The Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag Made a Bold First Impression
Mounting a scope securely and reliably is absolutely crucial for any serious shooter. Without a solid base, even the best optic is rendered useless, prone to shifting zero and ultimately leading to frustration. I was looking for an inexpensive but functional mounting base to put a red dot sight on a budget Remington 700 build for close-range hog hunting.
My first impression upon receiving the Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag was…underwhelming. The base came in a simple poly bag as advertised, with no frills or extras. It felt lightweight, and the black finish seemed a bit basic, but given the price of $5.99, my expectations were tempered.
I’ve used high-end scope bases from companies like Nightforce and Badger Ordnance that cost upwards of $200. While those are undoubtedly superior in terms of material quality and precision machining, they were overkill for this particular project. I also considered some mid-range options from Leupold and Weaver, but the cost didn’t justify the potential improvement for a budget build. The Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag offered a potentially viable, extremely affordable alternative.
My initial excitement was minimal. My main concerns revolved around whether the base would hold zero under recoil and if the mounting hardware would be reliable. However, for a low-stakes hunting rifle, the low price point made it worth a shot.
Real-World Testing: Putting Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag on my Remington 700 at my local shooting range. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal conditions for initial zeroing. Mounting the base was straightforward, although the lack of instructions meant I had to rely on my experience.
The first few shots were promising. The red dot sight appeared to be holding zero, and there were no immediate signs of the base loosening. However, after about 20 rounds of .308, I noticed a slight shift in my point of impact. Upon closer inspection, the screws securing the base to the receiver had begun to loosen. This required immediate attention.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few weeks, I continued to test the Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag during several hog hunts. The base held up marginally better after applying Loctite to the screws, but it still required occasional tightening. The black finish showed some minor scratches and wear marks after exposure to brush and branches.
Cleaning the base was simple; a quick wipe-down with a cloth was sufficient. The Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag underperformed compared to my experiences with higher-end bases. The necessity for regular maintenance was a significant drawback. While it met the absolute minimum requirements, it clearly showed limitations in durability and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag
Specifications
The Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag is designed to fit Remington 700, Ruger M77, and Weatherby Mark V rifles. The material composition is undisclosed, but it appears to be a budget-grade aluminum alloy with a black anodized finish. The base accepts standard Weaver-style scope rings.
These specifications matter because they dictate the base’s compatibility with a wide range of rifles and optics. The budget-grade aluminum’s unknown strength, however, is a concern regarding recoil absorption and long-term durability. The lack of precise material information is a significant downside.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag is to provide a stable mounting platform for optics. In this regard, it performs adequately, but not flawlessly. The base allows for easy attachment of scope rings and provides a decent platform for initial zeroing.
However, the loosening of screws under recoil significantly impacts its reliability. The base only meets minimum expectations when threadlocker is consistently used, which adds to the user’s maintenance burden. The product needs improvement in design and material to enhance its ability to maintain zero over extended periods.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag is basic and functional. It’s lightweight, which could be seen as an advantage, but it also makes it feel less robust. The black finish is aesthetically acceptable but prone to scratching.
There is no real learning curve associated with the Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag. Installation is intuitive for anyone familiar with rifle scope mounting. However, the lack of included instructions could be a challenge for novice users.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag is questionable. The soft aluminum alloy and propensity for screws to loosen suggest it will not withstand heavy use or harsh conditions. Regular maintenance, including checking and tightening screws, is essential.
Repairing the base is not feasible. If it breaks or becomes significantly damaged, replacement is the only option. The low price point makes replacement relatively painless, but it also reflects the product’s disposable nature.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag comes with no accessories. The only customization option is the choice of Weaver-style scope rings. It is compatible with a wide range of Weaver-style rings from various brands, providing some flexibility in optic selection.
However, the base’s inherent limitations will affect the performance of even high-end optics. The inability to maintain a consistently tight connection will negate the benefits of a superior scope.
Pros and Cons of Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag
Pros
- Inexpensive and readily available.
- Lightweight design.
- Compatible with a wide range of Weaver-style scope rings.
- Fits multiple rifle models (Remington 700, Ruger M77, Weatherby Mark V).
- Simple installation.
Cons
- Screws loosen under recoil, requiring frequent maintenance.
- Unknown material composition and questionable durability.
- Basic black finish is prone to scratching.
- No included instructions or accessories.
- May not provide a stable enough platform for high-powered optics.
Who Should Buy Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag?
The Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who need a temporary or very light-duty solution. It’s suitable for air rifles or rimfire rifles where recoil is minimal. This base may also work as a placeholder while waiting for a higher-quality option to become available.
This product should be avoided by anyone who requires a reliable and durable mounting solution for centerfire rifles, especially in hunting or tactical applications. Those seeking a “set it and forget it” setup should look elsewhere. A must-have modification is the consistent use of Loctite (or similar thread locker) on the mounting screws.
Conclusion on Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag
The Top Mount Base Rem 700 Rgr M77 Wthby Mark V, 40A Black, Poly Bag offers an extremely budget-friendly option for mounting optics. However, its limitations in durability and reliability make it a questionable choice for serious applications. The base’s low price is justified, but buyers should be aware of its inherent compromises.
I would only recommend it for very light-duty applications or as a temporary solution. For anything more demanding, investing in a higher-quality base from a reputable manufacturer is a much wiser choice. Consider this base a starting point, not a final destination. If you’re on a tight budget and willing to perform regular maintenance, it might suffice; otherwise, save your money and invest in a better product.