First Thoughts on the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte
I’ve seen a lot of scope mounts come and go in my time, but the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte piqued my interest because of its lightweight design and reputation for ruggedness. As a seasoned outdoorsman, I know the importance of reliable gear that won’t weigh you down. This mount promises both, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
My aging Savage 110 had been experiencing some zero shift issues, and I suspected the current mounting system was to blame. I needed a dependable, lightweight solution to ensure my scope stayed put, regardless of the conditions. I chose this Leupold combo over options from Weaver and Warne because of Leupold’s established reputation for quality optics and mounting systems, plus the appeal of the BackCountry series focusing on weight savings.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was how light the base and rings felt. The matte black finish looked clean and professional, and the machining appeared precise. The two-piece design seemed straightforward enough for a simple installation. My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism; could something this lightweight really withstand the recoil of my .30-06?
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte at my local shooting range. The weather was typical for early spring: a mix of sunshine and intermittent drizzle. I mounted the base and rings onto my Savage 110, installed my trusty Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40 scope, and headed to the 100-yard range.
The initial zeroing process was surprisingly smooth. The rings held the scope securely, and I didn’t experience any slippage, even after a few dozen rounds. I was particularly impressed with the consistent point of impact, even as the barrel heated up. The rain didn’t seem to affect the system at all; the matte finish prevented any glare.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including a backcountry elk hunt in the Montana Rockies, the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte has proven to be remarkably reliable. The mount has held zero consistently despite some rough handling and exposure to extreme weather conditions. I’ve hiked through dense forests, climbed steep slopes, and even taken a tumble or two, but the scope has remained securely mounted and zeroed.
There are no visible signs of wear and tear. The aluminum construction has held up well, showing no signs of corrosion or bending. Cleaning is easy; I simply wipe down the base and rings with a clean cloth after each range session or hunting trip. This Leupold combo significantly outperforms the previous steel rings I used. The weight difference is noticeable, and the consistent zero has boosted my confidence in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte
Specifications
- Material: The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo is machined from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. This provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, crucial for a lightweight yet durable mount.
- Base Cant: The base features no cant. This ensures a straightforward installation and compatibility with a wide range of scopes and rifles.
- Ring Height Style: Medium rings are included. This ring height accommodates scopes with objective bell diameters up to around 42mm on most Savage 110/10 rifles.
- Ring Diameter: The rings are designed for 1-inch scope tubes. This is a common scope tube diameter, making this combo compatible with many scopes.
- Ring Height (in): The rings have a height of 0.97 inches. This measurement helps determine proper eye alignment and cheek weld for comfortable and accurate shooting.
- Weight (oz): The entire base and ring combo weighs just 3.2 ounces. This significantly reduces the overall weight of the rifle, making it ideal for backcountry hunts.
- Style: This is a two-piece base and ring system. This design allows for flexibility in scope placement and easier access to the rifle’s action.
- Finish: The combo features a matte black finish. This helps reduce glare and provides a sleek, professional look.
These specifications are essential because they directly impact the rifle’s overall weight, balance, and the shooter’s ability to maintain accuracy in various conditions. The lightweight aluminum and precise dimensions ensure a reliable and user-friendly experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte performs exceptionally well. It maintains zero consistently and provides a secure mounting platform for the scope. Its lightweight construction is a significant advantage, especially for hunters who cover a lot of ground.
The main strength is its combination of lightweight design and robust construction. A minor improvement could be clearer instructions for installation, though the process is generally straightforward. This Leupold combo exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo is well-designed and thoughtfully engineered. The aircraft-grade aluminum is lightweight yet strong, and the matte black finish is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. The two-piece design allows for easy access to the rifle’s action for cleaning and maintenance.
The system is very user-friendly with minimal learning curve. Even someone with limited experience mounting scopes should be able to install this combo with ease.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the high-quality materials and robust construction, the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte should last for many years with proper care. The aluminum is resistant to corrosion, and the matte black finish is scratch-resistant. Maintenance is minimal; simply wipe down the base and rings with a clean cloth after each use.
Accessories and Customization Options
This particular combo doesn’t offer many customization options beyond scope selection. However, because it uses a standard Savage 110/10 round receiver footprint, aftermarket bases and rings from other manufacturers could be used. The rings are designed for 1-inch scopes, but Leupold also makes similar combos for 30mm tubes.
Pros and Cons of Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte
Pros
- Extremely Lightweight: The aluminum construction significantly reduces the overall weight of the rifle. This is crucial for hunters who cover long distances.
- Durable Construction: Despite its lightweight design, the 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum is incredibly strong and durable.
- Consistent Zero: The rings hold the scope securely, maintaining zero even under heavy recoil and rough handling.
- Easy Installation: The two-piece design is straightforward and easy to install, even for beginners.
- Sleek Design: The matte black finish looks professional and reduces glare.
Cons
- Some users may prefer a one-piece base for perceived added rigidity.
- The included instructions are basic and could be more detailed.
Who Should Buy Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte?
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte is perfect for hunters, especially those who prioritize weight savings and durability. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their Savage 110/10’s mounting system with a reliable and lightweight option. This is also a great choice for shooters who value ease of installation and a clean, uncluttered look.
Those who might want to skip this product are competitive shooters seeking the absolute maximum rigidity from a one-piece base, or those who prefer a more tactical or modular mounting system with Picatinny rails.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality torque wrench to ensure proper tightening of the mounting screws. While not strictly necessary, a bore sighter can also make the initial zeroing process quicker and easier.
Conclusion on Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte is an outstanding scope mounting system that delivers on its promises of lightweight design and rugged performance. At a price of $73.49, it offers excellent value for the money, providing a significant upgrade over standard mounting systems.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this combo to anyone looking to improve the performance and handling of their Savage 110/10 rifle. It’s a worthwhile investment that will provide years of reliable service in the field. Upgrade your rifle today with the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo and experience the difference!