First Thoughts on the Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Remington 700 Short Action with
The Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Remington 700 Short Action with is a critical component for any precision rifle build, providing a standardized mounting platform for optics. Talley is known for producing high-quality, lightweight mounting solutions, and this rail aims to deliver on that reputation. This particular model adds 20 MOA (Minutes of Angle) of elevation, which can significantly extend the effective range of your rifle by allowing you to dial in more upward correction on your scope.
My need for this rail stemmed from a recent decision to upgrade my Remington 700 Short Action to a dedicated long-range setup. I was consistently running out of elevation adjustment on my scope when shooting beyond 600 yards, and a 20 MOA rail seemed like the most practical solution. I was looking for something robust, reliable, and easy to install, without adding unnecessary weight to the rifle.
Out of the box, the Talley Picatinny Rail felt solid and well-machined. The black matte finish was even and consistent, and the rail’s edges were clean and well-defined. It was noticeably lighter than some of the steel rails I’ve used in the past, which is a definite plus for a hunting rifle.
I considered rails from Seekins Precision and Nightforce, both reputable brands, but ultimately chose the Talley for its reputation for lightweight durability and its slightly more attractive price point. Plus, I’ve had good experiences with Talley products in the past. Initial impressions were positive; I was excited to get it mounted and see how it performed at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Remington 700 Short Action with to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, primarily focusing on confirming zero and evaluating the additional elevation provided by the 20 MOA. The weather was mild, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze. Mounting the Talley Picatinny Rail was straightforward, although the lack of a recoil lug was immediately apparent, a point I had noted in user reviews prior to purchase.
The increased elevation was immediately noticeable. I was able to achieve a 100-yard zero with significantly more upward adjustment remaining in my scope than before. I quickly moved out to 600 yards and found that I could easily dial in the necessary elevation without maxing out my scope’s internal adjustment. After the first outing, it became apparent that I would need to bed the rail, as previous users had noted, to ensure consistent performance, but overall the initial experience was positive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including multiple trips to the range and a backcountry hunting trip, the Talley Picatinny Rail has held up reasonably well. There are a few minor scratches on the finish from handling, but nothing significant. I did end up bedding the rail with Marine-Tex as I initially suspected.
Durability-wise, it’s performed as expected. The 8-40 screws are holding up well, even with the moderate recoil of my 6.5 Creedmoor. Cleaning is simple; I just wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use. It has met my expectations, providing a stable and reliable mounting platform for my scope.
Breaking Down the Features of Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Remington 700 Short Action with
Specifications
Type: Picatinny Rail. This provides a standardized mounting system for a wide variety of optics and accessories.
MFG/Model: Remington 700 Picatinny Rail. This specifically fits Remington 700, 721, 722, 725 and 40X Short Action rifles.
Style: Picatinny. Standard Picatinny rail interface ensures compatibility with Picatinny/Weaver-style scope rings and mounts.
Finish: Black Matte. The black matte finish reduces glare and provides a non-reflective surface.
MOA: 20 MOA. The 20 MOA of elevation allows for greater scope adjustment at long ranges, preventing you from running out of vertical adjustment.
The 20 MOA is particularly useful for long-range shooting, as it allows the shooter to maintain a centered optical image within the scope, even at extreme distances. The black matte finish is practical for hunting and tactical applications, where minimizing glare is important.
Performance & Functionality
The Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Remington 700 Short Action with performs its primary function well: providing a stable and elevated mounting platform for optics. Accuracy is maintained, as the rail holds the scope securely in place.
Its main weakness is the absence of a recoil lug, which can be a concern for larger calibers. For my 6.5 Creedmoor, the 8-40 screws seem sufficient, but I would be hesitant to use this rail on a magnum caliber without bedding it properly. It meets my expectations for a lightweight, functional rail, but the lack of a recoil lug is a point of concern.
Design & Ergonomics
The rail is lightweight and relatively low-profile, which is beneficial for maintaining a balanced feel on the rifle. The build quality is good, with clean machining and a consistent finish.
There is no real learning curve; it’s a straightforward Picatinny rail. However, the beveled mounting bases, rather than a form-fitting design, necessitate proper bedding for optimal contact with the receiver.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction is durable enough for most applications, though it’s not as robust as steel. With proper care, it should last for many years.
Maintenance is simple; just keep it clean and free of debris. Regular inspection of the screws is recommended to ensure they remain tight.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Talley Picatinny Rail is compatible with any Picatinny or Weaver-style scope rings and mounts. There are no additional accessories included with the rail itself.
The ability to use a wide variety of optics and accessories is a major advantage. You can easily swap out scopes or add accessories like night vision devices or thermal imagers.
Pros and Cons of Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Remington 700 Short Action with
Pros
- Lightweight design minimizes added weight to the rifle.
- 20 MOA elevation extends the effective range of the scope.
- Compatible with a wide range of Picatinny/Weaver-style scope rings and mounts.
- Durable construction with a black matte finish.
- Relatively affordable compared to higher-end rails.
Cons
- Lacks a recoil lug, which may be a concern for larger calibers.
- Beveled mounting bases require bedding for optimal performance on some rifles.
Who Should Buy Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Remington 700 Short Action with?
The Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Remington 700 Short Action with is perfect for hunters and long-range shooters who need additional elevation adjustment for their scopes. It’s also a good choice for anyone looking to upgrade their Remington 700 Short Action to a more versatile platform for mounting optics.
This product may not be suitable for those who are shooting large-caliber rifles, or for those unwilling to bed the rail.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality bedding compound like Marine-Tex, as well as a torque wrench to properly tighten the mounting screws.
Conclusion on Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Remington 700 Short Action with
The Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA For Remington 700 Short Action with is a solid choice for adding elevation to your Remington 700 Short Action. While the lack of a recoil lug and the beveled mounting bases are drawbacks, the lightweight design, durable construction, and affordable price make it a compelling option.
For around $47, the price is justified considering the function and quality provided.
I would recommend the Talley Picatinny Rail to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable way to extend the effective range of their rifle, just be aware of its limitations and be prepared to bed it for optimal performance. Consider upgrading your Remington 700 with the Talley Picatinny Rail with 20 MOA and experience the benefits of extended range and versatility.