The Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte Made a Bold First Impression
For years, I’ve relied on my trusty bolt-action rifle for everything from deer hunting in the Appalachian foothills to varmint control on my brother’s ranch. Securing a scope correctly is paramount for consistent accuracy. When my old scope mounting system started showing its age, I knew it was time for an upgrade, and the Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte immediately caught my eye with its promise of flexibility and enhanced magazine access.
My search was driven by the need for a robust and versatile base system that wouldn’t obstruct access to the rifle’s action. I’d been increasingly frustrated by the limitations of my one-piece base, particularly when needing to quickly clear a jam or reload under pressure. I chose the Leupold base system because of the brand’s reputation for quality and the design’s promise of improved accessibility.
Upon unboxing the Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel of the components. The matte finish looked durable and understated, and the bases felt substantial in my hands, assuring me of their ability to withstand recoil and the rigors of field use. The build quality seemed excellent, a testament to Leupold‘s commitment to precision engineering.
Initially, I considered a one-piece Picatinny rail for maximum versatility in scope placement. However, I opted for the Leupold two-piece system after considering its lighter weight and the fact that it allows for easier cleaning and maintenance of the rifle’s action. The other product I considered was the Weaver Grand Slam steel bases, but the Leupold‘s fluted design and reversible feature gave it the edge in terms of aesthetics and adaptability. My first impression was definitely positive; I was eager to get these bases mounted and put them to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte took place at my local shooting range. It was a moderately warm day, around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. I mounted the bases on my Remington 700 .30-06, a rifle I know intimately, and then attached my Leupold VX-3i scope.
The performance was immediately noticeable. The lower profile compared to my previous setup allowed for a more natural cheek weld, improving my shooting posture. The increased accessibility to the action made loading and unloading significantly faster and easier, a crucial factor when seconds count. No issues arose during my first range session; the bases held firm, and my zero remained consistent, even after multiple rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte has proven to be a reliable and durable mounting solution. I’ve used it in diverse conditions, from damp, chilly mornings in the deer stand to dusty afternoons practicing long-range shots. The matte finish has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear despite being exposed to the elements.
Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth keeps the bases in excellent condition. The screws have remained tight, requiring only occasional checks to ensure they stay properly torqued. Compared to my previous mounting system, the Leupold offers significantly improved durability and easier maintenance. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of both performance and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte
Specifications
The Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte features a two-piece design crafted from high-quality steel, offering a solid and stable platform for mounting scopes. The bases are fluted for a customized look, adding a touch of style without compromising functionality. They are finished with a durable matte coating to resist corrosion and glare.
One key feature is the reversible design, which allows the bases to accommodate a wide range of scopes and action lengths, making them highly versatile. The two-piece construction provides greater accessibility to the magazine or breech area, which is essential for quick reloading and clearing malfunctions. These bases are designed to fit both right and left-hand rifles, further enhancing their adaptability.
Performance & Functionality
The Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte performs exceptionally well in providing a secure and reliable mounting platform. The two-piece design offers adequate strength while minimizing weight, and the increased accessibility to the rifle’s action is a significant advantage.
One strength is the simplicity of installation; even without prior experience, most users should be able to mount these bases with basic tools. A potential weakness, though minimal, could be that a two-piece system might not offer quite the same level of rigidity as a one-piece rail for extreme long-range applications, though for typical hunting and recreational shooting, this difference is negligible. Overall, the Leupold bases meet and even slightly exceed expectations, offering a solid and user-friendly mounting solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte is excellent, with precise machining and a durable finish. The bases are lightweight, adding minimal bulk to the rifle. The matte finish not only looks good but also helps to reduce glare, preventing unwanted reflections that could spook game.
The design is inherently user-friendly; the two-piece construction simplifies mounting and allows for unobstructed access to the action. There is virtually no learning curve; even novice shooters will find these bases easy to install and use.
Durability & Maintenance
The high-quality steel construction of the Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte ensures exceptional durability. With proper care, these bases should last for many years, even under harsh conditions.
Maintenance is minimal; regular cleaning with a lightly oiled cloth is usually sufficient to keep them in good condition. The screws should be checked periodically to ensure they remain properly torqued, but this is a simple task that can be done with a basic wrench.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte bases are designed to work with a wide range of Leupold rings, providing ample options for scope placement. While these bases are specifically designed for use with Leupold rings, they are generally compatible with other brands that adhere to the same mounting standards (Weaver style).
The reversible design itself offers a degree of customization, allowing for flexibility in scope placement based on the user’s preferences and the specific dimensions of their scope. Beyond the scope rings themselves, there are no specific accessories or modifications directly related to the bases, as their primary function is to provide a solid mounting platform.
Pros and Cons of Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte
Pros
- Solid and durable steel construction ensures a stable mounting platform.
- Reversible design provides flexibility for various scope and action lengths.
- Fluted design adds a touch of style without compromising functionality.
- Matte finish reduces glare and enhances corrosion resistance.
- Two-piece design offers greater accessibility to the magazine or breech area.
Cons
- Two-piece design may not offer quite the same rigidity as a one-piece rail for extreme long-range shooting.
- Specifically designed for Leupold rings, although compatible with other Weaver-style rings.
Who Should Buy Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte?
The Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte is perfect for hunters who value a reliable and durable scope mounting system that allows for easy access to the rifle’s action. It’s also ideal for recreational shooters who appreciate a simple, yet effective, solution for mounting scopes on bolt-action rifles. The reversible design makes it a great choice for those who own multiple scopes or rifles with different action lengths.
Those involved in precision long-range shooting, where the absolute highest level of rigidity is required, might consider a one-piece Picatinny rail instead. Also, if you prefer a more modern or tactical look, other mounting systems might be more appealing.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality set of Leupold scope rings to ensure a secure and precise fit. A torque wrench is also recommended to avoid over-tightening the screws and potentially damaging the bases or the rifle.
Conclusion on Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte
The Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte offers an excellent balance of durability, versatility, and ease of use. Its solid steel construction and reversible design make it a reliable choice for a wide range of shooters. The increased accessibility to the rifle’s action is a significant advantage, particularly for hunters and those who need to reload quickly.
The price is justified by the quality of the materials and construction, as well as the added convenience of the two-piece design. I would personally recommend the Leupold 2 PC BASE 70 REV REAR Matte to anyone looking for a dependable and adaptable scope mounting solution for their bolt-action rifle. Upgrade your rifle today and experience the difference a quality mounting system can make!