First Thoughts on the Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Howa Short Action Black Matte F
The Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Howa Short Action Black Matte F is a crucial upgrade for any precision shooter using a Howa 1500 short action rifle. Talley is a respected name in the optics mounting world, and this rail promises to deliver a stable and accurate platform for mounting scopes. This specific rail features a built-in 20 MOA (minute of angle) elevation, which is essential for long-range shooting, allowing you to dial in those distant targets without maxing out your scope’s internal adjustments.
I was looking for a reliable and repeatable mounting solution for my Howa 1500 build, specifically one that would allow me to reach out to longer distances. The factory rail, while functional, lacked the built-in MOA necessary for consistent hits beyond 600 yards. I wanted to maximize the effective range of my rifle without compromising on the stability and integrity of the scope mount.
Upon unboxing, the Talley Picatinny Rail immediately impressed with its clean, black matte finish and robust construction. It felt solid in hand, giving the impression of a well-machined and durable piece of equipment. The machining was clean, and the finish was even, suggesting a high level of attention to detail during manufacturing.
Compared to some of the cheaper aluminum rails on the market, the Talley offering felt significantly more substantial. I also considered a similar rail from Warne, but ultimately opted for the Talley based on its reputation for precise tolerances and consistent performance. I previously used a Nightforce rail, and this Talley offering seemed to be on par for a significantly lower price point.
My first impression was one of quiet confidence. It wasn’t flashy or overly engineered, but rather a simple, functional piece of equipment designed to do its job effectively. I was excited to get it mounted and test its impact on my rifle’s accuracy at longer ranges.
Real-World Testing: Putting Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Howa Short Action Black Matte F to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Talley Picatinny Rail at my local shooting range, focusing on distances from 100 to 800 yards. The installation was straightforward, using the existing Howa 1500 action screws. After mounting my scope (a Vortex Viper PST Gen II), I bore-sighted the rifle at 100 yards.
The first few shots confirmed that the rail was properly aligned. More importantly, I immediately noticed the benefits of the 20 MOA built into the rail, I had significantly more travel in my scope for longer distances. This allowed me to dial in my 600-800 yard shots without running out of adjustment.
No issues arose during the initial range session. The rail remained securely mounted, and the scope maintained its zero even after repeated firing. I was impressed by the noticeable difference in the amount of vertical adjustment I had available.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Talley Picatinny Rail has proven to be a dependable and worthwhile upgrade. I’ve used the rifle in various weather conditions, including rain and extreme heat, without any issues. The black matte finish has held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of wear.
The rail has remained securely mounted to the action, and the scope has maintained its zero consistently. Cleaning is easy; a quick wipe down with a cloth removes any residue or debris. This surpasses my previous experiences with less expensive rails that tended to loosen over time and require frequent tightening.
Compared to other rails I’ve used, the Talley offering stands out for its consistent performance and robust construction. It has significantly improved my ability to shoot accurately at longer ranges, living up to its promise of providing a stable and reliable platform for my optics.
Breaking Down the Features of Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Howa Short Action Black Matte F
Specifications
The Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Howa Short Action Black Matte F is specifically designed for Howa 1500 short action rifles. It features a standard Picatinny rail interface, allowing for the mounting of a wide range of optics and accessories. The rail is machined from high-grade aluminum.
The black matte finish helps to reduce glare and provides a durable, corrosion-resistant surface. Most importantly, the built-in 20 MOA elevation is crucial for long-range shooting, extending the usable range of your scope by providing additional vertical adjustment. These specifications matter because they directly impact the rifle’s accuracy, reliability, and overall performance, especially at extended distances.
Performance & Functionality
The Talley Picatinny Rail performs its primary job exceptionally well: providing a rock-solid and precise platform for mounting optics on a Howa 1500 short action rifle. The 20 MOA elevation significantly improves long-range shooting capabilities.
One minor weakness might be that aluminum can be more susceptible to damage than steel. However, the high-grade aluminum used in the Talley rail is robust enough for most applications. It exceeds my expectations, offering both improved accuracy and ease of use.
Design & Ergonomics
The Talley Picatinny Rail features a simple, functional design. The build quality is excellent, with clean machining and a durable finish. The rail is lightweight, adding minimal weight to the rifle.
Installation is straightforward. The rail mounts directly to the Howa 1500 receiver using the existing action screws. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Talley Picatinny Rail should last for many years. The black matte finish is resistant to scratches and corrosion. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a soft cloth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Talley Picatinny Rail is primarily designed to mount optics. It is compatible with any scope rings or mounts that utilize a standard Picatinny rail interface. This allows for a wide range of customization options.
The rail does not come with any accessories beyond the necessary mounting screws. However, its compatibility with a vast array of Picatinny-compatible accessories makes it highly versatile. You can easily add items like backup iron sights or laser aiming modules.
Pros and Cons of Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Howa Short Action Black Matte F
Pros
- Rock-solid mounting platform for consistent accuracy.
- Built-in 20 MOA elevation extends long-range shooting capabilities.
- Durable black matte finish resists scratches and corrosion.
- Lightweight design adds minimal weight to the rifle.
- Easy to install using existing action screws.
Cons
- Aluminum construction, while durable, is more susceptible to damage than steel.
- No included accessories beyond mounting screws.
Who Should Buy Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Howa Short Action Black Matte F?
This Talley Picatinny Rail is perfect for long-range target shooters and hunters who need to maximize the effective range of their Howa 1500 short action rifle. It’s also ideal for anyone looking to upgrade from a factory rail to a more stable and accurate mounting solution. It is must-have for anyone looking to easily and effectively shoot past 600 yards.
Anyone who primarily shoots at close ranges (under 200 yards) and doesn’t require additional elevation for long-range shooting might not need this product. Also, those looking for an extremely lightweight rail for competition may want to look at carbon fiber options.
A torque wrench is a must-have accessory to ensure proper installation and prevent damage to the rail or receiver. High-quality scope rings are also essential to complete the mounting system and ensure optimal accuracy.
Conclusion on Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Howa Short Action Black Matte F
The Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Howa Short Action Black Matte F is a well-engineered and reliable upgrade for any Howa 1500 short action rifle. It provides a stable and accurate platform for mounting optics, and the built-in 20 MOA elevation significantly enhances long-range shooting capabilities.
At $42.99, the price is justified given the quality of construction and the performance benefits. This rail is an excellent value.
I would absolutely recommend the Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Howa Short Action Black Matte F to anyone looking to improve the accuracy and long-range performance of their Howa 1500. Upgrade your Howa 1500 today and experience the difference a quality rail can make!