide To The Best Scope Mount Bases and Rings For Remington 700
You’ve bought one of the best rifles there is for long-range precision shooting, and now you need the perfect scope to enhance your shots. I get it; this was something that I spent a lot of time researching because the market has become flooded with scope rings that supposedly work great.
Below you will find the best scope rings available today for your Remington 700.
Editors Pick: NightForce UltraLite Remington 700 Short Action 20MOA Direct Mounts
Nightforce went all out on the design of this single-piece scope mount. It’s strong and durable while making the perfect fit. These direct mounts are both incredibly lightweight and super easy to install.
They contour to your rifle body nicely, and you should experience zero gaps with these mounts due to the very tight fit that was designed to be tough in all circumstances.
This one-piece mount will eliminate most of the common mounting problems shooters experience, and it simplifies the entire process because it has fewer moving parts.
It’s actually more reliable and up to 45% lighter in weight than most traditional mounting systems and was built to ensure true alignment and maximum strength for precision shooting.
You will see that the base and integral rings are CNC machined to precise tolerances from 7075-T6 hard-anodized aluminum, providing exceptional strength while reducing the weight.
The Direct Mount’s 20 MOW taper maximizes internal riflescope adjustment and long-range capability. The offset forward allows you to move the scope more forward for necessary eye relief.
It also incorporates an integral recoil lug, which helps prevent any movement of the base and relieves stress on the screws while subjected to harsh recoil.
Pros
- One-piece mount
- High-quality CNC machined
- Hard anodized aluminum base
- Integrated ring design
- Mounts directly to your Remington 700
- Maximum strength
- True alignment
- Precision shooting
- Integral recoil lug
- Mil-spec coating in matte black
Cons
- Can be slightly out of spec
Runner Up: Hawkins Precision Long Range Hybrid Scope Rings
The Hawkins Precision long-range hybrid scope rings are like the other options, but on steroids with the built-in cant and an awesome bubble level for perfect alignment.
When you think about it, there are very few options on the market that compare to these Hawkins Precision Long-Range Hybrid Rings. They are super lightweight rings and come as a direct mount.
These are made in the USA, and CNC machined out of a single billet of 6061 aluminum. These are currently available for the Remington 700, Defiance, Stiller, Tikka, and Lone Peak. They come with a built-in 25 MOA.
They easily weigh between 3oz and 4oz, and they feature an anti-cant level cap that works incredibly well. They are a super lightweight solution with the direct-mount option for a long-range hunting rifle.
You can choose from the two sizes available: 30 mm and 34 mm, plus you can select action size and the height between low and high.
Pros
- Built-in 25 MOA
- Made from aluminum
- Lightweight
- Anti-cant level cap
- Direct mount
- Choose between low and high
- Single billet
- Comes in two sizes
Cons
- May not tighten enough for the closing
- Need to know your sizing
Talley Lightweight Alloy Scope Mounts for Browning/Howa/Remington
The Talley Lightweight Alloy Scope Mounts are constructed of a one-piece lightweight, high-quality material that sets them apart from the competition.
They are known for their rigid design and not having any joints between the scope and the rifle. This alone saves you a lot of frustrations trying to get the setup to be perfect.
I was happy to see the rings trued up easily on the receiver and was surprised to find they didn’t really need to be lapped in, which was awesome.
The way these were designed actually eliminates the possibility of anything being out of alignment with the interface or seeing any loose connections between the ring and base. This is something that often happens with the traditional two-piece designs.
You will be impressed by the strength and durability of these alloy scope mounts compared to the typical steel rings and bases that a lot of other brands use.
This could be the lightest mount system on the market with the way they constructed the CNC machining of the mount to its final design.
In my opinion, these Talley rings have a really nice look to them, being super clean but not too big or bulky. The best part is that I’ve never had any concern that my scope wasn’t secure to my rifle, and that’s pretty important in my book.
Pros
- Mount directly to the upper receiver
- Durable
- No need for base rail
- One-piece design
- Reliable
- Well made from solid construction
- Easy to mount
- High performance
- Lightest mount system
- Good customer service
Cons
- Some scope fits might be difficult to install
- Few customers received the wrong screws
NightForce Remington 700 One-Piece 20MOA Base
You won’t find a stronger base than this Nightforce One-Piece 20MOA Base. The integral recoil machined on the bottom prevents any movement of this base and also prevents any recoil stress on the screws holding the base to the receiver.
I’ve previously owned a standard duty base from Nightforce, which served me well, and I really found it to be solid. However, I recently opted to upgrade to this extreme heavy-duty steel base because I wanted more security from my base.
