The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte Made a Bold First Impression
After a decade navigating the world of outdoor and tactical gear, I’ve become a staunch believer in the mantra: ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain. That’s why the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte immediately caught my eye. I needed a lightweight, reliable mounting solution for my trusty Savage 110, without sacrificing the rock-solid performance I expect from Leupold.
My old steel rings were adding unnecessary weight to my hunting rifle. This made it feel like a boat anchor after a long day of hiking in the mountains. When I opened the box, I was immediately struck by the sleek, minimalist design. The matte black finish looked professional and durable. The advertised weight of just 3.2 ounces for the entire setup seemed almost too good to be true. I had been considering Warne Mountain Tech rings, and Talley Lightweight Alloy scope mounts, but the Leupold BackCountry offered a compelling blend of weight savings and reputation.
The initial feel of the aluminum was surprisingly solid. It instilled confidence that this wouldn’t be another case of lightweight meaning fragile. I was genuinely excited to get this mounted on my rifle and test it out in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte at my local shooting range. The rifle was chambered in .308, a caliber known for its respectable recoil. The installation was incredibly straightforward; the one-piece design truly simplified the process. Within minutes, I had my scope mounted and torqued to spec.
The weather was typical for early spring in the Pacific Northwest: drizzly and cold. I ran about 50 rounds through the rifle that first day. I carefully watched for any signs of slippage or movement. I am happy to report that the Leupold BackCountry rings held the scope securely in place.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte has proven itself to be a reliable and durable mounting solution. It has accompanied me on multiple hunting trips in various conditions. This includes rain, snow, and even a bit of mud. I appreciate that it still looks as good as the day I installed it.
There is only minor wear on the finish at the sharp edges of the rings. I have cleaned the rings and bases a few times. This simply involves wiping them down with a lightly oiled cloth. Compared to my previous experience with heavier steel rings, the weight savings are noticeable, especially during long days in the field. It has noticeably improved my experience.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte
Specifications
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte is designed specifically for Savage 110/10 rifles with a round receiver. The ring diameter is 1 inch, accommodating most traditional scopes. The ring height is medium (.97 inches), which is ideal for scopes with objective lenses up to around 44mm on most rifles. The entire setup weighs a mere 3.2 ounces.
The bases and rings are machined from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. This provides an optimal strength-to-weight ratio. The absence of base cant is worth noting for long-range shooters. This is because it might limit elevation adjustments at extreme distances.
Performance & Functionality
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte performs its primary function flawlessly. It provides a secure and stable platform for mounting a scope. The lightweight design does not negatively impact accuracy. In fact, the reduced weight can improve rifle handling, particularly for smaller-framed shooters.
The main strength of this system is its simplicity and weight savings. A minor weakness might be the lack of adjustability compared to more complex mounting systems. It exceeded my expectations for a lightweight mounting solution at this price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte features a minimalist, two-piece design. The matte black finish reduces glare and blends seamlessly with most rifles. The lightweight aluminum construction minimizes added weight without sacrificing strength. The straightforward design requires minimal tools for installation.
The one-piece base and ring design simplifies mounting and ensures proper alignment. I found the system to be very user-friendly. There was no learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
Machined from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte is built to withstand the rigors of field use. After months of testing, I see no signs of structural weakness or fatigue. Regular maintenance is simple. Wipe down the bases and rings with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent corrosion.
The aluminum construction is resistant to rust. It should provide years of reliable service with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte is primarily a standalone mounting solution. It doesn’t offer extensive customization options beyond scope selection. The 1-inch rings are compatible with a wide range of scopes.
While it doesn’t offer Picatinny rail compatibility for accessories, its lightweight and streamlined design are its key selling points. It is not compatible with scopes that require 30mm or 34mm rings.
Pros and Cons of Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight. Significantly reduces overall rifle weight, making it ideal for long hunts or hikes.
- Durable construction. Machined from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum for lasting performance.
- Easy installation. The one-piece design simplifies the mounting process.
- Secure scope mounting. Provides a stable and reliable platform for maintaining zero.
- Sleek, low-profile design. The matte black finish minimizes glare and looks great on any rifle.
Cons
- Limited adjustability. Lacks base cant for extreme long-range shooting.
- 1-inch ring size only. Not compatible with scopes requiring larger ring diameters.
Who Should Buy Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte?
The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte is perfect for hunters, especially those who prioritize weight savings and ease of use. It is also suitable for recreational shooters who want a reliable and low-profile mounting solution for their Savage 110/10 rifle. Individuals who need significant elevation adjustments for long-range shooting or require larger ring sizes should consider other options.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality torque wrench to ensure proper and consistent ring tension. This will prevent damage to the scope and ensure optimal accuracy.
Conclusion on Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte
Overall, the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo Savage 110/10 with Round Receiver Medium 2 Piece 1″ Black Matte is an excellent choice for Savage 110/10 owners seeking a lightweight and reliable scope mounting solution. The price of $73.49 is certainly justified given the quality of materials and the performance it delivers. I would wholeheartedly recommend this product to anyone looking to shed weight from their hunting rifle without compromising on durability or accuracy.
For a streamlined, lightweight, and dependable scope mounting system for your Savage 110, the Leupold BackCountry is tough to beat; it’s a solid upgrade that you’ll feel every time you shoulder your rifle. Consider adding this to your hunting setup for the upcoming season.