The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte Made a Bold First Impression
For years, I’ve preached the gospel of reliable mounting systems to countless hunters and competitive shooters. The scope is the eye of the rifle, but the mount is the backbone; without a solid connection, even the finest glass is rendered useless. This is why I was keen to get my hands on the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte.
I needed a lightweight, reliable mounting solution for a custom lightweight hunting build on a Remington 700 action. I had a high-end 30mm scope I wanted to use, and every ounce mattered. The name Leupold carries weight, and the “BackCountry” moniker suggested a focus on exactly what I required: minimal weight without sacrificing ruggedness.
Opening the package, the first thing I noticed was the clean, matte black finish and the remarkably light weight of the components. The machining looked precise, and the overall impression was one of quality; these weren’t cheap, stamped-out parts. The base and rings felt substantial despite their minimal weight, giving me confidence in their ability to withstand recoil.
I considered other options like the Talley Lightweight Alloy rings and bases, and the Nightforce Ultralite rings with a separate base. I went with the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte because the integrated base and ring design appealed to my desire for simplicity and a lower overall profile. My first impression was positive – I was eager to see how it performed in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at the range, dialing in the new scope on my hunting rifle. The installation was straightforward, requiring only basic tools and following the included instructions. The rings securely held my scope, and the two-piece base mounted firmly to the Remington 700 action. I meticulously torqued all screws to the specified values.
The weather was typical for early spring in the mountains: a mix of sun, wind, and a brief shower. Despite the changing conditions, the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte held zero perfectly. There were no signs of slippage or movement, even after repeated firing with a relatively heavy-recoiling cartridge. No issues or surprises presented themselves during the initial range session.
Extended Use & Reliability
I’ve now used the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte for an entire hunting season, carrying it through dense forests and up steep mountain slopes. The lightweight design was a blessing, and I never had to worry about the scope losing zero, even after a few minor bumps and scrapes. The matte black finish held up well, showing only minimal wear and tear.
Maintenance has been a breeze. After each hunt, I simply wipe down the rings and bases with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris. I’ve periodically checked the torque on the screws, but they’ve remained consistently tight. Compared to some of the heavier, more complicated mounting systems I’ve used in the past, the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte has exceeded my expectations in terms of both weight savings and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte
Specifications
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte is specifically designed for Remington 700 actions and accommodates scopes with a 30mm tube diameter. The “Medium” height is intended for scopes with objective lens diameters up to approximately 50mm, depending on the rifle’s barrel contour. It is machined from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, offering a superior strength-to-weight ratio.
- Material: 7075-T6 Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
- Finish: Matte Black
- Ring Diameter: 30mm
- Base Type: Two-Piece, Remington 700 Compatible
- Ring Height: Medium
- Weight: Significantly lighter than comparable steel mounts
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the rifle’s overall weight, balance, and the scope’s proper positioning. The lightweight aluminum reduces felt recoil and makes the rifle easier to carry for extended periods. The precise machining ensures a secure and accurate scope mounting platform, essential for consistent accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte performs its job flawlessly. The scope remains securely mounted under recoil, maintaining zero shot after shot. The simple design makes it easy to install and adjust the scope’s position.
Its strength is its lightweight design combined with robust construction. The only area that could be improved is perhaps offering different ring heights to accommodate a wider range of scope sizes. It definitely meets and exceeds my expectations for a lightweight hunting rifle setup.
Design & Ergonomics
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. The matte black finish is non-reflective, minimizing the risk of spooking game. The lightweight aluminum construction contributes to a well-balanced rifle, making it comfortable to carry and shoot.
The design is very user-friendly, with no complicated adjustments or procedures required. Even a novice shooter should be able to install this mounting system with ease.
Durability & Maintenance
The 7075-T6 aluminum construction ensures excellent durability. The finish is resistant to scratches and corrosion. With proper care, the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte should last for many years of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and torque checks. No specialized tools or procedures are necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte does not come with any specific accessories beyond the necessary mounting hardware. However, its compatibility with the Remington 700 action means it can be used with a wide variety of aftermarket stocks, triggers, and other accessories.
It is specifically designed for 30mm scopes, offering limited scope size customization beyond that. Users needing larger or smaller rings would need to look at different mounting solutions.
Pros and Cons of Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte
Pros
- Extremely Lightweight: Significantly reduces overall rifle weight, ideal for backcountry hunting.
- Durable Construction: Machined from high-strength 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum for lasting performance.
- Simple Installation: Easy to install with basic tools and clear instructions.
- Reliable Performance: Holds zero consistently, even under heavy recoil.
- Sleek Design: Matte black finish is non-reflective and aesthetically pleasing.
Cons
- Limited Scope Size Options: Only compatible with 30mm scopes and the provided ring height.
- Aluminum Material: While durable, aluminum is inherently softer than steel, potentially making it more susceptible to damage under extreme abuse.
Who Should Buy Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte?
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte is perfect for hunters and shooters who prioritize lightweight gear without sacrificing reliability. It is an excellent choice for backcountry hunters, mountain hunters, and anyone building a lightweight hunting rifle on a Remington 700 action.
Those who need adjustable rings, or require extreme durability above all else, should consider a steel mounting system instead. This product is best suited for 30mm tube scopes, so users with 1-inch tube scopes or different sizes need to look elsewhere.
Conclusion on Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte is a top-notch mounting system that delivers on its promise of lightweight performance. The $72.99 price is justified by the quality of materials, precise machining, and reliable performance. It represents an excellent value for those looking to minimize weight without compromising accuracy.
I would absolutely recommend the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Rem 700 Medium 2 Piece 30mm Black Matte to anyone building or upgrading a lightweight hunting rifle. If you’re seeking a dependable, lightweight mounting solution, look no further.