First Thoughts on the Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte
The Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte might seem like a small, unassuming piece of gear, but anyone who’s ever struggled to get proper eye relief on a rifle scope knows their true value. Leupold, a name synonymous with quality optics and mounting solutions, offers these rings as a solution to a common problem, ensuring a comfortable and accurate shooting experience. These rings address the need to shift a scope’s position, typically forward or backward, when standard rings just won’t cut it.
My journey to the Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte began with a beautiful new scope, a Leupold VX-3i, mounted on a trusty old Remington 700. The problem? No matter how I adjusted the scope in standard rings, I couldn’t achieve a full, comfortable sight picture; I needed just a bit more room. This issue highlighted the need for extension rings.
Upon unboxing the Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte, I was immediately struck by their solid, robust feel. The matte finish is clean and professional, promising to blend seamlessly with most scope and rifle setups. They feel like quality pieces of equipment.
I considered alternatives like Burris Signature Zee Rings with Pos-Align inserts or Weaver Grand Slam steel rings, but I chose the Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte for their simplicity and the reputation of the Leupold brand. I wanted a straightforward solution without needing to shim or use adjustable inserts.
My initial impression was positive and hopeful; these rings seemed like the perfect solution to a nagging problem. I was excited to finally get my rifle and scope working together perfectly.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte was at my local shooting range, a controlled environment where I could carefully dial in my rifle. The weather was mild and dry. I focused on mounting the scope with the new rings and assessing how well they corrected my eye relief issue.
The rings performed exactly as expected, immediately correcting the eye relief problem I had been experiencing. They were relatively easy to install, and the scope felt securely mounted. There were no surprises, just a noticeable improvement in my shooting comfort and sight picture.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including multiple trips to the range and a deer hunting trip in the late fall, the Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte have held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or loosening; the matte finish remains pristine. The rings have maintained their zero through hundreds of rounds.
Cleaning and maintaining the rings is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a cloth is usually sufficient. My previous experiences with other mounting systems sometimes involved frustrating loosening or shifting, but these rings have been exceptionally reliable. They’ve outperformed my expectations in terms of stability.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte
Specifications
- Type: Extension Rings. These rings are specifically designed to offset the scope either forward or backward relative to the receiver.
- Size: 1″. These rings accommodate scopes with a one-inch tube diameter.
- Height: 0.77″. This “medium” height is suitable for many common rifle and scope combinations, but careful consideration should be given to ensure proper clearance over the barrel.
- Finish: Matte. The matte black finish minimizes glare and complements most rifle and scope aesthetics.
- Part Number: 49911.
- Buds Item Number: 35962.
These specifications matter because they directly impact compatibility and performance. The correct ring size is crucial for securely mounting the scope. The height determines whether the scope clears the barrel.
Performance & Functionality
The Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte perform their primary function flawlessly: providing the necessary extension to achieve proper eye relief. Accuracy is maintained, and the rings hold the scope securely under recoil. The only potential improvement would be offering more height options for various rifle and scope combinations.
These rings meet and exceed expectations for a simple, reliable scope mounting solution. They eliminate the frustration of inadequate eye relief, which is crucial for accurate shooting.
Design & Ergonomics
The Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte boast a simple, functional design. The materials used are high-quality, providing a sense of durability and reliability. The matte finish is aesthetically pleasing and reduces unwanted reflections.
There is no real learning curve; installation is straightforward for anyone familiar with scope mounting. They are user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
Given their robust construction, the Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte are expected to last for many years. Their inherent simplicity means there is little to fail.
Maintenance is minimal; cleaning is as easy as wiping them down with a soft cloth. They are easy to maintain and repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte themselves don’t have many accessories or customization options. The key is selecting the correct height and ring size for your specific rifle and scope.
These rings are compatible with any 1-inch scope that requires extension. While not technically “customization,” ensuring you have a quality base (like a Leupold Picatinny rail) is essential for optimal performance.
Pros and Cons of Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte
Pros
- Provide essential eye relief adjustment for improved shooting comfort and accuracy.
- Solid, durable construction ensures long-lasting reliability.
- Matte finish reduces glare and blends well with most rifles and scopes.
- Simple design allows for easy installation.
- Maintains zero consistently even under recoil.
Cons
- Limited height options may not suit all rifle/scope combinations.
- May require a Picatinny rail or compatible base, adding to the overall cost (if your rifle doesn’t already have one).
Who Should Buy Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte?
The Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte are perfect for:
- Hunters and target shooters who struggle to achieve proper eye relief with standard scope rings.
- Rifle owners who have limited Picatinny rail space and need to position their scope further forward or backward.
- Anyone seeking a reliable and durable scope mounting solution from a trusted brand.
Who should skip this product?
- Shooters who already have adequate eye relief with standard rings.
- Those requiring extreme scope offset, as these rings offer a moderate extension.
A must-have accessory is a torque wrench to ensure proper ring cap tension, preventing damage to the scope. A quality Picatinny rail or compatible base is also essential for secure mounting.
Conclusion on Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte
The Leupold EXTENSION RINGS MED Matte are a simple yet vital component for achieving optimal shooting performance. They address a common issue with a straightforward, reliable solution. The price of $36.99 is more than justified for the improved comfort and accuracy they provide.
I would personally and wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone struggling with eye relief issues. They are a worthwhile investment. Don’t let improper eye relief compromise your shooting experience; these rings offer an affordable and effective fix.