Let’s Dive into Talley 960420 1-Piece XHi Base & Ring Set Handi Rifle 1″ Style Black Finish
The Talley 960420 1-Piece XHi Base & Ring Set Handi Rifle 1″ Style Black Finish is a scope mounting solution designed specifically for the New England Handi Rifle. Talley is a well-respected name in the optics mounting world, known for their lightweight yet robust designs. This particular set aims to provide a secure and repeatable platform for mounting a 1″ tube scope on the Handi Rifle, eliminating the potential alignment issues of traditional two-piece systems.
I’ve always been a fan of the Handi Rifle’s simplicity and versatility, but its factory iron sights left something to be desired for longer-range shooting. I needed a reliable scope mounting solution that wouldn’t add unnecessary weight or compromise the rifle’s inherent balance. The promise of a one-piece design and lightweight alloy construction drew me to the Talley 960420.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the sleek, clean lines of the mount and its surprisingly light weight. The black finish was even and appeared durable, and the overall build quality seemed excellent. It felt like a precision-made piece of equipment, not a cheap afterthought.
Compared to some of the bulkier, heavier steel mounts I’ve used on other rifles, the Talley system felt like a breath of fresh air. I had considered separate base and ring setups from other manufacturers like Weaver or Leupold, but the potential for misalignment and the added weight steered me towards the Talley one-piece design. My initial excitement was definitely high; it seemed like the perfect solution for my Handi Rifle.
Real-World Testing: Putting Talley 960420 1-Piece XHi Base & Ring Set Handi Rifle 1″ Style Black Finish to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Talley 960420 on my Handi Rifle chambered in .30-30 at my local shooting range. The weather was clear and relatively mild, providing ideal conditions for sighting in a new scope. Installation was straightforward; the mount fit perfectly onto the Handi Rifle’s receiver without any need for shimming or modification.
After mounting a Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 scope, I started the zeroing process. The Talley mount held the scope securely, and I experienced no shift in zero after the initial adjustments. Even after firing a few dozen rounds, the mount remained rock solid. My first impression was very positive; the Talley mount did exactly what it was supposed to do.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Talley 960420 continues to perform flawlessly. I’ve taken the Handi Rifle on several hunting trips, exposing it to varying weather conditions including rain and light snow. Despite this exposure, the Talley mount shows no signs of corrosion or loosening.
The black finish has proven to be quite durable, resisting scratches and wear from regular handling. Maintenance is minimal; I simply wipe it down with a clean cloth after each use. Compared to the steel mounts I’ve used in the past, the Talley system is significantly lighter and more resistant to rust. This makes it a clear winner in my book.
Breaking Down the Features of Talley 960420 1-Piece XHi Base & Ring Set Handi Rifle 1″ Style Black Finish
Specifications
The Talley 960420 1-Piece XHi Base & Ring Set Handi Rifle 1″ Style Black Finish boasts several key specifications:
- One-Piece Construction: This eliminates potential alignment issues between the base and rings, ensuring a more secure and accurate scope mounting platform.
- Lightweight Alloy: Constructed from 7000 series alloy, this mount offers exceptional strength and durability while minimizing weight.
- Extra High (XHi) Rings: This allows for larger objective scopes to be mounted without interfering with the rifle’s barrel or receiver.
- 1″ Ring Diameter: Designed to accommodate scopes with a 1-inch tube diameter.
- Black Finish: Provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish that resists corrosion.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the performance and user experience. The one-piece design ensures consistent accuracy, while the lightweight alloy keeps the rifle balanced and easy to handle. The Extra High rings are especially important for accommodating larger scopes, which are often preferred for hunting and long-range shooting.
Performance & Functionality
The Talley 960420 excels at its primary function: providing a secure and repeatable mounting platform for a scope. Accuracy is excellent, with no noticeable shift in zero even after repeated firing. The mount is incredibly reliable and holds the scope firmly in place under recoil.
The main strength of this product is its simplicity and effectiveness. It simply works, without any fuss or complications. The only potential weakness is that the extra-high rings might not be necessary for all scopes, potentially raising the scope higher than some users prefer. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Talley 960420 features a clean and minimalist design that complements the aesthetics of the Handi Rifle. The build quality is excellent, with precise machining and a durable finish. The lightweight alloy construction keeps the rifle balanced and comfortable to carry.
The one-piece design eliminates any potential for movement or slippage between the base and rings, contributing to overall accuracy and reliability. The mount is user-friendly and requires no special tools or skills to install.
Durability & Maintenance
The Talley 960420 is built to last, thanks to its high-quality materials and robust construction. The 7000 series alloy is exceptionally strong and resistant to corrosion. The black finish provides an additional layer of protection against the elements.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each use is all that’s needed. With proper care, this mount should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Talley 960420 itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the mounting hardware. However, it’s designed to be compatible with any 1″ tube scope. The extra-high rings provide ample clearance for larger objective lenses.
While there aren’t many customization options specifically for the mount itself, the Handi Rifle platform offers plenty of opportunities for personalization. This includes aftermarket stocks, barrels, and triggers. The Talley mount simply provides a solid foundation for mounting your preferred optic.
Pros and Cons of Talley 960420 1-Piece XHi Base & Ring Set Handi Rifle 1″ Style Black Finish
Pros
- One-piece design ensures perfect alignment and maximum rigidity. This translates to consistent accuracy and eliminates potential points of failure.
- Lightweight alloy construction reduces overall weight without sacrificing strength. This is especially important for a lightweight rifle like the Handi Rifle.
- Extra-high rings provide ample clearance for larger objective lenses. This allows for the use of higher-powered scopes with larger objectives.
- Durable black finish resists corrosion and wear. This ensures long-lasting performance in harsh conditions.
- Easy to install with no specialized tools required. This makes it a simple and straightforward upgrade for any Handi Rifle owner.
Cons
- Extra-high rings may be too high for some users and smaller scopes. This could require adjusting your cheek weld or adding a cheek riser.
- Limited customization options. There are no alternative ring heights or colors available.
Who Should Buy Talley 960420 1-Piece XHi Base & Ring Set Handi Rifle 1″ Style Black Finish?
The Talley 960420 is perfect for Handi Rifle owners looking for a simple, lightweight, and reliable scope mounting solution. It’s especially well-suited for hunters who use larger objective scopes and require a secure and repeatable mounting platform. This product is also ideal for anyone who values simplicity and ease of installation.
If you prefer a low-profile scope setup or don’t require extra-high rings, you might want to consider a different mounting option. Likewise, if you need a highly customizable mount with multiple ring height options, this may not be the best choice. A must-have accessory would be a quality set of scope mounting tools, including a torque wrench, to ensure proper installation and prevent damage.
Conclusion on Talley 960420 1-Piece XHi Base & Ring Set Handi Rifle 1″ Style Black Finish
The Talley 960420 1-Piece XHi Base & Ring Set Handi Rifle 1″ Style Black Finish is an excellent scope mounting solution for the New England Handi Rifle. Its one-piece design, lightweight alloy construction, and durable finish make it a top performer. The price is justified by the quality and performance it delivers.
I would highly recommend this product to any Handi Rifle owner looking to upgrade their optic mounting system. It’s a simple, effective, and reliable way to improve your rifle’s accuracy and versatility. If you’re ready to take your Handi Rifle to the next level, the Talley 960420 is a great place to start.