This base is a lot heavier, but I really do like the way the recoil lug butted up to my receiver 100% perfectly, which gave me more peace of mind while shooting.
You will get a precise fit when bedded to the rifle’s action and fully understand why a one-piece base is ideal for use with the Remington 700.
In fact, this one-piece base is machined to exact Picatinny Mil. Std. 1913 specification rail dimensions. This design is simple and sleek, always optimizing eye relief.
It also comes with 20 MOA tapers and is classically designed for both right or left-hand users. The design practically guarantees that this base will never interfere with loading or extraction.
Pros
- Precision Shooting
- Stability
- Can be used on both long & short action rifles
- Solid build
- Integral recoil lug for a secure fit
- Keeps base from moving
- Makes sure rifle stays in place
- High-quality material
- Perfect finish
Cons
- Screws aren’t self-centering
- Can be too heavy for some users
Evolution Gun Works HD Remington 700, 722, 40x Picatinny Rail Scope Mount
This EGW (Evolution Gun Works) HD Remington 700, 722, 40x Picatinny Rail Scope Mount has an extremely solid base, and the Picatinny cross slots run the full length of the rail, which gives you more flexibility when mounting your scope rings and any other accessories.
It comes standard with a well-structured bevel on both sides of the mount, making it versatile for both left and right-handed users. The scope mounts are sandblasted and tumbled for more efficiency.
In fact, all mounting holes were well within tolerances, and the anodizing is excellent. It has long-lasting durability due to the aluminum mounts being Type III hard coat anodized. The steel rails are Mil Spec for a durable rust-resistant finish.
I found the design to be really solid for aluminum, and the materials used for the cross slots are high-quality and also machined the full width of the mount and gauged to MIL-STD 1913 specs maintaining tolerances of +/-.002″.
For the installation, EGW recommends using 20″ pounds of torque and a drip of blue Loctite. This is also compatible with Picatinny or Weaver scope rings.
Pros
- High-performance mount solution
- 7075 Aircraft aluminum
- Extreme durability
- Low profile design
- Less obtrusive than other brands
- Hard coat anodizing that is two-stage
- Cross slots are full length
- TORX allen key and screws
- Easy bedding for a perfect fit
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Some customers have alignment issues
- Only comes in matte black finish
NightForce Remington 700 One-Piece 20MOA Base
This one-piece base from NightForce is built rock solid and is machined to the exact Picatinny Mil. Std. 1913 specification rail dimensions.
The impressive design allows the same scope to be used on several different kinds of rifles, and it is always giving you the best-optimized eye relief with the adjustment abilities.
It comes with a high-quality finish, and the steel is super heavy and very sturdy. It’s what any hunter would expect from NightForce.
This base works for both right or left-handed people, and the base will not interfere with your loading or extraction. It also comes with 20 MOA tapers.
There is an integral recoil lug machined on the bottom of the base that provides a precise fit when bedded to the rifle’s action, preventing any movement of the base or recoil stress on screws holding the base to the receiver.
The fit on the NightForce Remington 700 One-Piece 20MOA Base is flawless and a very dependable station that you can count on every time you use it.
Pros
- Designed for precision and stability
- Fits both Remington 700 long and short rifles
- One-piece base
- Integral recoil lug on the bottom
- Secure fit
- Stays in place
- Base extends almost 2″ over the barrel
- Built-in 20 MOA Cant
- Extension in ejection port from recoil lug
- Torx drive mounting screws included
Cons
- Some customers reported small base movement
- Might be too heavy for some hunters
NightForce Remington 700 LA 20 MOA Steel Base
This heavy steel base from NightForce is nicely slotted and does not have round screw holes, which is ideal for pushing the recoil lug tight against the action before you secure the base.
The recoil lug is placed on the bottom of the base providing an exact and precise fit when bedded to the rifle’s action. This prevents any movement of the base or recoil stress on screws holding the base to the receiver.
The construction of this base is solid and lines up perfectly. It’s not too heavy, but heavy enough to give you a reliable base that holds up over time.
It’s easy to switch your scopes between your rifles, and the rail meets high standards with the ability to mount long-range scopes. The rings easily stay in place once secured to your liking.
NightForce designs their products to exceed Military specifications and this steel mount from Nightforce was tested for repeatable performance.
The base extends approx. 2 inches over the barrel and is constructed from heat-treated, high-strength steel and CNC machined from a single steel billet to closely match the receiver contour. You can’t go wrong with this one.
