Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm High Matte Black Review

The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm High Matte Black Made a Bold First Impression

Finding the right mounting solution for a scope can be a surprisingly complex affair. It’s more than just slapping some rings on; it’s about ensuring a secure, reliable, and repeatable zero, especially when dealing with the recoil of a Savage 10/110. I was searching for a lightweight yet robust option for my custom-built Savage 10, chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, and the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm High Matte Black immediately caught my eye.

My primary concern was weight. I was building a rifle designed for backcountry hunting where every ounce counts, and a bulky, heavy mounting system was simply out of the question. Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by how light these rings and bases felt. The matte black finish looked clean and professional, suggesting a high level of attention to detail.

I considered a few other options before settling on the Leupold combo. Specifically, I looked at some steel options from other manufacturers, but the weight penalty was simply too high. Some one-piece scope mounts also presented themselves as solid options, but ultimately I decided I preferred the flexibility of a two-piece base for potential future adjustments. My initial excitement was tempered by a bit of skepticism regarding the lightweight design’s ability to withstand the rigors of field use and the recoil of my rifle.

Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm High Matte Black to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm High Matte Black occurred at my local range. The weather was decent, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze, providing ideal conditions for zeroing my rifle and testing the mount’s stability. Installation was remarkably straightforward, thanks to the simple two-piece design. I was able to torque everything to spec in under 15 minutes.

I fired approximately 60 rounds of 6.5 Creedmoor through my Savage 10. The Leupold mount held up remarkably well. There were no noticeable shifts in zero, even after repeated shots, which greatly eased my initial concerns about recoil management. The high rings provided ample clearance for the 50mm objective lens of my scope, exactly as advertised.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including a week-long elk hunt in the rugged Montana backcountry, the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm High Matte Black has consistently delivered. I’ve subjected it to rain, snow, and considerable temperature fluctuations. The matte black finish has proven to be quite durable, showing only minor signs of wear and tear from brushing against rocks and vegetation.

Maintenance has been minimal. I simply wipe down the mount with a clean cloth after each use to remove any dirt or moisture. Compared to some other rings I’ve used in the past that required frequent re-tightening, these Leupold rings have remained consistently secure. My experience with other lightweight mounts, particularly those of lower quality, had often resulted in shifting zeros or loosening hardware. The Leupold BackCountry combo has significantly outperformed those experiences.

Breaking Down the Features of Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm High Matte Black

Specifications

The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm High Matte Black is designed specifically for Savage 10/110 rifles with round receivers. The rings are designed to fit scopes with a 30mm tube diameter. This particular model is the “High” version, providing greater clearance for scopes with larger objective lenses.

The construction material is a lightweight alloy, keeping the overall weight to a minimum – a crucial consideration for hunters and shooters concerned about pack weight. The matte black finish is designed to reduce glare and provide a sleek, low-profile look. The precise weight of the combo is approximately 3 ounces, a very competitive figure in the world of scope mounts.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm High Matte Black is to securely mount a scope to a rifle and maintain a consistent zero. In this regard, it excels. The rings provide a very tight, secure grip on the scope tube, preventing any slippage, even under heavy recoil. The two-piece base design allows for some flexibility in scope placement, allowing the user to optimize eye relief and cheek weld.

One minor weakness is that the lightweight alloy is potentially less resistant to extreme abuse compared to steel. However, for most hunting and shooting applications, this is not a significant concern. The combo exceeds my expectations in terms of weight savings and ease of use, providing a solid and reliable mounting platform.

Design & Ergonomics

The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm High Matte Black features a simple and functional design. The matte black finish is aesthetically pleasing and helps to minimize reflections. The overall weight is remarkably low, contributing to a more balanced feel for the rifle.

Installation is very straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening. The high rings provide ample clearance for large objective lenses, accommodating a wide range of scope sizes. There is virtually no learning curve; anyone familiar with scope mounting should be able to install this combo quickly and easily.

Durability & Maintenance

The lightweight alloy construction of the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm High Matte Black raises some initial concerns about durability. However, in my experience, the rings have held up remarkably well. The matte black finish is relatively scratch-resistant and has shown minimal wear after several months of use in the field.

Maintenance is extremely simple. A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each use is generally sufficient to keep the rings in good condition. Periodically checking the screws for proper tightness is recommended, but so far, I have not needed to re-tighten them.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm High Matte Black comes as a complete set, including the two bases and two rings. No additional accessories are included. Customization options are limited, as the product is designed to be a straightforward mounting solution.

However, because it utilizes a standard Weaver-style base, it is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, such as Picatinny rail adapters. Some users may choose to add shims under the bases to achieve greater elevation adjustment in their scope. Compatibility with Leupold and other brands’ accessories is excellent, given the widespread use of Weaver-style bases.

Pros and Cons of Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm High Matte Black