First Thoughts on the TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA
The TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA promises to be a crucial component for any serious shooter looking to extend their effective range. Talley is a respected name in the optics mounting world, known for their robust and reliable designs. This particular ring/base combo, designed to fit Christensen Ridgeline EXT FRNT rifles, offers a 20 MOA (Minute of Angle) bias, allowing shooters to dial in more elevation for long-distance shots without maxing out their scope’s internal adjustment.
I’ve spent years wrestling with scopes that couldn’t quite reach the distances I needed them to, particularly when hunting in open country. This led me to search for a solid mounting solution offering built-in elevation. When considering options, I compared the TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA to offerings from Leupold and Seekins Precision. Ultimately, I chose the Talley system due to its reputation for a simplified, yet incredibly strong, integrated design.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the clean, streamlined look and feel. The rings and base appeared to be machined to tight tolerances, with a flawless finish that suggested excellent build quality. My initial thought was, “this feels like a no-nonsense, purpose-built piece of gear.” It was a stark contrast to some of the bulkier, more complicated mounting systems I’ve used in the past. My first impression was positive; this product looked and felt like it would deliver on its promise of rugged reliability and improved long-range capabilities.
Real-World Testing: Putting TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA on my Christensen Arms Ridgeline EXT chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor at my local shooting range. The range provided a controlled environment out to 600 yards. The weather was typical for late summer: warm and relatively dry.
Installation was straightforward, thanks to Talley’s simple design. I didn’t experience any fitment issues or struggle to align the rings with my scope. During my initial zeroing session, I immediately noticed that I had significantly more elevation travel available compared to my previous 0 MOA base. No issues arose during the first range visit, and I found that I was hitting targets out to 600 yards more consistently.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and numerous range sessions, the TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA has proven to be incredibly reliable. I’ve put several hundred rounds through my rifle since installing the rings and base. There are no signs of loosening or shifting.
I’ve also exposed the rifle to various weather conditions, including light rain and temperatures ranging from freezing to moderately hot. The finish on the Talley rings and base has held up remarkably well, with no signs of corrosion or wear. Maintenance is minimal; I simply wipe them down with a clean cloth after each range session. Compared to other mounting systems I’ve used, the TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA offers superior performance and reliability due to its one-piece design and robust construction.
Breaking Down the Features of TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA
Specifications
- Caliber: Specific to Christensen Ridgeline EXT FRNT rifles. This ensures a proper fit and secure mounting.
- Ring Size: 1-inch diameter. This dictates the scope tube diameter that is compatible with the rings.
- MOA: 20 MOA (Minute of Angle) bias. This provides additional elevation adjustment for long-range shooting, allowing shooters to maximize their scope’s capabilities.
- Material: Typically machined from lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum. This material is chosen for its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion.
- Base Type: Integrated ring and base design. This simplifies installation and provides a more rigid and secure mounting platform.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the accuracy and reliability of the rifle’s scope mounting system. The 20 MOA bias is crucial for shooters engaging targets at extended distances, while the integrated design enhances stability and minimizes potential points of failure.
Performance & Functionality
The TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a rock-solid platform for mounting a scope, ensuring consistent accuracy and repeatability. Its primary strength lies in its simplicity and robust construction, leading to fewer potential points of failure compared to multi-piece systems.
The only potential weakness is that the integrated design offers less flexibility in terms of scope placement compared to adjustable bases. However, for most shooters using the intended rifle (Christensen Ridgeline EXT FRNT), this is not a significant issue. It definitely meets my expectations, and it has noticeably improved my long-range shooting capabilities.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent; the TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA is machined from high-quality materials, and the finish is flawless. The low-profile design keeps the scope close to the bore, which can improve accuracy and reduce parallax. Installation is straightforward, and no specialized tools are required beyond basic gunsmithing equipment.
Durability & Maintenance
Given Talley’s reputation and the materials used, I expect the TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA to last for many years. Maintenance is minimal; simply keeping the rings and base clean and free of debris is sufficient. I anticipate that it can handle the rigors of heavy use and harsh environmental conditions with ease.
Accessories and Customization Options
The TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA doesn’t come with any additional accessories, as it’s a self-contained mounting solution. However, it’s compatible with any 1-inch diameter scope designed for use on a rifle with a Picatinny rail. No significant customization is available for this product, emphasizing its simple, robust, and integrated nature.
Pros and Cons of TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA
Pros
- Rock-solid mounting platform: Provides exceptional stability for consistent accuracy.
- Integrated design: Simplifies installation and reduces potential points of failure.
- 20 MOA bias: Increases effective range by allowing for more elevation adjustment.
- High-quality materials: Ensures durability and longevity.
- Low-profile design: Minimizes parallax and improves aesthetics.
Cons
- Limited scope placement flexibility: Integrated design offers less adjustability compared to separate rings and bases.
- Specific rifle compatibility: Designed exclusively for Christensen Ridgeline EXT FRNT rifles.
Who Should Buy TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA?
The TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA is perfect for: hunters and long-range target shooters using a Christensen Ridgeline EXT FRNT rifle who need increased elevation adjustment for extended distances. It is also great for shooters who value simplicity, reliability, and a clean, low-profile design.
Who should skip this product? Anyone who does not own a Christensen Ridgeline EXT FRNT rifle or who requires a more adjustable mounting system for specific scope placement needs.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality scope with sufficient internal adjustment to take full advantage of the 20 MOA bias.
Conclusion on TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA
The TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA is a well-designed and robust mounting solution for Christensen Ridgeline EXT FRNT rifles. It delivers on its promise of providing a rock-solid platform for optics, with the added benefit of a 20 MOA bias for improved long-range capabilities. At $26.99, the price is exceptionally reasonable, considering the quality of materials and workmanship.
I would absolutely recommend the TALLEY RING/BASE LOW 1″ 20MOA to any shooter looking to maximize the performance of their Christensen Ridgeline EXT FRNT rifle and extend their effective range. If you are seeking a simple, reliable, and effective scope mounting solution, look no further.