The Weaver Mounts Multi-Slot Ruger American Short Action Extended Black Anodized Made a Bold First Impression
For years, I’ve appreciated the rugged simplicity and accuracy of the Ruger American rifle. But the factory mounting options always felt a bit limiting, especially when trying to optimize eye relief with different scopes or adding night vision clip-ons. That’s why the Weaver Mounts Multi-Slot Ruger American Short Action Extended Black Anodized base immediately caught my eye.
My primary motivation was to gain greater flexibility in scope placement without resorting to cumbersome extension rings. I’d been wrestling with a specific long eye relief scope on my Ruger American, and the standard base just wasn’t cutting it. Upon unboxing, the Weaver Mounts base felt solid and well-machined. The black anodized finish was clean and consistent, suggesting a product built to last.
I considered a few other options, including some Picatinny rails from other manufacturers. Ultimately, I chose the Weaver Mounts base because of its reputation for precise fit and the integrated recoil lug, a feature I value for maintaining zero. My first impression was one of cautious optimism. Could this seemingly simple piece of aluminum actually solve my scope mounting woes and enhance the rifle’s versatility? Only time and testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Weaver Mounts Multi-Slot Ruger American Short Action Extended Black Anodized to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was the local shooting range, where I subjected the Weaver Mounts Multi-Slot Ruger American Short Action Extended Black Anodized base to various conditions. I mounted a Vortex Viper PST Gen II scope and ran through a series of accuracy tests at 100 and 200 yards. The weather was slightly damp, which initially concerned me, but the base remained securely mounted.
Installation was straightforward, thanks to the included Torx screws and the precise machining of the base. The added inch of forward length proved immediately beneficial, allowing me to achieve perfect eye relief without any compromises. After the initial zeroing, the rifle maintained consistent accuracy throughout the session. I was impressed by the stability provided by the Weaver Mounts base.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Weaver Mounts Multi-Slot Ruger American Short Action Extended Black Anodized base has continued to impress. I’ve taken the rifle on a couple of backcountry hunts, exposing it to rough terrain and varying weather conditions. Despite the bumps and jostles, the base remains firmly attached, and my zero has remained consistent.
There are no visible signs of wear and tear beyond some minor cosmetic scuffs. Cleaning and maintaining the base is a breeze. A simple wipe-down with a cloth is all it takes to keep it looking like new. Compared to my previous experiences with less robust mounting solutions, the Weaver Mounts base has exceeded my expectations, providing a solid and reliable platform for my optics.
Breaking Down the Features of Weaver Mounts Multi-Slot Ruger American Short Action Extended Black Anodized
Specifications
- Product Name: Weaver Mounts Multi-Slot Ruger American Short Action Extended Black Anodized
- Compatibility: Specifically designed for Ruger American Short Action rifles. This ensures a precise and secure fit.
- Material: Constructed from 6061 T6 aluminum. This provides a lightweight yet incredibly strong platform.
- Finish: Protected by a matte, Type III hard coat anodized finish. This offers exceptional resistance to scratches, corrosion, and wear.
- Extension: Provides an additional 1 inch of forward length. This allows for greater flexibility in scope mounting and optimizing eye relief.
- Slot Compatibility: Compatible with both Picatinny and Weaver style rings. This increases versatility when choosing mounting hardware.
- Recoil Lug: Features an integral recoil lug. The recoil lug provides enhanced stability and helps maintain zero under heavy recoil.
- Screws: Includes no slip/strip Torx screws. Torx screws offer superior strength and prevent stripping during installation.
The specifications matter because they directly translate into real-world performance. The 6061 T6 aluminum provides the necessary strength to withstand recoil and abuse, while the Type III hard coat anodized finish ensures long-lasting durability. The added inch of extension is a game-changer for those struggling with eye relief issues, and the integral recoil lug is a critical feature for maintaining accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The Weaver Mounts Multi-Slot Ruger American Short Action Extended Black Anodized base performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a stable and reliable platform for mounting optics, enhancing the rifle’s accuracy and usability. The strength and stability are a testament to Weaver’s quality and design.
Its main strength is its ability to solve scope mounting issues, providing the necessary flexibility to achieve optimal eye relief. One area for minor improvement might be the inclusion of a small torque wrench for the Torx screws, ensuring proper tightening without over-torquing. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a mounting base in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Weaver Mounts Multi-Slot Ruger American Short Action Extended Black Anodized base boasts a streamlined design. This design integrates seamlessly with the Ruger American rifle. The matte black finish complements the rifle’s aesthetics.
The base is lightweight and doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the rifle. The installation process is straightforward, with no complex procedures or specialized tools required. The base is very user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction and Type III hard coat anodized finish, the Weaver Mounts Multi-Slot Ruger American Short Action Extended Black Anodized base is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Weaver Mounts Multi-Slot Ruger American Short Action Extended Black Anodized base doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the Torx screws. However, it is compatible with a wide range of Picatinny and Weaver style rings, allowing for extensive customization.
It’s designed to work with most scopes and optics designed for these mounting platforms. The universal compatibility makes it a versatile choice.
Pros and Cons of Weaver Mounts Multi-Slot Ruger American Short Action Extended Black Anodized
Pros
- Provides an additional inch of forward length, solving eye relief issues and allowing for greater scope placement flexibility.
- Constructed from durable 6061 T6 aluminum with a Type III hard coat anodized finish, ensuring long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.
- Features an integral recoil lug, enhancing stability and helping to maintain zero, even under heavy recoil.
- Compatible with both Picatinny and Weaver style rings, offering broad compatibility with a wide range of optics and mounting hardware.
- Easy to install, thanks to the included Torx screws and precise machining.
Cons
- The base doesn’t include a torque wrench for the Torx screws. This may lead to over- or under-tightening during installation.
- While the black anodized finish is durable, it may show scratches or scuffs with heavy use over time.
Who Should Buy Weaver Mounts Multi-Slot Ruger American Short Action Extended Black Anodized?
The Weaver Mounts Multi-Slot Ruger American Short Action Extended Black Anodized base is perfect for Ruger American rifle owners who are struggling with scope mounting issues, particularly eye relief. It’s also ideal for hunters and target shooters who want a more stable and versatile platform for their optics. This is for those valuing precision and durability.
This product might not be necessary for those who are perfectly satisfied with the factory mounting options and don’t require any additional scope placement flexibility. A higher-end, full-length Picatinny rail might be a better option for shooters who frequently swap optics and require even more mounting space. A must-have accessory would be a high-quality torque wrench to ensure proper screw tightening.
Conclusion on Weaver Mounts Multi-Slot Ruger American Short Action Extended Black Anodized
Overall, the Weaver Mounts Multi-Slot Ruger American Short Action Extended Black Anodized base is an excellent upgrade for the Ruger American rifle. It provides a stable, durable, and versatile platform for mounting optics, addressing common issues like eye relief limitations. At $35.99, the price is justified by the quality of materials, construction, and the noticeable improvement in performance.
I would personally recommend this product to any Ruger American owner looking to enhance their rifle’s accuracy and usability. It’s a simple yet effective upgrade. Don’t just settle for the limitations of factory mounting options – unlock your rifle’s full potential with the Weaver Mounts Multi-Slot Ruger American Short Action Extended Black Anodized base.