Pros
- Long action
- Solid steel
- One-piece base
- Solid manufacturing
- Great customer service
- Sturdy scope base
- No bedding required
- Strong rail
- Excellent quality
- High performance
Cons
- Some reports of mounting screws being the wrong thread
- The holes on the base only lineup one way
How to Choose A Quality Scope Mount
Types: Single-Piece VS Two-Piece Scope Mount
What is better to use, one or a two-piece mount? As much as I would love to say that one is better than the other, it really depends on what you are using it for.
That being said, let’s look at how they are different.
Single-Piece Mount
A single-piece mount is probably the easiest design to install and adjust. It’s very simple and normally comes with a base that is screwed into the receiver and has parallel split rings that are aligned. All you need to do is insert your scope and tighten it.
These scopes will provide you with just the right height and position to make your shooting experience comfortable and accurate.
If your preference is to use a long scope, then the single-piece mounts might be the best option because it will give you a better position, and you won’t have to think about your alignment between the two mounts.
When you need a very strong and robust scope mount, the single-piece is a good choice. But, keep in mind that the single piece mounts tend to be heavier than the two-piece mounts. If keeping the total weight down is important to you, then consider what the weight will be once you pack up all your accessories.
The one-piece bases are definitely better at resisting the recoil forces, but on the downside, they may interfere with access to the chamber and the loading and unloading of your rifle.
Two-Piece Mounts
Similar to the one-piece design, two-piece rings come in two pieces instead of one. All you need to do is screw the rear part to the receiver end of your rifle, and then ahead of your rifle’s ejection port is where you position the other part of your rifle.
This option will be lighter in weight than the one-piece; however, if your rifle is not pre-drilled or pre-tapped for alignment, you might find it a challenge to get a correct alignment established.
The distance adjustment between the rings in both the front and back can make the loading a bit easier.
If you are concerned about the weight and carrying all your equipment for long distances, you may want a lighter scope mount. The two-piece mount is not only lighter; it is generally cheaper than the one-piece mount.
You do get a little more leeway with the two-piece models when it comes down to mounting, and if you own more than one rifle, your two-piece mount just might work on all your weapons. Just make sure the alignment is accurate if you choose to use a two-piece mount.
Mount Material
The Remington 700 has heavy recoil, and that calls for a material that is strong enough to withstand the power of the rifle.
In order to choose the best material for your mount, you also need to consider the weight of the mount. You need to consider how often you will be using your Remington 700 and if the cost of the more expensive mounts is worth the investment.
There are three common types of material that are normally used for mounts when handling a Remington 700:
- Aluminum – These mounts are often combined with steel and offer excellent ruggedness and durability. They are much lighter than the steel only mounts that can be quite heavy.
- Steel – These mounts are known for being the heaviest and strongest out of all three options. If you don’t mind the extra weight, they are the most robust.
- Alloy – For the most part, these types of mounts are lighter and usually lower in cost. You can also find ones that offer a combination of alloy, zinc, and steel.
If you’re just going to the range or heading out only a couple of times a year, then the weight really won’t play much on the decision of the material you choose. However, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast like myself, then the weight should be a top decision when purchasing the mount.
Read next: Best Remington 700 Stocks and Chassis
Selecting a Scope Base
There are various bases to choose from, either a one-piece or two-piece, and some are preferred over others, depending on what your intended usage will be.
Scope Base Options
- Talley Bases – These are machined to accept the entire foot of the base instead of just accepting a cross-bolt.
- Weaver-Style and Picatinny Bases (Rails) – These have slots on each ring that accommodate a matching cross-bolt, and their angled edges provide an interface for clamping the rings.
- Windage Adjustable Bases – These are normally just used for the rear only. They come with a set of opposing screws for centering the ring (and scope) over the receiver.
- Dovetail Bases – This base features an oval-shaped cutout that is used for accepting a wedge on the bottom half of the ring.
- Proprietary Integral Bases – These are usually included on rifles from some manufacturers such as Sako, Remington, and Ruger.
Quick Detach (QD) Design
These rail systems are often referred to as Weaver or Picatinny rail systems. These systems allow your scope to be attached and detached very quickly with the way the rail system is tapped onto the receiver.
These are considered to be more flexible and stable, plus they offer eye relief with the possible adjustments. These are perfect for long-range hunters. Keep in mind that with all the ease comes the cost. These are generally more expensive than the other two types.
Getting the Scope Height Right
This is one of the most important steps for using a scope on your Remington 700. There are different heights that fit different scopes, and it is critical to know what you will need. For precision shooting, you will want to mount as low as possible.
Your scope should never touch the barrel or any part of your Remington 700. The lower you mount the scope, the better the sight picture will be for shooting accurately with a long-range.
Keep in mind that the higher the optic, the more affected it will be from more force and torque. This can actually break the scope, or at the least, it will probably wear it out.
