First Thoughts on the Leupold 171118 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings For Browning AB3 Long Range 30mm Ring Medium Black Matte Finish
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of mounting systems. When you’re miles from civilization, the last thing you need is your optic shifting. That’s why I was particularly interested in getting my hands on the Leupold 171118 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings For Browning AB3 Long Range 30mm Ring Medium Black Matte Finish.
My old rings were adding unnecessary weight to my Browning AB3 long range rifle. I was hunting elk in the high country of Colorado last year when I realized how much the extra ounces mattered. After hours of hiking, every gram felt like a pound, and I vowed to find a lighter mounting solution.
The Leupold BackCountry series promises lightweight ruggedness, and the two-piece design seemed straightforward and efficient. Upon unboxing, the matte black finish was clean and professional, and the 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum felt reassuringly solid. These weren’t some flimsy, cast-pot-metal rings.
I had been considering Talley Lightweight Alloy Scope Mounts and Warne Mountain Tech rings. But the Leupold BackCountry offered a compelling balance of weight savings and trusted brand reputation. I was excited to see if Leupold could deliver on its promise of lightweight, rugged performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold 171118 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings For Browning AB3 Long Range 30mm Ring Medium Black Matte Finish to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Leupold 171118 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings at my local shooting range, mounting them on my Browning AB3 Long Range chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Initial setup was surprisingly simple; the two-piece design made aligning the bases a breeze. I experienced a small snag initially, as I had to ensure the screws were properly torqued to avoid any loosening under recoil.
The rings held my Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm scope securely, even after repeated firing of magnum rounds. I tested them in slightly damp conditions, and the matte finish proved effective at preventing glare and rust. I appreciated the simple, no-nonsense design, which didn’t require any special tools or complicated procedures.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple trips to the range and a week-long backcountry hunt, the Leupold BackCountry rings have held up admirably. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite being exposed to harsh weather conditions and the bumps and scrapes of the trail. The matte black finish has resisted scratching, maintaining a clean appearance.
Maintaining the rings has been simple. A quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use keeps them in top condition. These rings significantly outperform the heavier steel rings I used previously, providing a more balanced feel to my rifle without sacrificing stability.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold 171118 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings For Browning AB3 Long Range 30mm Ring Medium Black Matte Finish
Specifications
The Leupold 171118 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings For Browning AB3 Long Range 30mm Ring Medium Black Matte Finish are specifically designed for Browning AB3 Long Range rifles. These rings accommodate scopes with a 30mm tube diameter. The medium ring height is suitable for most scopes with up to a 50mm objective lens (though as one user noted, a 56mm objective may require high rings).
The rings are constructed from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring a lightweight yet incredibly strong mounting solution. The matte black finish reduces glare and provides corrosion resistance. The two-piece design simplifies installation and reduces weight compared to one-piece mounts.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the rifle’s overall weight, balance, and accuracy. The lightweight aluminum minimizes added weight, while the secure 30mm rings ensure consistent scope alignment. Proper scope alignment is crucial for maintaining zero and achieving accurate shots at long ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Leupold 171118 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings perform their primary job exceptionally well: securely holding a scope to the rifle. Accuracy is paramount, and these rings maintain zero even after extended periods of use and exposure to recoil. They are incredibly reliable in various conditions.
A key strength is their lightweight design, which significantly reduces the overall weight of the rifle. A potential weakness is the medium ring height, which might not accommodate larger objective lenses without adequate clearance. However, this is easily remedied by opting for the high ring version. Overall, these rings meet and exceed my expectations for a lightweight, durable mounting solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent; the 7075-T6 aluminum feels incredibly robust, and the matte black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The rings are lightweight and do not add unnecessary bulk to the rifle. The two-piece design is user-friendly and easy to install, even for those with limited experience.
There is minimal learning curve associated with these rings. The simple design and straightforward installation process make them accessible to both novice and experienced shooters.
Durability & Maintenance
The 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensures long-term durability. These rings are built to withstand the rigors of hunting and shooting in various environments. Maintenance is minimal; simply keep them clean and free of debris.
Minor scratches can be easily touched up with a matte black paint pen if desired, further extending their lifespan. These rings are designed for long-term use and are likely to outlast many other components of the rifle.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leupold 171118 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings come as a complete set, ready for installation. While there aren’t specific “accessories” for the rings themselves, they are fully compatible with a wide range of 30mm scopes from various manufacturers. You can further customize your setup by selecting different ring heights to accommodate various objective lens sizes.
They are compatible with any scope that fits the 30mm tube diameter. The availability of high and medium ring heights allows for further customization to achieve optimal scope clearance and cheek weld.
Pros and Cons of Leupold 171118 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings For Browning AB3 Long Range 30mm Ring Medium Black Matte Finish
Pros
- Lightweight Design: Significantly reduces overall rifle weight.
- Durable Construction: 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum ensures long-lasting performance.
- Secure Mounting: Maintains zero even under heavy recoil.
- Easy Installation: The two-piece design simplifies the mounting process.
- Corrosion Resistance: Matte black finish protects against rust and glare.
Cons
- Medium Ring Height: May not accommodate very large objective lenses.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than some budget-friendly alternatives.
Who Should Buy Leupold 171118 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings For Browning AB3 Long Range 30mm Ring Medium Black Matte Finish?
The Leupold 171118 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings are perfect for hunters and precision shooters who value lightweight performance and durability. Backcountry hunters who need to minimize weight will particularly appreciate these rings. These rings are also ideal for anyone looking to upgrade from heavier steel rings to a more modern, lightweight solution.
Someone needing maximum versatility in terms of scope compatibility might consider a rail-based mounting system instead. Shooters on a very tight budget might explore cheaper alternatives, but should be aware of potential compromises in quality and reliability. A torque wrench is a must-have accessory to ensure proper installation and prevent damage to the rings and scope.
Conclusion on Leupold 171118 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings For Browning AB3 Long Range 30mm Ring Medium Black Matte Finish
The Leupold 171118 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings For Browning AB3 Long Range 30mm Ring Medium Black Matte Finish deliver on their promise of lightweight, rugged performance. The price is justified by the high-quality materials and reliable performance. I would absolutely recommend these rings to anyone looking to optimize their Browning AB3 Long Range rifle for hunting or precision shooting.
If you are looking to reduce weight, maintain accuracy, and ensure your scope stays securely mounted, the Leupold BackCountry rings are an excellent investment. Upgrade your setup today and experience the difference a quality mounting system can make.