The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black Made a Bold First Impression
When building a lightweight, accurate hunting rifle, every ounce counts. That’s why I was immediately drawn to the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black. This mounting system promised a streamlined, robust, and lightweight solution for attaching my scope to my trusty Remington 700, a rifle I’ve used for years in the rugged backcountry of Montana.
My aging scope mount on my primary hunting rifle was adding unnecessary weight and bulk. I was looking for a mounting solution that shaved weight without sacrificing durability or zero retention. Upon receiving the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black, my initial impression was positive; the matte black finish looked clean and durable. The lightweight design was immediately noticeable.
Compared to bulkier, heavier steel mounts I’ve used in the past, this Leupold combo felt significantly lighter and less cumbersome. I had also considered a one-piece Picatinny rail, but ultimately opted for the Leupold two-piece system to minimize weight. I was excited to test its performance under real-world hunting conditions.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While the lightweight design was appealing, I was initially concerned about its long-term durability. However, the reputation of Leupold for quality optics and accessories gave me confidence.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black at my local range. The mount was installed on my Remington 700 chambered in .30-06 Springfield. Initial setup was straightforward; the two-piece design made aligning the bases relatively easy.
The rings held my Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm scope securely in place, even during rapid firing strings. I experienced no slippage or shifting of the scope. During my range sessions the weather was favorable; it was dry and sunny with temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
After the first range session, I was pleased with the initial performance of the mount. I encountered no immediate issues. The scope remained zeroed, and the mount felt solid and secure.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including a full hunting season in Montana’s challenging terrain, the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black has proven its worth. The mount has endured rain, snow, and temperature extremes ranging from below freezing to well above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. There are no signs of rust or corrosion on the matte black finish.
The mount has remained remarkably durable, showing only minor cosmetic wear. The matte black finish has held up well against scratches and abrasions. Maintenance has been minimal. I’ve simply wiped down the mount with a clean cloth after each use.
Compared to previous, heavier mounts, the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black has exceeded my expectations. Its lightweight design has made a noticeable difference in the overall weight of my rifle. It retains zero reliably, even after being subjected to rough handling.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black
Specifications
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black is specifically designed for the Remington 700 rifle. It accommodates scopes with a 1-inch tube diameter. The “High” ring height provides sufficient clearance for scopes with larger objective lenses.
The system consists of two separate bases and two rings. It’s constructed from lightweight aluminum. This contributes to its overall weight savings. The bases are designed to be mounted directly to the Remington 700 receiver.
The rings feature a reversible front ring design. This allows for greater flexibility in scope placement. This helps accommodate varying scope lengths and eye relief requirements. The matte black finish reduces glare and provides a low-profile look.
Performance & Functionality
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black performs admirably in its primary function: securely mounting a scope to a rifle. Accuracy is maintained reliably even with repeated firing and rough handling. The robust construction and secure ring design ensure the scope remains zeroed.
A key strength is its lightweight design. This significantly reduces the overall weight of the rifle, making it ideal for backcountry hunting. One potential weakness is that, unlike a one-piece Picatinny rail, it offers less flexibility in terms of accessory mounting. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a lightweight, reliable scope mount.
Design & Ergonomics
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black boasts a clean, minimalist design. The aluminum construction keeps the weight down. The matte black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
The two-piece design simplifies installation. No specialized tools or gunsmithing experience is required. The reversible front ring design is a thoughtful touch, allowing for fine-tuning of scope placement.
Durability & Maintenance
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black is built to last. The high-quality aluminum and durable finish ensure long-term reliability. I expect this mount to provide years of service with minimal maintenance.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth is usually sufficient. The matte black finish is resistant to corrosion and scratches.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black does not come with any included accessories beyond the bases and rings themselves. Because it uses standard 1-inch rings, it is compatible with any 1-inch tube scope. It is designed specifically for the Remington 700 platform.
Pros and Cons of Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black
Pros
- Lightweight design is ideal for backcountry hunting.
- Durable aluminum construction ensures long-term reliability.
- Reversible front ring allows for flexible scope placement.
- Easy to install without specialized tools.
- Maintains zero reliably even under harsh conditions.
Cons
- Two-piece design offers less flexibility for accessory mounting compared to a Picatinny rail.
- Limited to 1-inch tube scopes.
Who Should Buy Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black?
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black is perfect for hunters seeking to minimize the weight of their Remington 700 rifle. It’s also a great choice for anyone who prioritizes simplicity and reliability in their scope mounting system. Backcountry hunters who often hike long distances and value every ounce of weight saved will appreciate the lightweight design.
This product may not be ideal for those who require extensive accessory mounting options, such as night vision or thermal devices. They would be better served by a Picatinny rail system. Those wanting to mount scopes with larger than 1 inch tubes should also skip this product.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality scope with a 1-inch tube to complement the mount’s capabilities. A torque wrench is also recommended for proper installation and to prevent over-tightening the screws.
Conclusion on Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black offers a compelling blend of lightweight design, durability, and ease of use. Its primary purpose is to mount a 1-inch tube scope securely to a Remington 700, and it accomplishes this task admirably. The price of $72.99 is justified by its performance and quality.
I would personally recommend this product to anyone looking to shave weight off their hunting rifle without sacrificing reliability. The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Front Rem 700 1″ High Matte Black is a solid investment for serious hunters. It’s time to lighten your load and improve your accuracy; equip your Remington 700 with this excellent mounting system and experience the difference for yourself.