Does quality of picatinny base matter?

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doodie

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I know that quality scope rings are important, but how about the picatinny base?
Can I just slap a less expensive Leupold picatinny base on my Tikka? Or should I go for a higher quality steel base?

Right now i'm comparing these two:
20 MOA is not a requirement as I probably won't be shooting beyond 600 yards.

https://www.reliablegun.com/en/leupold-optics-scope-base-1-piece-backcountry-cross-slot-fits-tikka-t3t3x-matte-black
https://warnescopemounts.com/product/m6t3-20moa-tikka-t3-1-piece-tactical-rail-20moa-matte/
 
Both of those should be well made, well machined bases. I didn't see where it said what the Leupold was made of (Al or Steel) but either work fine for all but the heaviest recoiling calibers (like 50 bmg, etc). For what it's worth, you might as well get a 20 MOA base though as it doesn't in any way handicap you and if you eventually do stretch your rifle out, you'll have more elevation available without holding over.
 
one area overlooked is the action itself... unfortunately, some are not true and bolting on a straight rail onto an action that is not, simply bends the rail and solves nothing.

Simple check, put the rail on the action and see if it wobbles around... it shouldn't. There should be no rocking or tipping. it should just sit evenly ontop. Push down at each end and see if the other lifts off the action... sure signs things are not plumb.

if the rail is rocking, you should consider bedding the rail so that the rail is unstressed when bolted down. now the rings can be true and hold the scope properly.

With quality brands of rails, I have yet to see one that was not true but I have bumped into enough uneven actions to check that as part of the install.

If I can help with a rail, please let me know Thanks

Jerry
 
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