Talley Picatinny Base, Short Action Review

Let’s Dive into Talley Picatinny Base, Short Action

The Talley Picatinny Base, Short Action is a meticulously crafted mounting solution designed to provide a stable and versatile platform for optics and accessories. Manufactured by Talley, renowned for their precision and quality, this base is built from robust 7075 T6 alloy. Its compatibility with both Mil-Spec Picatinny and Weaver-style rings makes it an attractive option for a wide array of rifles and shooting applications.

I was facing persistent accuracy issues with my custom-built short action rifle. The existing scope mount felt flimsy, leading to inconsistent groupings at longer ranges. I needed a rock-solid base that wouldn’t budge, even under heavy recoil, and that offered maximum flexibility in optic placement.

Upon unboxing, the Talley Picatinny Base, Short Action immediately impressed me with its clean, matte black finish and solid feel. The 7075 T6 alloy felt substantial, promising durability without adding excessive weight. It had a quality look and feel that inspired confidence.

I considered bases from Warne and Leupold, but ultimately chose the Talley due to its reputation for exceptional tolerances and the included mounting hardware. The Talley seemed like the best balance of price, quality, and ease of installation. My initial impression was overwhelmingly positive; this seemed like a significant upgrade.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Talley Picatinny Base, Short Action to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Talley Picatinny Base, Short Action on my Savage 10 short action rifle at my local shooting range. The weather was mild and sunny, perfect for zeroing a new scope. Installation was straightforward using the included T15 Torx wrench and mounting screws.

The base performed flawlessly. Even after repeated volleys of .308 rounds, the scope remained securely mounted, and zero held perfectly. It instilled confidence. There were no slippage or loosening of screws, even during rapid fire drills.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Talley Picatinny Base, Short Action continues to impress me. It has endured multiple range sessions, a hunting trip in the rugged terrain of the Cascade Mountains, and countless cleaning cycles. The finish remains intact, with no signs of chipping or corrosion.

The base shows no signs of wear and tear, despite exposure to rain, mud, and temperature fluctuations. Regular cleaning with a CLP (Clean, Lubricate, Protect) solution is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. Compared to my previous aluminum base, which showed significant wear after a single hunting season, the Talley is a clear winner.

Breaking Down the Features of Talley Picatinny Base, Short Action

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Talley.
• Color: Black.
• Finish: Matte, which minimizes glare and reflections.
• Fabric/Material: 7075 T6 Alloy, offering excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
• Hand: Ambidextrous, suitable for both right- and left-handed shooters.
• Action Length: Short Action, designed specifically for short action rifles.
• Gun Type: Rifle.
• Weight: 3 oz, keeping overall rifle weight to a minimum.
• Included Accessories: Mounting screws & T15 Torx wrench.
• Condition: New.
• Country of Origin: USA, signifying quality craftsmanship.
• The use of 7075 T6 alloy is a crucial spec because it guarantees high tensile strength and resistance to deformation, ensuring the base remains stable even under extreme recoil. This contributes to consistent accuracy.
• The matte black finish minimizes light reflection, preventing the base from giving away your position in tactical or hunting situations.

Performance & Functionality

The Talley Picatinny Base, Short Action performs exactly as intended: it provides a stable, secure platform for mounting optics. Its precise machining ensures a tight, consistent fit with the rifle receiver and any compatible rings. Accuracy is greatly improved by maintaining a secure zero.

The base is exceptionally reliable, with no reported cases of failure or shifting under recoil. It fully meets expectations, offering superior performance compared to cheaper, less robust options. The only potential area for slight improvement might be a slightly extended length to allow for even more optic placement flexibility, but the current length is perfectly adequate for most applications.

Design & Ergonomics

The Talley Picatinny Base, Short Action boasts a simple yet effective design. The low profile and matte finish integrate seamlessly with the rifle’s aesthetics. It’s ergonomically sound, adding minimal bulk and weight to the firearm.

The build quality is top-notch, with clean lines and precise machining. The base feels solid in hand, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand heavy use. The installation process is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and mechanical knowledge.

Durability & Maintenance

The Talley Picatinny Base, Short Action is designed to last a lifetime. The robust 7075 T6 alloy and durable matte finish ensure resistance to corrosion, wear, and tear. With proper care, it will likely outlast the rifle itself.

Maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning with a mild solvent and a brush is sufficient to remove dirt and debris. No special tools or procedures are required for cleaning or inspection.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Talley Picatinny Base, Short Action itself doesn’t come with a vast array of accessories, but its universal Picatinny rail design allows for extensive customization. It readily accepts any Mil-Spec Picatinny or Weaver-style rings, opening the door to a wide range of optics, including scopes, red dots, and magnifiers. It also can accept accessories like lasers and lights.

The base is compatible with various brands of rings, including Talley, Leupold, Nightforce, and Badger Ordnance. This flexibility makes it easy to tailor your rifle to your specific needs and preferences. The included mounting screws and wrench are high quality.

Pros and Cons of Talley Picatinny Base, Short Action