The EGW Ruger American Short Action scope base gives you a rock-solid foundation for optics on your Ruger American short-action rifle without breaking out the drill press. This one-piece Picatinny rail mounts directly to your rifle's factory scope mount holes, so installation is straightforward: line it up, torque it down, and you're ready to ring steel. It's machined from 6061 T6 aluminum—the same material used in quality tactical gear—so you get rigidity without unnecessary weight.
If you've ever wrestled with eye relief, you know the value of flexibility. The Picatinny slot-and-rail design lets you slide your rings forward or back quickly and easily, dialing in the perfect sight picture for your face and your shooting position. Since it accepts both Picatinny and Weaver rings, you aren't locked into one brand of optics or forced to buy new rings if you swap scopes. The cross-slots are gauged to MIL-STD 1913 specs (±.002"), which means fit and repeatability you can trust shot after shot.
EGW designed the Tactical version with a milled center channel that shaves weight where it counts, up on the gun. The base ships with socket head Torx screws and the wrench you need to install it; EGW recommends 20 inch-lbs of torque and a small drop of blue loctite to lock everything in place permanently. This is the kind of detail-oriented engineering that keeps your zero stable through hard use.
Key Features
- One-piece Picatinny rail base for Ruger American Short Action receivers
- Fits factory scope mount holes—no drilling or tapping required
- Accepts both Picatinny and Weaver scope rings for maximum compatibility
- Machined from 6061 T6 aluminum for strength and light weight
- Adjustable eye relief via sliding ring design on Picatinny rails
- Full-width cross-slots gauged to MIL-STD 1913 ±.002" specs
- Milled center channel design reduces weight on the rifle
- Includes socket head Torx screws and installation wrench
Specifications
| Brand | EGW |
| Product Type | Scope Base |
| Rifle Fit | Ruger American Short Action |
| MOA Elevation | 0 MOA |
| Rail Type | Picatinny |
| Ring Compatibility | Picatinny or Weaver rings |
| Material | 6061 T6 Aluminum |
| Cross-Slot Tolerance | ±.002" (MIL-STD 1913) |
| Recommended Torque | 20 inch-lbs |
| Included Hardware | Socket head Torx screws and wrench |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this base fit my Ruger American rifle without modification?
Yes. The EGW base is drilled to match the factory scope mount holes on the Ruger American Short Action receiver, so installation requires no drilling or tapping.
Can I use Weaver rings with this base, or only Picatinny?
Either one. The base features Picatinny slots that accept both Picatinny and Weaver scope rings, giving you flexibility in choosing your optics setup.
What comes in the box?
The base ships with socket head Torx screws and the wrench needed to install it. EGW recommends applying blue loctite and torquing to 20 inch-lbs for permanent mounting.
How does the Tactical version differ from standard?
The Tactical version includes a milled center channel that reduces weight while maintaining the rigidity and precision of the one-piece design.

