First Thoughts on the Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black
The Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black base is a seemingly simple, yet crucial piece of equipment for any serious long-range shooter using the Ruger American platform. This one-piece Picatinny rail aims to provide a solid and reliable mounting platform for optics, while also introducing a 20 MOA bias to maximize the usable elevation adjustment in your scope. Ruger rifles are known for their accuracy and value, and this base promises to enhance both by allowing shooters to reach out to greater distances.
My journey to finding this product was driven by the desire to push the effective range of my .308 Ruger American. I was consistently running out of elevation adjustment on my scope when attempting shots beyond 600 yards. After exhausting other options, I realized a 20 MOA base was the logical solution to unlock the full potential of my rifle and optic combination.
Upon receiving the Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black, I was immediately impressed by the clean machining and solid feel of the aluminum. The matte black finish seamlessly matched my rifle’s existing aesthetic. Compared to cheaper, cast-aluminum alternatives, this base felt like a substantial upgrade in both quality and durability.
Initially, I considered a two-piece base system. However, I ultimately chose the one-piece design for its inherent strength and potential for improved accuracy through better scope alignment. My first impression was overwhelmingly positive; the base appeared to be exactly what I needed to extend my shooting capabilities.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black came at a local shooting range known for its extended distances. I mounted my Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 scope using quality rings, ensuring everything was torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications. The installation process was straightforward, thanks to the provided TORX screws and wrench.
During the initial zeroing process, I immediately noticed the increased downward travel I now had in my scope. This was precisely the benefit I was hoping for; I had significantly more adjustment range compared to the factory setup. Shooting in relatively mild conditions (70 degrees Fahrenheit, slight breeze), I was able to confidently dial in shots out to 800 yards, something that was previously impossible.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my rifle. The base remains firmly attached to the receiver, with no signs of loosening or shifting. The hardcoat anodized finish has held up well against minor scrapes and bumps encountered during transport and handling.
Maintaining the base is incredibly simple; a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each range session is all that’s required. Compared to my previous experiences with less-expensive bases that exhibited finish wear and loosening screws, this one has been a significant improvement. The Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black has consistently exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black
Specifications
The Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black boasts several key specifications that contribute to its overall effectiveness. The 20 MOA (Minutes of Angle) bias is arguably the most critical, tilting the scope slightly downwards to provide extra elevation adjustment for long-range shooting. The base is constructed from billet aluminum, ensuring a lightweight yet rigid platform for mounting optics.
Its compatibility with Ruger American Short Action rifles guarantees a precise fit to the factory mounting holes. The rail adheres to MIL-STD Picatinny specifications, accepting both Picatinny and Weaver scope rings. Finally, the matte black hardcoat anodized finish provides excellent corrosion resistance and a non-reflective surface.
Performance & Functionality
The Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black excels at its primary job: providing a stable and elevated mounting platform for optics. The 20 MOA bias dramatically improves the usable range of my scope, allowing me to consistently hit targets at distances previously unattainable. The accuracy and reliability of the base are exceptional, eliminating any concerns about scope movement or shifting point of impact.
While the base performs flawlessly, a minor improvement could be to include thread-locking compound for the mounting screws. This would offer an extra layer of security against loosening, although I haven’t personally experienced any issues without it. Overall, the base meets and exceeds my expectations for long-range shooting performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black is simple, yet effective. The build quality is excellent, with clean machining and a smooth finish. The lightweight aluminum construction adds minimal weight to the rifle, maintaining a comfortable balance.
Installation is straightforward, even for those with limited gunsmithing experience. The provided TORX screws and wrench are a nice touch, ensuring proper installation without the need for additional tools. There’s virtually no learning curve associated with using this base; it’s a simple “install and go” upgrade.
Durability & Maintenance
The Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black is built to last. The billet aluminum construction and hardcoat anodized finish provide excellent resistance to wear, corrosion, and impact. With proper care, this base should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is incredibly simple; a quick wipe-down with a clean, lightly oiled cloth is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. The base is also easily removable for thorough cleaning of the rifle’s receiver. Its durable construction and simple maintenance requirements make this a great long-term investment.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black comes with the necessary TORX mounting screws and a T-10 wrench for installation. The primary customization option is the choice of scope rings, as the base accepts both Picatinny and Weaver styles. This allows users to select rings based on their preferred height, material, and quick-detach features.
While the base itself doesn’t offer extensive customization, it opens up a world of possibilities for scope selection and long-range shooting accessories. Its compatibility with standard Picatinny rings ensures a wide range of options for optimizing your rifle setup.
Pros and Cons of Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black
Pros
- Dramatically increases usable scope elevation for long-range shooting. This is the primary benefit and makes it invaluable for extending your effective range.
- Provides a rock-solid mounting platform for optics. The one-piece design and billet aluminum construction ensure stability and repeatable accuracy.
- Easy to install with included hardware. The provided TORX screws and wrench simplify the installation process.
- Durable hardcoat anodized finish resists wear and corrosion. This ensures long-lasting performance in various environmental conditions.
- Affordable price point offers excellent value. Compared to other 20 MOA bases, this one provides exceptional performance at a reasonable cost.
Cons
- No thread-locking compound included for mounting screws. While not essential, it would be a nice addition.
- May require higher scope rings depending on scope objective size. Some scopes may require taller rings to clear the barrel due to the added height of the base.
Who Should Buy Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black?
The Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black is perfect for long-range target shooters and hunters who want to maximize the effective range of their Ruger American rifle. It is also ideal for competitive shooters who need every advantage to consistently hit distant targets. Anyone looking to improve their scope’s elevation adjustment range will benefit from this simple and effective upgrade.
This product may not be necessary for those who primarily shoot at shorter distances (under 300 yards) or who are content with the factory scope mounting system. Additionally, those who are completely unfamiliar with scope mounting or gunsmithing may want to seek professional assistance with installation.
A must-have accessory to pair with this base is a quality set of scope rings. Choosing rings that are appropriately sized for your scope’s objective lens is crucial for achieving proper eye alignment and preventing any contact between the scope and barrel.
Conclusion on Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black
The Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black is a well-designed and highly effective upgrade for any Ruger American short action rifle. It provides a stable mounting platform for optics and significantly increases the usable elevation adjustment, allowing shooters to reach out to greater distances with confidence. The Ruger base justifies its price point with its durable construction, ease of installation, and tangible performance benefits.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this base to anyone looking to enhance the long-range capabilities of their Ruger American rifle. It’s a simple and affordable modification that delivers significant improvements in accuracy and shooting enjoyment. If you’re ready to take your shooting to the next level, the Ruger American Rifle 20 MOA Ruger American Short Action Picatinny Matte Black is an excellent investment. Go ahead and buy it, you won’t regret it!