The Warne Mountain Tech Howa/Vanguard Rifle Short Action Black Hardcoat Anodized 20 MOA Made a Bold First Impression
For years, I’ve been seeking the ultimate lightweight and precise scope mounting system for my Howa short action rifle. My search ended with the Warne Mountain Tech Howa/Vanguard Rifle Short Action Black Hardcoat Anodized 20 MOA, a product that promised unparalleled performance and durability. My previous scope mounts were either too heavy, lacked the necessary MOA for long-range shooting, or simply didn’t inspire confidence in their build quality.
My primary issue was achieving consistent accuracy at distances beyond 500 yards with my Howa rifle. I needed a mount that could provide a solid, reliable platform for my scope and offer the necessary elevation adjustment for those longer shots. The Warne Mountain Tech mount’s 20 MOA of elevation seemed like the perfect solution to address my needs.
Unboxing the Warne Mountain Tech, my initial impression was one of quality and precision. The black hardcoat anodized finish looked incredibly durable, and the mount felt surprisingly lightweight, a significant advantage for backcountry hunting. The machining was clean and precise, with no visible imperfections, and the included hardware appeared to be of excellent quality.
Compared to a Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot mount and a set of Seekins Precision scope rings I’d previously used, the Warne Mountain Tech offered a more streamlined design and a more aggressive elevation bias. While the Leupold was certainly reliable, it lacked the added MOA needed for extreme long-range work. The Seekins rings, while excellent, required a separate base, adding weight and complexity.
I was immediately excited by the Warne Mountain Tech. The combination of lightweight design, robust construction, and integrated 20 MOA promised to be a game-changer for my long-range shooting endeavors. This mount felt like the missing piece of the puzzle for maximizing the potential of my Howa rifle.
Real-World Testing: Putting Warne Mountain Tech Howa/Vanguard Rifle Short Action Black Hardcoat Anodized 20 MOA to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Warne Mountain Tech mount at my local shooting range, a facility that offered distances out to 800 yards. The weather conditions were ideal: clear skies and minimal wind, providing a perfect opportunity to evaluate the mount’s performance. I immediately noticed the difference in scope adjustability at longer ranges.
The ease of installation was a pleasant surprise, requiring only a few minutes to securely mount my scope. I experienced no issues with the self-centering tapered T-15 Torx screws, which provided a rock-solid connection to my rifle. After bore-sighting, I began my accuracy testing at 100 yards, quickly achieving sub-MOA groups with my Howa rifle.
After zeroing at 100 yards, I stretched out the distance to 500 and then 800 yards. The 20 MOA built into the Warne Mountain Tech base allowed me to easily dial in the necessary elevation adjustments on my scope. The stability provided by the mount resulted in consistent shot placement even at these extended ranges.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including multiple range sessions and a week-long hunting trip in the rugged mountains of Montana, the Warne Mountain Tech mount has proven to be exceptionally reliable. The mount shows no signs of loosening or shifting, even after enduring significant recoil and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Durability is a clear strength.
The black hardcoat anodized finish has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear or corrosion despite exposure to rain, snow, and dust. Cleaning and maintaining the mount is simple: a quick wipe down with a clean cloth is all that’s required to keep it in top condition. This mount requires minimal maintenance.
In comparison to my previous scope mounting solutions, the Warne Mountain Tech surpasses them in terms of weight, durability, and ease of use. The integrated 20 MOA elevation bias eliminates the need for shims or adjustable rings, streamlining the mounting process and improving overall accuracy at long ranges. I am no longer worried about shifting zero.
Breaking Down the Features of Warne Mountain Tech Howa/Vanguard Rifle Short Action Black Hardcoat Anodized 20 MOA
Specifications
The Warne Mountain Tech Howa/Vanguard Rifle Short Action Black Hardcoat Anodized 20 MOA is meticulously engineered for precision and durability. It is designed specifically for Howa and Vanguard short action rifles. The mount features a 20 MOA elevation bias for improved long-range shooting capabilities.
It is constructed from lightweight, high-strength aluminum and finished with a Mil-Spec hardcoat anodized finish for exceptional corrosion and abrasion resistance. The included hardware is black zinc coated for Element Proof protection. The mount is compatible with Picatinny and Weaver style rails, as well as NATO-STANAG rails.
This compatibility is a key feature. The self-centering tapered T-15 Torx screws ensure a secure and repeatable scope mounting experience. These screws offer superior clamping force and prevent stripping during installation. This ensures the scope stays firmly in place.
