First Impressions of Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action
The Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action is a replacement optic rail designed specifically for the Ranger 22 rifle. Christensen Arms offers this rail in varying MOA tapers (0, 20, 40, and 60) to allow shooters to maximize their scope’s elevation adjustment, especially when engaging targets at extended ranges. As someone who enjoys pushing the limits of .22LR accuracy, particularly in NRL22 matches, the promise of increased scope travel immediately piqued my interest.
I’ve been running a fairly basic setup on my Ranger 22 and consistently found myself running out of elevation adjustment past 250 yards. This limitation pushed me to look for a solution that didn’t involve shimming my scope or investing in an entirely new optic. The Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action seemed like the perfect answer.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the clean, matte black anodized finish. The rail feels solid and lightweight thanks to its 7075 aluminum construction. The machining looks precise, and the overall fit and finish appear to be of high quality.
I considered several other options, including adjustable scope mounts and other aftermarket rails. However, I opted for the Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action because of its specific compatibility with my Ranger 22 action and the reputation of Christensen Arms for producing quality components. Its one-piece design promised enhanced rigidity compared to multi-piece setups.
My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. The rail looked good, felt good, and addressed a specific need I had. I was excited to see how it would perform on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action at my local outdoor range, primarily focusing on targets ranging from 50 to 300 yards. The weather was clear with a slight crosswind, providing a decent challenge for long-range .22 shooting. Installation was straightforward, using the existing mounting hardware on my Ranger 22.
The increased elevation adjustment was immediately noticeable. With my previous setup, I was maxed out on elevation at around 250 yards. The Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action, specifically the 40 MOA version I chose, allowed me to easily reach 300 yards and beyond with ample adjustment to spare. I experienced no issues with the rail shifting or loosening during my initial testing.
There were no real surprises during my first range session. The rail performed as expected, providing a stable and reliable platform for my scope.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action has proven to be a worthwhile addition to my setup. I’ve taken it to numerous NRL22 matches and practice sessions. It consistently holds zero and shows no signs of loosening or shifting, even after hundreds of rounds.
The hardcoat anodized finish has held up remarkably well. There are no scratches or signs of wear, despite frequent handling and exposure to various weather conditions. Cleaning is simple. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth is usually sufficient.
Compared to my previous experiences with shimming scope mounts, the Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action is a significant improvement. It provides a much more secure and reliable platform for my scope, resulting in improved accuracy and consistency at longer ranges. I wish I would have installed one earlier.
Breaking Down the Features of Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action
Specifications
- Material: 7075 Aluminum: This lightweight yet strong alloy provides excellent rigidity and resistance to deformation under recoil. The use of aluminum keeps weight to a minimum, which is beneficial in rimfire competition where weight management is key.
- Finish: Hardcoat Black Anodize: The anodized finish provides a durable, corrosion-resistant surface. This ensures the rail can withstand the rigors of outdoor use and frequent handling without showing excessive wear.
- Length: 16.5 cm (approximately 6.5 inches): This length offers ample space for mounting scopes with varying eye relief requirements. This allows for flexibility in scope placement, accommodating different shooting styles and preferences.
- Width: 2 cm (approximately 0.79 inches): A standard width ensures compatibility with a wide range of scope rings and mounting hardware. It’s a commonly accepted dimension, so finding compatible rings is simple.
- Weight: 2.1 oz: The lightweight design minimizes added weight to the rifle, preserving balance and maneuverability. This is particularly important for rimfire rifles, where maintaining a lightweight setup is advantageous.
- MOA Options: 0, 20, 40, or 60 MOA taper: This variety of options allows shooters to fine-tune their scope’s elevation adjustment for specific shooting distances. The increased MOA options enable shooters to effectively engage targets at extended ranges without running out of scope travel.
- Country of Origin: USA: Proudly made in the USA. This implies higher quality control and manufacturing standards.
Performance & Functionality
The Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action excels at providing a stable and accurate platform for mounting optics on the Ranger 22 rifle. The primary function is to facilitate long-range shooting by providing increased elevation adjustment. This allows shooters to effectively compensate for bullet drop at extended distances.
The main strength is the increased elevation adjustment afforded by the MOA taper options. The only potential weakness might be the need to carefully select the correct MOA taper for your specific shooting needs, as too much or too little taper could limit your effective range. Overall, it exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action boasts a simple, functional design. The lightweight aluminum construction and precise machining contribute to a high-quality feel. The one-piece design enhances rigidity, promoting stability and accuracy.
The rail is user-friendly. Installation is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and knowledge of scope mounting. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The hardcoat anodized finish provides excellent resistance to wear and corrosion. The Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth is sufficient to keep the rail in good condition. No special tools or cleaning agents are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action doesn’t come with any specific accessories beyond the mounting hardware. However, it’s designed to be compatible with any standard Picatinny or Weaver-style scope rings.
The rail is compatible with a wide range of scopes and mounting solutions from various brands. It is easily customized with different rings and optics to suit individual preferences.
Pros and Cons of Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action
Pros
- Provides increased elevation adjustment for long-range shooting.
- Durable 7075 aluminum construction with hardcoat anodized finish.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Lightweight design minimizes added weight to the rifle.
- Available in multiple MOA options to suit various shooting needs.
Cons
- Requires careful selection of the correct MOA taper for optimal performance.
- May not be necessary for shooters who primarily engage targets at short ranges.
Who Should Buy Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action?
The Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action is perfect for:
- NRL22 competitors who need to maximize their scope’s elevation adjustment for long-range rimfire matches.
- Recreational shooters who enjoy engaging targets at extended distances with their .22LR rifles.
- Hunters who use .22LR for small game and require precise shot placement at varying ranges.
This product may not be necessary for shooters who primarily engage targets at short ranges (under 100 yards) or those who are satisfied with the elevation adjustment provided by their current setup.
A must-have accessory would be a quality set of scope rings that match the height and style of your preferred optic.
Conclusion on Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action
The Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action is a well-designed and well-executed upgrade for the Christensen Arms Ranger 22 rifle. It directly addresses the common issue of limited elevation adjustment when shooting .22LR at longer ranges. The durable construction, easy installation, and variety of MOA options make it a worthwhile investment for any serious rimfire shooter.
The price of $59.99 is justified by the quality of materials, precise machining, and the tangible improvement in long-range shooting performance. This enhancement is crucial for consistent accuracy.
I would personally recommend the Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action to anyone looking to maximize the potential of their Ranger 22 rifle. If you are serious about long-range .22 shooting, this is a must-have upgrade.
Don’t let limited elevation adjustment hold you back. Invest in the Christensen Arms One Piece Scope Base CA Ranger Action and experience the difference it can make in your shooting performance.