First Thoughts on the Warne 768820MOA Mountain Tech 20MOA Base For Winchester XPR Short Action Picatinny/Weaver Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish
As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless scope bases come and go. The Warne 768820MOA Mountain Tech 20MOA Base For Winchester XPR Short Action Picatinny/Weaver Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish immediately grabbed my attention with its promise of precision and durability, crucial for serious shooters. This base aims to provide a solid and reliable mounting platform for optics on the Winchester XPR short action rifle, and its 20 MOA cant is specifically designed for extending the effective range of your rifle.
My need for this particular base stemmed from a recent project: building a dedicated long-range hunting rifle based on the Winchester XPR action. I wanted to ensure I had enough elevation adjustment in my scope to reach out to ethical hunting distances without maxing out the scope’s internal adjustments. I chose the Warne base because of their reputation for producing high-quality, rugged mounting solutions.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed with the base’s solid feel and clean finish. The black hard coat anodized finish appeared flawless, promising both corrosion resistance and a sleek aesthetic. Its weight felt substantial enough to inspire confidence, without being overly bulky. It screamed quality.
Compared to a budget-friendly steel base I had considered, the Warne Mountain Tech base felt noticeably more refined. A Nightforce base was another option, but at almost three times the cost, the Warne seemed to offer a great balance of quality and affordability. My initial reaction was excitement; this looked like a serious piece of kit that would perform admirably.
Real-World Testing: Putting Warne 768820MOA Mountain Tech 20MOA Base For Winchester XPR Short Action Picatinny/Weaver Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Warne 768820MOA Mountain Tech 20MOA Base was at a local shooting range known for its challenging wind conditions. I was zeroing my newly built XPR at 100 yards before moving out to longer distances. The base mounted easily to the receiver using the provided screws, feeling exceptionally secure and stable.
The mounting process itself was straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a torque wrench to ensure proper tension. Throughout the initial zeroing process and subsequent practice, the base remained rock-solid. The 20MOA cant immediately proved useful, allowing me to easily zero my scope without using excessive internal elevation adjustment. I experienced no issues with slippage or shifting, even after repeated firing of heavier grain bullets.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple trips to the range and a challenging week-long elk hunt in the backcountry of Montana, the Warne base has continued to impress. It has endured temperature swings, rain, and dusty conditions without showing any signs of corrosion or loosening. The finish remains pristine, resisting scratches and wear remarkably well.
Maintaining the base is incredibly simple; a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session is all it takes. Compared to previous experiences with cheaper bases that often required re-tightening or showed signs of rust, the Warne base has significantly outperformed my expectations. It instilled confidence in my rifle’s ability to maintain zero, a critical factor for ethical hunting.
Breaking Down the Features of Warne 768820MOA Mountain Tech 20MOA Base For Winchester XPR Short Action Picatinny/Weaver Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish
Specifications
The Warne 768820MOA Mountain Tech 20MOA Base is specifically designed for the Winchester XPR Short Action rifle. It features a Picatinny/Weaver style rail, providing compatibility with a wide range of scope rings and accessories. The base is constructed from high-quality aluminum, known for its strength-to-weight ratio.
The black hard coat anodized finish offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability. Its most important feature is the 20 MOA (Minute of Angle) built-in cant, which provides additional elevation adjustment for long-range shooting. It is designed to ensure the secure mounting of optics. This is a lightweight yet robust mounting solution.
Performance & Functionality
The Warne 768820MOA Mountain Tech 20MOA Base excels at providing a stable and precise platform for mounting optics. Its primary function is to ensure that your scope remains securely attached to the rifle, maintaining zero even under recoil. The 20 MOA cant is particularly beneficial for shooters engaging targets at longer distances, as it allows the scope to operate closer to its optical center, maximizing image quality and adjustment range.
The base meets and exceeds expectations in terms of stability and ease of installation. The only minor area for potential improvement might be offering different MOA options for shooters with varying long-range needs. The strength of this base is its ability to maintain zero through heavy use.
Design & Ergonomics
The Warne Mountain Tech base is designed with a focus on functionality and durability. The aluminum construction keeps the weight down, preventing the rifle from becoming excessively heavy. The black anodized finish not only provides protection but also gives the base a sleek and professional appearance.
The base is user-friendly, requiring only basic tools for installation. The Picatinny/Weaver rail design offers maximum flexibility in terms of scope ring placement and accessory mounting. There is virtually no learning curve associated with its use.
Durability & Maintenance
The hard coat anodized finish ensures that the base will withstand years of use and exposure to the elements. Regular maintenance is minimal, consisting primarily of keeping the base clean and free of debris. Its robust construction means it is built to last.
With proper care, this base should provide reliable performance for the lifetime of the rifle.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Warne 768820MOA Mountain Tech 20MOA Base does not come with any additional accessories beyond the necessary mounting screws. However, its Picatinny/Weaver rail design makes it compatible with a vast array of aftermarket scope rings and other accessories. Shooters can choose from a wide variety of rings to suit their specific scope and shooting style.
It is compatible with popular brands like Nightforce, Leupold, and Vortex. The base itself doesn’t require modification, but the choice of rings and scope will influence overall performance.
Pros and Cons of Warne 768820MOA Mountain Tech 20MOA Base For Winchester XPR Short Action Picatinny/Weaver Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish
Pros
- Rock-solid mounting platform: Provides exceptional stability for your scope, ensuring consistent accuracy.
- 20 MOA cant: Maximizes elevation adjustment for long-range shooting.
- Durable construction: Made from high-quality aluminum with a hard coat anodized finish for long-lasting performance.
- Easy installation: Requires only basic tools and minimal effort to mount.
- Compatible with Picatinny/Weaver rails: Works with a wide range of scope rings and accessories.
Cons
- Limited to the Winchester XPR short action: Not a universal base.
- Fixed 20 MOA cant: May not be ideal for all shooting scenarios or scopes.
Who Should Buy Warne 768820MOA Mountain Tech 20MOA Base For Winchester XPR Short Action Picatinny/Weaver Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish?
This base is perfect for hunters and long-range shooters who own a Winchester XPR short action rifle and want to extend their effective range. It’s also ideal for anyone looking for a durable and reliable mounting solution that will withstand harsh conditions. Anyone building a dedicated long-range hunting or target rifle on the XPR platform will greatly benefit.
If you primarily shoot at shorter distances or don’t need the additional elevation adjustment provided by the 20 MOA cant, you might consider a flat base instead. The most essential accessory would be a quality set of scope rings.
Conclusion on Warne 768820MOA Mountain Tech 20MOA Base For Winchester XPR Short Action Picatinny/Weaver Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish
The Warne 768820MOA Mountain Tech 20MOA Base For Winchester XPR Short Action Picatinny/Weaver Style Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish is a high-quality, well-designed product that delivers exceptional performance. For $59.00, it offers an excellent value proposition, providing a stable and reliable mounting platform for your scope. The 20 MOA cant is a significant advantage for long-range shooters, and the durable construction ensures that it will withstand years of use.
I would definitely recommend this base to anyone building or upgrading a Winchester XPR short action rifle for long-range applications. Invest in this Warne base, mount your optic with confidence, and start reaching out to those distant targets!