Rifle Scopes One piece versus two piece scope base

[GN4HIR]

Ok, I did run a search before posting what seems to be a basic question but didn't find any threads addressing this issue.

I've typically used one piece bases for my bolt guns. Having recently picked up a Savage Mdl-10 .223 for a cheap price ($400), I was wanting to scope it in a relatively cheap way for just playing at the range.

As I looked at the typical one piece steel bases they were $75 or more whereas two piece bases were $20. (Warne as an example).

Other than the flexability of more places to place the rings, is there a benefit to a one piece base that justifies the cost difference?

Also, it seems odd that two piece bases are so much cheaper than one piece, yes there is more material in a one piece but it seems about equal labor / machining.

 

[GN4HIR]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

Wow I didn't realize what a firestorm of controversey I would unleash with my Q. Wait... I meant to say apathy not firestorm.

 

[BobinNC]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

JI,

They are what they are. One piece bases are easier to get level if your receiver is FUBAR, than two piece. That said, it is my understanding that Tac Ops, that makes one of the better customs on the Rem 700 platform will use nothing but Leupold MK4 two piece bases on his builds. And no, when you order it from him you don't get a choice.


I don't know what he knows, that the rest of us don't, but that's why he is building great rifles and I'm answering your post, I guess....

Bob

 

[USMCj]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

I would never use a 2 piece base, but thats just me.

 

[desertrat1979]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

Nothing wrong with a 2 piece. The M24 used a 2 piece leupold for the longest time. The 1 piece makes the action a little stronger, and offers more adjustability.

 

[Longshot38]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobinNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">JI,

They are what they are. One piece bases are easier to get level if your receiver is FUBAR, than two piece. That said, it is my understanding that Tac Ops, that makes one of the better customs on the Rem 700 platform will use nothing but Leupold MK4 two piece bases on his builds. And no, when you order it from him you don't get a choice.


I don't know what he knows, that the rest of us don't, but that's why he is building great rifles and I'm answering your post, I guess....

Bob </div></div>

Bob you are partially correct. Mike does use only 2 piece bases however he machines his own and does not use Leupold bases. Tac Ops has several configurations of these bases the most common being 22 moa (on a short action, something like 17 on long actions). As for why, the main reason is that a two piece base stresses the receiver less (at lease this is what I am told by Mike). While I'm sure Mike is correct in this, I don't see how a two piece base that has been bedded and has a set of properly lapped rings will stress the receiver any more then a two piece.

 

[Turk]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: desertrat1979</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nothing wrong with a 2 piece. The M24 used a 2 piece leupold for the longest time. The 1 piece makes the action a little stronger, and offers more adjustability. </div></div>
2 pc base on a M24? Learn something new everyday!

 

[BobinNC]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

Longshot,

Thank you for that information, I was not aware that Tac Ops machined his own bases. Learn something new everyday....

Thanks,

Bob

 

[GN4HIR]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

Thank you one and all for sharing some thoughts on the topic. So a 1 piece might provide a way to correct for a receiver that is out of spec, in that you are creating a flat plane for the rings. Two piece might be more difficult to align and be reason for lapping (what if you are using alum rings?).

We didn't address why two pieces are cheaper. Mere supply demand?

 

[dmg308]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

They are not if you compare equal quality.Leupold makes one piece turn in bases that are about the same price as the two piece one's.

 

[zenbiker]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

For my peace of mind, I always use a one piece base, Badger Ordance or equivalent. A single piece base isolates the scope tube (and hence the ring/scope interface) from action flexion and recoil; two piece bases transmit that shock directly through the scope tube. As previously stated, a one piece base also shows if the deck height on your (Remington) receiver is off and needs to be shimmed, bedded, machined, or welded.

 

[macman2564]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

I think the one piece bases look cooler than the two piece!!

 

[dmg308]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

If it's a non DBM gun two piece bases are much more useful.

 

[GN4HIR]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

Well I've decided and spend the few extra dollars and get a Farrell steel 1 piece base. I went out and looked at my other Savage rifles and it turns out that is what I put on all of them so there is some consistency here. Dealer cost $76 from Brownells.

Thanks for all the good advice..

 

[zenbiker]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

Nice choice, you should be very happy with it.

 

[EddieP]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

My ideal set up is 2 piece and burris sig rings, this way the scope is isolated from the QC in the rifle factory by the plastic gimbals, and the receivor doesn't get stressed either.

 

[Aries64]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobinNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">JI,

They are what they are. One piece bases are easier to get level if your receiver is FUBAR, than two piece. That said, it is my understanding that Tac Ops, that makes one of the better customs on the Rem 700 platform will use nothing but Leupold MK4 two piece bases on his builds. And no, when you order it from him you don't get a choice.


I don't know what he knows, that the rest of us don't, but that's why he is building great rifles and I'm answering your post, I guess....

Bob </div></div>

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Longshot38</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bob you are partially correct. Mike does use only 2 piece bases however he machines his own and does not use Leupold bases. Tac Ops has several configurations of these bases the most common being 22 moa (on a short action, something like 17 on long actions). As for why, the main reason is that a two piece base stresses the receiver less (at lease this is what I am told by Mike). While I'm sure Mike is correct in this, I don't see how a two piece base that has been bedded and has a set of properly lapped rings will stress the receiver any more then a two piece. </div></div>
Actually, you're both <span style="font-style: italic">partially</span> correct:

Mike Rescigno used to use two-piece Leupold Mark 4 20 MOA bases exclusively, but has switched to using his own two-piece base sets. Tac Ops two-piece base sets are available in 15 MOA, 22 MOA, 34 MOA, and 40 MOA to fit Remington 700, Howa 1500, Weatherby Vanguard, and older Savage actions with the "flat" rear receiver.

Keith

 

[PJC7250]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

I've used them both and never really noticed any difference in accuracy. Pat.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

I've use both, and done some of my best 1000yd shooting with a two piece base. So I don't see a two piece base as being a handicap, all things done properly.

But my preference is for a one-piece base.

That's because I see them as being easier to bed to a receiver, and bedding bases to receivers is something I do a with a lot of my guns these days.

Partly it's to eliminate mounting stresses, and partly it's because I like to customize the base's slope to best correspond to the scope's vertical adjustment range.

Greg

 

[9x23w]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

I almost exclusively use Burris Signature rings, so alignment is not a problem. I prefer a 1 piece base, but I use whatever fits my rifle/scope combination the best, which is usually the 2 piece for me. Many 2 piece bases are reversible which sometimes allow better positioning of the scope. Also, the 2 piece bases (I use mostly Warne) tend to be lower, which I prefer.

 

[marduk185]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

i originally bought leupold one piece base cuz i wanted to shim it for more up. however after shooting it loose last month ive switched to a 2 piece without shims. found i have plenty up travel and it makes for cleaner lines so when i re mounted it just seemed to make sense.

 

[Tarjan]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

Pulling up an old thread. Where can you get the Tac Ops bases? They are not on their web site and I can't find them anywhere. I have also emailed them and have not gotten a response. I have seen on another thread that they might be the makers of the in-house brand bases (15 & 22 MOA) sold over at Sniper Central for $90. Are they only available with new builds? If not, I would like to try them.
thx,
T

 

[Longshot38]

Re: One piece versus two piece scope base

Your best bet is to call them. 310-275-8797