First time Installing a scope. I know I need rings but do I also need a base?

While installing bases,rings and the scope isn't difficult with right tools,it can be a problem without. Yes,each rifle has specific bases that match to it,for example Browning A-Bolt bases aren't the same as X-Bolt,Rem 700 bases aren't same as a Winchester M-70,etc. And some rifles like the Ruger M-77 and CZ 550 have integral rails machined into the receiver to use factory rings but are also drilled and tapped for bases. There are different type bases/rings too,Weaver style and Leupold Dove Tail or T-Locks,Millet, few more.

For working on guns you don't want to just use standard screwdrivers,you should have hollow ground flat tip drivers and scope hardware is attached with specific torque values in Inch/pounds and not Foot/Pounds,big difference. Also most people use a non-permanent Loc-Tite to keep the screws from drifting. If you buy the scope and rings/bases or sometimes just the hardware a good shop will mount the scope for you and Bore Sight it. There are times when taking your rifle/scope to the shop/Sport store is a great option,especially with large objective lens scopes so you can set both ring height and eye relief at same time so there isn't interference on the barrel/receiver slope where it meets the Objective bell.

Ideally you want to take your set-up and have the rings lapped and bar aligned before final mounting so you know there aren't any tweaks or burrs,some do it on every rifle and while it is seen as a luxury for most, it can be useful. Having a way to make sure you're level with the scope and rifle comes in handy too,that way the scope isn't canted and your windage/elevation adjustments will be true instead of tangent to the adjustment.

So, you certainly can do the mounting yourself,just be aware of the little things that can be done also.

Obviously you need a base, as a scope and rings don't foat in space. However, the kind of base you need or whether it is already installed or built into the rifle is completely dependent on what rifle you have. If you have an AR-15 with a flat top, then the picatinney rail is your built in base. If you have a Ruger American, then it has been drilled and tapped and the bases are included (that you may have to attach). If you have a Winchester Model 70, then you need to get bases and rings specific for that rifle (and they have rings with built in bases as well).

Bottom line, without know the rifle you are installing a scope on, there is not much more anyone can say, then YES, there needs to be something you attach your rings to on the rifle.

Some Ruger (Ranch Rifle) rifles and some smaller caliber rifles have a dovetail groove cut from the factory and just needs rings.

If you do not have a Picatinny rail or pre-drilled threads then you have to resort to the many other alternatives.

There is a way to put a scope mount on any rifle.

NOTE; If it is any of our business...you could mention the rifle you want a scope on.

The make and model of your rifle ? Also the scope . You are about to learn a lot about rifles and scopes . You can learn it but it just takes some understanding and time to get there .

You need a base. You also need something to hold your rifle perfectly perpendicular to a floor and a nice level wall/floor line to aim at so your scope get mounted straight.

Depends upon what rifle you have.