The Weaver GrandSlam Winchester 70 Dovetail Rifle Base Made a Bold First Impression
The Weaver GrandSlam Winchester 70 Dovetail Rifle Base is a seemingly simple, yet crucial component in the world of precision shooting. Manufactured by Weaver, these bases are designed to provide a stable and reliable platform for mounting optics on the venerable Winchester Model 70 rifle. My journey to acquiring this base began with a frustrating experience: inconsistent accuracy with my beloved pre-’64 Model 70. I suspected the aging, and frankly inadequate, scope mounting system was to blame.
Unboxing the Weaver GrandSlam Winchester 70 Dovetail Rifle Base, I was immediately struck by the solid feel of the steel construction. The matte finish appeared durable, promising to withstand the rigors of field use. At a mere $8.99, my initial thought was “too good to be true,” but I remained optimistic. These bases promised a significant improvement over the older, more generic options, namely a tighter fit and more secure mounting.
Compared to a universal, aluminum base I’d considered, the Weaver offered a specific, tailored fit for the Winchester 70. Also, I passed on some Picatinny rail options because I wanted to maintain a classic look on this vintage rifle. I was hoping for a significant upgrade in stability and confidence in my zero, and my initial impression was cautiously optimistic, perhaps even a little excited at the prospect of bringing new life to my old faithful rifle.
Real-World Testing: Putting Weaver GrandSlam Winchester 70 Dovetail Rifle Base to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Weaver GrandSlam Winchester 70 Dovetail Rifle Base came during a precision shooting session at my local range. Installation was straightforward, requiring only a few minutes and a proper gunsmithing screwdriver set. The fit was snug and precise on my pre-’64 Winchester 70, immediately inspiring confidence compared to the loosey-goosey fit of the older base. I tested the setup under sunny conditions with temperatures in the mid-70s.
After mounting my scope and bore-sighting, I began shooting groups at 100 yards. The most noticeable difference was the consistency of my groups. The rifle, equipped with the Weaver GrandSlam Winchester 70 Dovetail Rifle Base, finally felt like it was living up to its potential. After the first string of shots, I removed the scope and remounted it just to test return to zero. It held zero well.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Weaver GrandSlam Winchester 70 Dovetail Rifle Base has proven its worth. I’ve taken my Winchester 70 on several hunting trips in varied conditions, from crisp autumn mornings to damp, foggy afternoons. The base has held up beautifully, showing no signs of loosening or shifting. There’s no evidence of rust, either, which is a great indicator of the finish quality.
Cleaning and maintenance are minimal; a simple wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth is all that’s needed. The base hasn’t required any adjustments or tightening since the initial installation. It vastly outperforms the original base that came with the rifle, which was prone to shifting and requiring frequent adjustments. It gives me confidence in any environment.
Breaking Down the Features of Weaver GrandSlam Winchester 70 Dovetail Rifle Base
Specifications
- Product Name: Weaver GrandSlam Winchester 70 Dovetail Rifle Base. This identifies the specific product being reviewed, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
- Compatibility: Winchester 70 (.860 Spacing). This is critical for ensuring proper fit; verify your rifle’s spacing before purchasing.
- Construction: Steel. Steel provides superior strength and durability compared to aluminum bases, especially important for larger caliber rifles.
- Finish: Matte. The matte finish reduces glare and reflections, crucial for avoiding spooking game.
- Mount Type: Dovetail. This is a traditional and reliable mounting system, known for its strength and simplicity.
Performance & Functionality
The Weaver GrandSlam Winchester 70 Dovetail Rifle Base excels in its primary function: providing a stable and secure platform for optics. The precise fit ensures repeatable accuracy, which is critical for ethical hunting and precision shooting. It’s a simple, effective solution for mounting a scope.
The strength and rigidity of the steel construction eliminate any worries about scope slippage under recoil. The only area where improvement might be desired is in offering a wider range of mounting options for more modern optic setups, but the dovetail design serves its intended purpose perfectly. It certainly meets and exceeds expectations given the price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Weaver GrandSlam Winchester 70 Dovetail Rifle Base features a low-profile design that doesn’t interfere with the rifle’s handling or aesthetics. The steel construction adds a bit of weight, but it’s negligible and contributes to overall stability. Installation is straightforward and requires only basic tools.
There isn’t much of a learning curve with this base. Any experienced shooter familiar with dovetail mounts will find it intuitive. The design prioritizes function over form, resulting in a simple, yet effective mounting solution.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from steel, the Weaver GrandSlam Winchester 70 Dovetail Rifle Base is built to last. It will likely outlive the rifle itself with proper care. Maintenance is minimal; cleaning with a lightly oiled cloth is sufficient to prevent rust and corrosion.
The robust construction and simple design make it unlikely to require any repairs. Its durability is a major selling point. It holds up in adverse weather conditions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Weaver GrandSlam Winchester 70 Dovetail Rifle Base doesn’t come with any accessories, as it’s simply a base for mounting other components. Customization is limited to the choice of scope rings that fit the dovetail mount. While not offering the modularity of a Picatinny rail, the dovetail design is compatible with a wide variety of traditional scope rings.
The focus here is on compatibility with traditional Winchester 70 scope mounting systems, not extensive customization. This keeps the rifle true to its original design. The price doesn’t allow for fancy options.
Pros and Cons of Weaver GrandSlam Winchester 70 Dovetail Rifle Base
Pros
- Precise fit for Winchester Model 70 rifles, ensuring repeatable accuracy.
- Durable steel construction provides a stable and secure mounting platform.
- Matte finish reduces glare and reflections, ideal for hunting.
- Simple and easy installation, requiring only basic tools.
- Extremely affordable, offering excellent value for the price.
Cons
- Limited to dovetail scope rings, lacking the versatility of Picatinny rails.
- May require lapping of scope rings for perfect alignment (common with dovetail systems).
Who Should Buy Weaver GrandSlam Winchester 70 Dovetail Rifle Base?
Perfect for: Hunters and recreational shooters who own a Winchester Model 70 and want a reliable and affordable scope mounting solution. It is also well-suited for those who prefer a traditional setup over more modern, modular systems. Also, the base is excellent for those who have a .860 spacing and are looking for a dovetail base.
Who should skip this product? Shooters who require the modularity and versatility of a Picatinny rail system, or those who are unwilling to work with a dovetail mounting system. They should seek out other types of mounts.
Must-have accessories or modifications? High-quality dovetail scope rings and a gunsmithing screwdriver set for proper installation are essential. It is often recommended to lap the scope rings to ensure perfect alignment and prevent scope damage.
Conclusion on Weaver GrandSlam Winchester 70 Dovetail Rifle Base
The Weaver GrandSlam Winchester 70 Dovetail Rifle Base is an exceptional value for anyone seeking a reliable and affordable scope mounting solution for their Winchester Model 70. Its precise fit, durable steel construction, and simple design make it a winner. At just $8.99, the price is more than justified.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this base to any Winchester 70 owner looking to improve their rifle’s accuracy and reliability without breaking the bank. It brought new life to my old rifle. Upgrade your setup today!