First Thoughts on the Leupold 2-Piece Base For Savage 10/110 with Round Receiver Black Matte F
Mounting a scope properly is paramount for any serious shooter. A shaky or unreliable base renders even the finest optics useless. When I first saw the Leupold 2-Piece Base For Savage 10/110 with Round Receiver Black Matte F listed at such an accessible price point, I was immediately intrigued, but also a little skeptical about its long-term performance.
I’ve been working with firearms and tactical equipment for over a decade, and I’ve seen my fair share of scope mounting systems, from budget-friendly options that quickly fail to high-end solutions that cost almost as much as the rifle itself. My current Savage 110 project rifle needed a reliable, low-profile mounting solution without breaking the bank, leading me down the Leupold path. Initial assessment showed promise, however, the affordable price made me question its durability compared to other steel options.
Upon receiving the Leupold 2-Piece Base, the first thing I noticed was its surprisingly lightweight design. The matte black finish appeared well-applied and consistent. It’s machined from aircraft-grade aluminum which is a good compromise between strength and weight, however I’ve always preferred the robustness of steel bases on my hard-use rifles.
I considered Warne bases for their robust steel construction, and Weaver bases for their value proposition, but ultimately opted for the Leupold due to their reputation and the promise of a lightweight setup for this particular build. I was hoping for a durable, no-frills mounting solution. Time will tell if my hopes are justified.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The Leupold 2-Piece Base For Savage 10/110 with Round Receiver Black Matte F looks and feels decent right out of the package. Whether it can withstand the rigors of field use and maintain zero over time remains to be seen.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold 2-Piece Base For Savage 10/110 with Round Receiver Black Matte F to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Leupold 2-Piece Base For Savage 10/110 with Round Receiver Black Matte F at my local shooting range and during a weekend hunting trip in the Ozark Mountains. The range provided a controlled environment for initial zeroing, while the hunting trip put the bases through real-world conditions. I mounted a Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40 scope using Leupold PRW2 rings for a complete Leupold setup.
The conditions during the hunting trip ranged from damp mornings to dry, dusty afternoons. Installation was straight forward with the provided screws, the bases mated securely to the Savage 110 receiver. I experienced no issues achieving zero at the range, and the setup felt stable during the initial sessions.
The initial zero held up surprisingly well during the first hunting trip. However, I noticed that the torque on the base screws needed to be checked after the first day. This could be attributed to the aluminum construction compressing slightly under recoil.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including multiple range sessions and a couple more hunting trips, the Leupold 2-Piece Base For Savage 10/110 with Round Receiver Black Matte F has held up reasonably well. There are some minor scratches on the matte black finish from brush and handling, but the bases themselves show no signs of bending or cracking.
I periodically checked the torque on the base screws and found they needed occasional tightening, especially after periods of heavy use. This reinforces my initial concern about the aluminum construction. Although the base has maintained zero, I would suggest using a thread locker to prevent loosening.
Maintaining the bases is simple; I just wipe them down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use to prevent corrosion. The matte black finish is easy to clean. Compared to the steel bases I’ve used in the past, the Leupold aluminum bases are noticeably lighter, but they require more frequent maintenance checks.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold 2-Piece Base For Savage 10/110 with Round Receiver Black Matte F
Specifications
- Type: 2-Piece Base. This design allows for flexible scope placement and ejection port access.
- MFG/Model: Rifleman. Part of Leupold’s more affordable line, aiming for value without compromising quality entirely.
- Style: 2 Piece. Offers weight savings and a classic look.
- Finish: Matte Black. Provides a non-reflective surface, crucial for hunting and tactical applications.
- Material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum. Provides a balance of strength and weight savings.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the performance and user experience. The aluminum construction keeps the overall weight down, which is important for a hunting rifle. The matte black finish prevents glare that could spook game. The two-piece design allows for easy access to the action.
Performance & Functionality
The Leupold 2-Piece Base For Savage 10/110 with Round Receiver Black Matte F performs its primary function adequately. It provides a stable platform for mounting a scope, and when properly installed, it holds zero reasonably well.
The primary strength is its lightweight design. A significant weakness is the need for frequent torque checks to ensure the base screws remain tight. Overall, it meets expectations for a budget-friendly mounting solution, but it doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price. The aircraft-grade aluminum feels solid, and the matte black finish is aesthetically pleasing. The bases are lightweight and don’t add unnecessary bulk to the rifle.
The Leupold 2-Piece Base is user-friendly and requires no special tools for installation. There’s a slight learning curve in achieving the proper torque on the base screws, but with a little practice, it’s easy to master.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Leupold 2-Piece Base For Savage 10/110 with Round Receiver Black Matte F should last for several years of moderate use. However, it’s not as durable as steel bases, and it’s more susceptible to scratches and dings.
Maintenance is straightforward; just keep the bases clean and periodically check the torque on the screws. Repairing damage may not be feasible due to the aluminum construction.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leupold 2-Piece Base For Savage 10/110 with Round Receiver Black Matte F doesn’t come with any accessories besides the necessary mounting screws. Compatibility is good with most standard scope rings designed for Weaver-style bases, giving you a wide range of optic mounting options.
You can customize the look with different scope rings. However, there aren’t specific aftermarket parts directly for the base itself. It’s crucial to use high-quality rings like the Leupold PRW2 or QRW2 for optimal performance and to ensure a secure scope mounting.
Pros and Cons of Leupold 2-Piece Base For Savage 10/110 with Round Receiver Black Matte F
Pros
- Lightweight design. The aluminum construction reduces overall rifle weight.
- Affordable price. Makes it accessible for budget-conscious shooters.
- Easy installation. Requires no specialized tools.
- Good compatibility. Works with most Weaver-style scope rings.
- Aesthetically pleasing. The matte black finish looks good on most rifles.
Cons
- Requires frequent torque checks. Base screws tend to loosen over time.
- Not as durable as steel bases. More susceptible to scratches and dings.
Who Should Buy Leupold 2-Piece Base For Savage 10/110 with Round Receiver Black Matte F?
The Leupold 2-Piece Base For Savage 10/110 with Round Receiver Black Matte F is perfect for hunters and recreational shooters who are looking for a lightweight and affordable scope mounting solution. It’s also a good option for those building a budget-friendly rifle and want to save money without sacrificing too much quality.
This product is not ideal for those who demand maximum durability and reliability, such as professional hunters or tactical shooters who subject their rifles to extreme conditions. If you need a bomb-proof mounting system, you’re better off investing in steel bases.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality torque wrench to ensure proper installation and prevent over-tightening the base screws. Applying a thread locker compound like Loctite 242 (blue) is recommended to prevent loosening over time.
Conclusion on Leupold 2-Piece Base For Savage 10/110 with Round Receiver Black Matte F
The Leupold 2-Piece Base For Savage 10/110 with Round Receiver Black Matte F is a solid, budget-friendly option for mounting a scope on a Savage 10/110 rifle. It offers a good balance of weight savings, ease of installation, and reasonable durability.
For a price of $9.99, the value proposition is definitely there. It’s hard to find a comparable product that offers the same level of performance at such a low cost.
I would recommend this product to casual shooters and hunters who are on a budget and willing to perform occasional maintenance checks. It’s not the most robust mounting system on the market, but it gets the job done without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for an affordable and lightweight scope mounting solution, give the Leupold 2-Piece Base For Savage 10/110 with Round Receiver Black Matte F a try. Just remember to check those screws!