Performance & Functionality
The Warne Mountain Tech mount excels in its primary function: providing a stable and accurate platform for mounting a rifle scope. The 20 MOA elevation bias significantly expands the effective range of a rifle by allowing for greater scope adjustment at longer distances. The mount’s rock-solid construction ensures consistent zero retention.
One potential weakness might be its specific compatibility with Howa and Vanguard short action rifles, limiting its versatility for other rifle platforms. However, for owners of these rifles, the Warne Mountain Tech provides an exceptional mounting solution. It meets and exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Warne Mountain Tech boasts a streamlined and minimalist design. The use of lightweight aluminum keeps the overall weight of the rifle to a minimum. The Mil-Spec hardcoat anodized finish provides a durable and attractive appearance.
The design is user-friendly, and the self-centering tapered T-15 Torx screws simplify the installation process. The mount offers a secure and repeatable scope mounting experience. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Warne Mountain Tech is built to withstand the rigors of demanding use in the field. The high-strength aluminum construction and Mil-Spec hardcoat anodized finish provide excellent resistance to wear, corrosion, and abrasion. With proper care, it should last for many years.
Maintaining the mount is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild solvent is all that’s needed to keep it in optimal condition. It is easy to maintain and repair, if necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Warne Mountain Tech mount itself doesn’t have specific accessories, but its Picatinny rail interface allows for broad compatibility with a wide array of scopes and other rail-mounted accessories. This allows users to customize their rifles with a diverse range of optics. The system is broadly compatible.
The mount’s compatibility with Picatinny and Weaver style rails makes it a versatile platform for various scopes, red dot sights, and other tactical accessories. The mount seamlessly integrates with popular accessories from brands such as Leupold, Vortex, and Nightforce.
It facilitates personalization.
Pros and Cons of Warne Mountain Tech Howa/Vanguard Rifle Short Action Black Hardcoat Anodized 20 MOA
Pros
- Lightweight and durable construction. This minimizes added weight without sacrificing strength.
- Integrated 20 MOA elevation bias. This significantly improves long-range shooting capabilities.
- Mil-Spec hardcoat anodized finish. This provides exceptional corrosion and abrasion resistance.
- Self-centering tapered T-15 Torx screws. These ensure secure and repeatable scope mounting.
- Compatible with Picatinny and Weaver style rails. This offers versatility in scope and accessory selection.
Cons
- Specific compatibility with Howa and Vanguard short action rifles. This limits its use on other rifle platforms.
- Relatively simple design. This may not appeal to users seeking more elaborate or adjustable mounting systems.
Who Should Buy Warne Mountain Tech Howa/Vanguard Rifle Short Action Black Hardcoat Anodized 20 MOA?
The Warne Mountain Tech Howa/Vanguard Rifle Short Action Black Hardcoat Anodized 20 MOA is perfect for long-range shooters and hunters who own a Howa or Vanguard short action rifle. It’s also ideal for those who prioritize lightweight equipment without sacrificing durability and reliability. This mount is suitable for serious marksmen.
This product might not be the best choice for shooters who own rifles other than Howa or Vanguard short action models. Those who prefer highly adjustable mounting systems may find this relatively simple design too limiting. It is not intended for other rifle models.
A must-have accessory for this mount is a high-quality scope with sufficient internal adjustment to take full advantage of the 20 MOA elevation bias. A torque wrench is also recommended to ensure proper tightening of the mounting screws. Also consider quality lens covers.
Conclusion on Warne Mountain Tech Howa/Vanguard Rifle Short Action Black Hardcoat Anodized 20 MOA
The Warne Mountain Tech Howa/Vanguard Rifle Short Action Black Hardcoat Anodized 20 MOA is an outstanding scope mounting solution for Howa and Vanguard short action rifles. Its lightweight design, robust construction, and integrated 20 MOA elevation bias make it an excellent choice for long-range shooting applications. It is a well-designed piece of equipment.
At $59.00, the price is certainly justified by the quality, performance, and durability of the Warne Mountain Tech. It offers exceptional value for the money, especially when compared to other high-end scope mounting systems on the market. It is fairly priced.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Warne Mountain Tech to any shooter seeking a reliable and accurate scope mounting solution for their Howa or Vanguard short action rifle. This mount has significantly improved my long-range shooting capabilities, and I’m confident it will do the same for you. Take your long-range shooting to the next level!