You want a good cheek rest on your rifle for the most comfort. However, you should also be able to look through your optic. When the scope is mounted too high, you won’t be able to do this comfortably.
Objective Lens Determines Scope Height
The objective lens will be the widest portion of your scope, at the most forward portion of the scope. These are usually measured in millimeters, and you will find that the most common is probably the 40 mm. Although, the 40 or 42 mm objective lens has the best compromise between light transmission, size, and optical clarity.
The smaller options for optics with a 28 to 36 mm objective lens will require a lower mount, and if you go even smaller, like the 20 mm objective lenses – you can then even use some extra low scope rings.
You can go with a higher objective lens like the 50 mm, which provides a higher level of optical clarity. The wider lenses can transmit more light; however, they will require that you either use an adjustable cheek rest or at the least a specialized stock for more comfortable shooting.
Keep in mind that the correct height will solely depend on the type of weapon you are using. Like I said before, the truth still stands that the lower the scope, the better. If, for some reason, you can’t go low, aim for medium, and as a last resort, you might have to go high. Hopefully not, but be prepared anyway.
How to Install Mounts, Rings & Bases
You’ve got your Remington 700 and found the perfect scope to mount, but now you want to make sure you’re doing it right so that the fit is exact. I completely understand, been there myself. That’s why I am giving you all the details you need to get the job done right!
Tools you should have handy:
- Your Rifle
- Scope
- Mounting Base
- Scope Rings
- Gun Oil
- Degreaser
- Torx Wrench or Allen Wrench
- Small Level
- Screw Driver
- Removable Threadlocker (Don’t use red or permanent Loctite)
Depending on what mount or scope rings you purchased, they might have included some of the tools listed above. However, just make sure you have everything listed above when you are ready to mount your scope.
Make sure your scope rings are the correct size for the base and scope you have decided to use. This is often one of the biggest mistakes people make, and then they get frustrated when nothing works or fits correctly together.
Tip: If you are a precision shooter, you may want to look into purchasing a scope ring alignment lapping kit. Why? Because this will ensure your scope rings have a dead hold on your optic.
Rifle Scope Mounts, Rings and Bases 101
You will need to make sure your mounting surface is clean, and this includes grease, dirt, or any residue that could prevent your rifle from properly fitting with your scope.
Next, you will need to secure your rifle, but make sure you use the level when securing it to the scope so that you know it is level before it is tightened all the way.
Now you can mount the base. I suggest adding a little gun oil to the contact surfaces before mounting your rifle. This helps prevent rust between your scope case and receiver.
Add just a little bit of threadlocker and tighten the base easily; no need to use extra force. Just do a quick inspection to make sure everything is aligned, and no screws are protruding.
Now you’re ready to mount your scope rings. Always mount the bottom of the rings first, and then make sure your scope fits before doing the top rings.
You can now place the scope into the bottom set of scope rings and look for any adjustments that might need to be done. Add your threadlocker and hand tighten your screws.
Don’t screw them too tight because you will want to set your eye relief before getting everything tightened all the way down. After you set your eye relief, go ahead, and level your scope.
Our Number One Picks
Best Scope Rings
The best scope rings for your Remington 700, in my opinion, are the NightForce UltraLite Remington 700 Short Action 20MOA Direct Mounts. They are designed to mount directly onto your Remington 700 rifle and actually ensure the best true alignment along with maximum strength for precision shooting.
These will contour to your rifle body perfectly, and you should experience zero gaps with these mounts due to the very tight fit that was designed to be tough in all circumstances. They are super lightweight and very durable. Definitely the best one-piece mount I’ve seen so far for eliminating most of the common mounting problems shooters experience.
Best Scope Base
The best scope base is going to be based on your personal needs when it comes to what you are trying to accomplish with your Remington 700.
My top choice above, the NightForce Remington 700 One-Piece 20MOA Base, is what I would recommend because it has a robust solid build that will allow you to get a precise fit when bedded to the rifle’s action. It’s the main reason why I prefer the one-piece base and find it ideal for use with my Remington 700.
Best Scope Rings For Remington 700
When you think about the best mount for your Remington 700, you need to think about your habits and usage. The fact that you own a Remington 700 tells me you enjoy hunting and take it pretty seriously.
So with that in mind, I would definitely recommend trying the NightForce UltraLite Remington 700 Short Action 20MOA Direct Mounts or the Hawkins Precision – Long Range Hybrid Scope Rings because these both came out on top of my research for the best Remington 700 scope mounts.
They are both durable and offer precision like none of the others in the same category. You just need to choose between the one-piece design or the two-piece design.
