Leupold BackCountry Rifle Scope Mount Base Review

What Makes Leupold BackCountry Rifle Scope Mount Base Stand Out?

The Leupold BackCountry Rifle Scope Mount Base from Leupold is designed to offer a lightweight, yet rugged mounting solution for rifle scopes. These bases promise to consolidate the ring-to-base connection, reducing potential failure points, and are machined from aircraft-grade aluminum. I’ve spent years fiddling with scope mounts, from budget-friendly options to high-end tactical solutions, and a consistently reliable mounting system is the bedrock of any accurate rifle setup.

What drew me to the Leupold BackCountry Rifle Scope Mount Base was the promise of simplicity and strength. I needed a dependable base for a Weatherby Mark V LT rifle that wouldn’t add unnecessary weight while ensuring my scope held zero through thick and thin.

Upon unboxing, the immediate impression was of quality. The machining was clean and precise, and the aluminum felt solid despite its light weight. This contrasted sharply with some of the cheaper mounts I’ve used, which often exhibit rough edges and questionable material integrity.

I considered other options, including bases from Talley and Warne. Ultimately, I chose the Leupold BackCountry Rifle Scope Mount Base for its reputation for seamless integration with Leupold scopes and its lightweight design. The Talley Lightweight Alloy Mounts were a close contender, but I favored the two-piece design of the Leupold for easier access to the action.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to see if the advertised lightweight ruggedness translated into real-world performance and unwavering zero retention.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold BackCountry Rifle Scope Mount Base to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Leupold BackCountry Rifle Scope Mount Base at my local range, mounting it on a Weatherby Mark V LT chambered in .300 Weatherby Magnum. This rifle is known for its recoil, so it would be a good test of the base’s ability to hold zero.

Conditions were sunny and mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze. I fired approximately 50 rounds, focusing on zeroing the scope and then shooting various drills to assess repeatability. The ease of installation was immediately apparent, and the scope felt securely mounted.

The first few shots were promising, with consistent groupings around 1 MOA. There were no immediate signs of slippage or shifting, which was a relief given the rifle’s recoil. I did, however, double-check the screws after the first few rounds, as a matter of habit.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple trips to the range and a week-long hunting trip in the Montana backcountry, the Leupold BackCountry Rifle Scope Mount Base has held up admirably. The Montana hunt involved varied weather conditions, from freezing mornings to relatively warm afternoons, with occasional light rain. The bases showed no signs of corrosion or loosening, even after being exposed to the elements.

Durability has been excellent. There are no visible signs of wear and tear beyond some minor scuffs from handling. Maintenance has been minimal; I simply wipe down the bases with a lightly oiled cloth after each use.

Compared to some of the heavier steel bases I’ve used in the past, the Leupold BackCountry Rifle Scope Mount Base offers a significant weight reduction without sacrificing reliability. It has outperformed my expectations, maintaining zero even after some rough handling during the hunt.

Breaking Down the Features of Leupold BackCountry Rifle Scope Mount Base

Specifications

The Leupold BackCountry Rifle Scope Mount Base is designed to be a lightweight and durable mounting solution for rifle scopes. It’s machined from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum for strength and weight savings. The specific model tested was a two-piece base designed for the Weatherby Mark V LT with a 1-inch ring diameter.

The specifications matter because they directly impact the rifle’s weight and the scope’s stability. The aluminum construction keeps the overall weight down, which is crucial for backcountry hunting where every ounce counts. The 1-inch ring diameter is a standard size, making it compatible with a wide range of scopes.

Performance & Functionality

The Leupold BackCountry Rifle Scope Mount Base performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a rock-solid platform for mounting a scope, ensuring consistent zero retention even under heavy recoil.

Its primary strength lies in its simplicity and reliability. There are no complicated adjustments or finicky mechanisms to worry about. A potential weakness could be that it’s designed for specific rifle models, limiting its versatility.

The Leupold BackCountry Rifle Scope Mount Base has exceeded my expectations. It’s a testament to Leupold’s commitment to quality and performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is clean and functional. The aluminum construction keeps the weight down, making it comfortable to carry the rifle for extended periods.

The design is user-friendly. Installation is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a bit of gunsmithing knowledge.

Durability & Maintenance

The 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction suggests it will last a lifetime with proper care. I expect it to withstand years of use without any significant issues.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and inspection of the screws. Repair, if ever needed, should be straightforward, given the simple design.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Leupold BackCountry Rifle Scope Mount Base is primarily a mounting platform and doesn’t come with many accessories. Its compatibility with 1-inch ring diameter scopes is its key customization feature.

It’s designed to work seamlessly with Leupold rings, but it should also be compatible with rings from other reputable manufacturers that adhere to standard dimensions. Be sure to use rings designed for the specific base style (Weaver or Picatinny, if applicable to your chosen rings).

Pros and Cons of Leupold BackCountry Rifle Scope Mount Base