The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm Medium Matte Black Made a Bold First Impression
Over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear business has taught me one crucial thing: ounces matter. The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm Medium Matte Black promises precisely that – minimal weight without sacrificing performance, a critical attribute for backcountry hunts where every gram counts. This combo grabbed my attention by claiming to offer a lightweight, yet robust, mounting solution for the popular Savage 10/110 rifle.
My need was simple: a reliable, lightweight optic mounting solution for my trusty Savage 110 in .30-06, which I primarily use for elk hunting in the Rockies. I was looking to shave weight without compromising accuracy and durability. The Leupold name carries weight in the optics world, and their BackCountry series seemed like a promising answer.
The unboxing was straightforward; two separate pieces, the base and the rings, neatly packed. The matte black finish looked clean and professional, and the components felt solid in hand despite their remarkably light weight. My initial thought was, “This is lightweight,” a promising start.
Compared to the heavier, one-piece steel bases I’ve used in the past, this combo felt like a feather. I considered options from Talley and Warne, known for their lightweight designs, but Leupold’s reputation for quality and the specific fit for the Savage 10/110 won me over. My first impression was excitement tempered by cautious optimism, hoping the lightweight design wouldn’t sacrifice stability and repeatable accuracy.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm Medium Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm Medium Matte Black at my local shooting range, mounting a Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm scope. Installation was surprisingly simple, thanks to the two-piece design, allowing for easy access to the action. Zeroing the rifle was a breeze, requiring minimal adjustments.
The rifle performed exceptionally well, even in a light drizzle that persisted throughout the session. The scope held zero consistently across multiple groups, suggesting a stable and reliable mount. I was initially concerned about potential slippage given the lightweight design, but those fears proved unfounded after my first range session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including a week-long elk hunting trip in the high country of Colorado, the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm Medium Matte Black has proven to be remarkably durable. It endured rough handling, temperature fluctuations, and even a minor fall without any noticeable impact on zero or performance. The matte black finish has held up well against scratches and abrasions.
Maintenance has been minimal; a simple wipe-down with a clean cloth after each use is all it takes. Compared to previous mounting systems that required frequent tightening and re-zeroing, the Leupold combo has exceeded my expectations in terms of stability and ease of maintenance. This setup provides a rock-solid mounting platform.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm Medium Matte Black
Specifications
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm Medium Matte Black is designed specifically for Savage 10/110 rifles with a round receiver. This combo is configured to accommodate scopes with a 30mm tube diameter.
The rings are of medium height, providing adequate clearance for most scope objectives without being excessively high. The base and rings are constructed from lightweight aluminum, finished with a durable matte black coating for corrosion resistance and minimal glare. This construction choice prioritizes reducing overall rifle weight.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm Medium Matte Black is to securely mount a scope to the rifle, ensuring consistent zero and repeatable accuracy. It performs this task admirably, providing a stable platform for the scope even under recoil. The lightweight design doesn’t compromise its ability to hold zero.
A notable strength is its ease of installation and minimal weight. A potential area for improvement would be to include torque specifications in the packaging, ensuring proper installation. Overall, the combo meets and even exceeds expectations for a lightweight mounting solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm Medium Matte Black boasts a minimalist design, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. The lightweight aluminum construction contributes to a noticeable reduction in overall rifle weight, making it more comfortable to carry for extended periods. The matte black finish is non-reflective and durable, blending seamlessly with most rifle finishes.
The two-piece design allows for easy access to the action for cleaning and maintenance. There is virtually no learning curve; the design is intuitive and straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction is inherently durable, capable of withstanding the rigors of field use. The matte black finish provides excellent corrosion resistance, ensuring a long service life. Maintenance is straightforward; simply wipe down the components with a clean cloth after each use.
With proper care, the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm Medium Matte Black should last for years. The simple design minimizes potential failure points.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm Medium Matte Black doesn’t come with specific accessories beyond the mounting hardware itself. However, it is compatible with a wide range of 30mm scopes from various manufacturers. The ring height may require consideration depending on the scope’s objective lens diameter.
Aftermarket accessories like scope levels and anti-cant devices can be easily added to the scope tube. The Leupold name ensures compatibility with other high-quality optics and accessories.
Pros and Cons of Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm Medium Matte Black
Pros
- Remarkably lightweight design, ideal for backcountry hunting where every ounce counts.
- Simple and straightforward installation, requiring minimal tools or expertise.
- Durable aluminum construction with a corrosion-resistant matte black finish.
- Provides a stable and repeatable zero, ensuring consistent accuracy.
- Compatible with a wide range of 30mm scopes.
Cons
- Torque specifications not included, potentially leading to over- or under-tightening during installation.
- Two-piece design may not be as inherently rigid as a one-piece base for extreme long-range applications.
Who Should Buy Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm Medium Matte Black?
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm Medium Matte Black is perfect for hunters who prioritize weight savings without sacrificing reliability. This combo is ideal for those who appreciate simple installation and a clean, minimalist design. It will be particularly beneficial for backcountry hunters and those who carry their rifles for extended periods.
Individuals seeking the utmost rigidity for extreme long-range shooting may prefer a one-piece steel base. Someone on a very tight budget may find cheaper alternatives, though they will likely sacrifice quality. A must-have accessory would be a quality torque wrench to ensure proper installation.
Conclusion on Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm Medium Matte Black
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm Medium Matte Black delivers on its promise of lightweight performance. Its simple design, durable construction, and stable zero make it a worthy upgrade for any Savage 10/110 owner looking to shed weight without compromising accuracy. The price is justified by the quality and performance offered.
I wholeheartedly recommend this mounting solution. If you’re seeking a reliable, lightweight optic mount for your Savage 10/110, look no further. Invest in the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece Savage 10/110 w/Round Receiver 30mm Medium Matte Black and experience the difference for yourself!