The Leupold 171111 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings For Weatherby Mark V 1″ Ring High Black Matte Finish Made a Bold First Impression
The Leupold 171111 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings For Weatherby Mark V 1″ Ring High Black Matte Finish promises lightweight performance for discerning Weatherby Mark V owners. As someone who values both weight savings and reliable mounting solutions, I was eager to see if this offering from Leupold lived up to its claim.
My Weatherby Mark V is my go-to rifle for elk hunting in the high country. The factory mounting system, while functional, felt unnecessarily bulky and heavy. The desire for a lighter setup, without sacrificing the rock-solid zero I depend on, led me to the Leupold BackCountry bases and rings.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the obvious attention to detail. The black matte finish was uniform and clean, and the pieces felt substantial despite their advertised lightweight design. Picking them up, they feel noticeably lighter than the steel rings and bases I was replacing; a promising start!
I considered several alternatives, including offerings from Talley and Warne. I ultimately chose the Leupold system due to Leupold’s reputation for quality and the BackCountry series’ specific focus on minimizing weight. The reversible front base was also a compelling feature, offering some flexibility in scope placement.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if the Leupold BackCountry system could deliver on its promise of lightweight, rugged performance; I hoped it wasn’t just marketing hype. The streamlined design and quality finish hinted at a well-engineered product.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold 171111 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings For Weatherby Mark V 1″ Ring High Black Matte Finish to the Test
First Use Experience
The Leupold BackCountry system was first tested at my local shooting range, followed by a rigorous elk hunt in the Montana backcountry. I mounted a Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40 scope, a common optic for the Weatherby Mark V, using a torque wrench set to Leupold’s recommended specifications. Installation was straightforward.
The weather during the range sessions was typical for fall in Montana: cool mornings and sunny afternoons. The Leupold BackCountry performed admirably under these conditions, maintaining a consistent zero throughout multiple strings of fire. The elk hunt, however, presented a more challenging environment, with freezing temperatures and occasional snow.
The installation process was impressively simple. The two-piece design made aligning the bases easy, and the included screws were high quality. It only took a few minutes with the proper tools to have the rings and bases torqued down and ready to go.
I encountered no issues during the first range session. The scope felt securely mounted, and there was no visible movement or slippage after numerous shots. This gave me confidence in the product’s initial stability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including a full hunting season, the Leupold BackCountry system has proven to be a reliable and durable mounting solution. There are no signs of wear and tear on the bases or rings, despite exposure to harsh weather conditions and rough handling in the field. The black matte finish remains intact, resisting scratches and corrosion.
The system held zero consistently throughout the hunting season, even after being subjected to significant recoil from my .300 Weatherby Magnum. I am incredibly impressed with its ability to maintain accuracy under demanding conditions. Routine cleaning is simple, just wiping down the bases and rings with a soft cloth after each use.
Compared to my previous experience with heavier steel mounts, the Leupold BackCountry system offers a significant advantage in terms of weight savings without compromising performance. The confidence in a secure mount that is also lightweight is a game changer. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold 171111 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings For Weatherby Mark V 1″ Ring High Black Matte Finish
Specifications
The Leupold 171111 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings are specifically designed for the Weatherby Mark V rifle. They accommodate scopes with a 1-inch tube diameter and are classified as “high” rings. This provides sufficient clearance for scopes with larger objective lenses.
The entire system is machined from lightweight 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. This material offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for backcountry applications. The black matte finish provides a non-reflective surface and enhances corrosion resistance.
A key feature is the reversible front base, offering flexibility in scope placement. This can be critical for achieving proper eye relief with different scopes. The use of high-quality screws and precise machining ensures a secure and reliable mount.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the rifle’s weight, balance, and overall performance. A lightweight mounting system can significantly reduce fatigue during long hunts. The high rings ensure compatibility with a wide range of scopes.
Performance & Functionality
The Leupold BackCountry bases and rings perform their primary function flawlessly: securely mounting a scope to the rifle. Accuracy is maintained even under heavy recoil and harsh environmental conditions. The simplicity of the two-piece design makes installation quick and easy.
The strengths of this system lie in its lightweight construction, robust design, and ease of use. While no system is perfect, the only potential area for improvement could be offering different ring heights within the BackCountry line. The Leupold BackCountry system definitely meets and, in many ways, exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is minimalist and functional, prioritizing weight savings without sacrificing strength. The black matte finish is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. The relatively lightweight nature of the product is a huge plus for a mountain hunter like myself.
Installation is user-friendly, even for those with limited gunsmithing experience. The two-piece base design simplifies alignment, and the included instructions are clear and concise. There is no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The 7075-T6 aluminum construction ensures long-term durability, even under harsh conditions. The black matte finish protects against corrosion and wear. Maintenance is minimal.
The system should last for many years with proper care. Cleaning consists of simply wiping down the bases and rings with a soft cloth after each use. This is especially important after exposure to moisture or corrosive substances.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leupold 171111 BackCountry system itself doesn’t come with many accessories, focusing on core functionality. However, it is compatible with most standard 1-inch scopes designed for rifles. Owners can choose from a wide range of scopes from various manufacturers.
While the system is not inherently customizable beyond scope selection, its compatibility with standard Weatherby Mark V receivers allows for the use of aftermarket action screws if desired. Note: This is not necessary for most users. The bases are designed to work seamlessly with Leupold and other brands’ 1-inch rings.
Pros and Cons of Leupold 171111 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings For Weatherby Mark V 1″ Ring High Black Matte Finish
Pros
- Significantly reduces overall rifle weight, making it ideal for backcountry hunting.
- Maintains zero reliably, even under heavy recoil and harsh conditions.
- Simple and straightforward installation process.
- Durable 7075-T6 aluminum construction ensures long-term performance.
- Black matte finish reduces glare and enhances corrosion resistance.
Cons
- Limited ring height options within the BackCountry series.
- May not be suitable for scopes with extremely large objective lenses.
Who Should Buy Leupold 171111 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings For Weatherby Mark V 1″ Ring High Black Matte Finish?
The Leupold 171111 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings are perfect for Weatherby Mark V owners who prioritize weight savings and reliable performance. They are ideal for backcountry hunters, mountain hunters, and anyone looking to reduce the overall weight of their rifle without compromising accuracy. This system is also good for individuals seeking a straightforward, no-nonsense mounting solution.
Those who should skip this product might include individuals who require highly specialized mounting solutions or those who prefer steel mounts for perceived added robustness (although the 7075-T6 aluminum is plenty strong). Someone who needs a Picatinny rail for a variety of attachments should look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory is a quality torque wrench to ensure proper installation and prevent damage to the bases, rings, or scope. Consider purchasing Leupold’s scope mounting kit for a complete solution.
Conclusion on Leupold 171111 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings For Weatherby Mark V 1″ Ring High Black Matte Finish
The Leupold 171111 BackCountry 2-Piece Base/Rings For Weatherby Mark V 1″ Ring High Black Matte Finish is an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight, durable, and reliable mounting solution for their Weatherby Mark V rifle. The price is justified by the quality of materials, precise machining, and proven performance.
I would personally recommend this system to anyone looking to reduce the weight of their rifle without sacrificing accuracy or reliability. It’s a well-designed product that delivers on its promises and will likely outlast the rifle it is mounted on. If you value lightweight performance and rock-solid stability, the Leupold BackCountry system is a worthy investment. Upgrade your Weatherby Mark V today and experience the difference!