WEAVER BASE PIVOT MOUNT 2PC 153* Review

First Thoughts on the WEAVER BASE PIVOT MOUNT 2PC 153*

Mounting a scope securely and reliably is paramount for any serious shooter, and for decades, Weaver has been a trusted name in the optics mounting industry. The WEAVER BASE PIVOT MOUNT 2PC 153* promises a simple and affordable solution for achieving just that, with the added benefit of a pivot feature for iron sight access. It’s designed for specific rifles (as indicated by the “153” designation, which corresponds to Weaver’s fit chart), and this is where its potential strengths and weaknesses lie. For a mere $10.99, it’s a budget-friendly option, but will it deliver the stability and precision required for accurate shooting?

I was looking for a way to mount a vintage scope on an old .22 rifle without permanently altering the receiver. The rifle had a dovetail, but I needed a Weaver style base to accommodate the scope rings I preferred. The WEAVER BASE PIVOT MOUNT 2PC 153* seemed like a potential solution, offering the flexibility to switch between the scope and the original iron sights – a feature I found appealing for maintaining the rifle’s classic aesthetic.

Upon receiving the mounts, I was initially surprised by their small size and simple design. The BLUE finish, described in the product details, was a standard bluing, offering decent corrosion resistance. Build quality appeared adequate for the price, though the steel seemed relatively thin. Compared to higher-end, machined steel bases from companies like Leupold or Talley, these Weaver bases certainly felt more basic. I chose this option over a permanently attached base, wanting to retain the iron sight option and not alter the classic look of my rifle.

My first impression was a cautious optimism. The price was right, and the pivot feature was intriguing, but I had concerns about the long-term durability and stability of such an inexpensive mounting system. Could it truly hold zero, or would the pivot mechanism introduce unwanted movement?

Real-World Testing: Putting WEAVER BASE PIVOT MOUNT 2PC 153* to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the WEAVER BASE PIVOT MOUNT 2PC 153* on my .22 rifle at an outdoor shooting range. The weather was sunny and dry, ideal conditions for initial zeroing. Mounting the bases to the receiver and then attaching the scope rings was straightforward, requiring only a few minutes with a screwdriver. I used the recommended torque settings for the screws to ensure a secure fit.

The ease of pivoting the scope between the upright (scoped) and tilted (iron sights) positions was immediately apparent. In the initial setup, I noticed a slight ‘wiggle’ in the pivot, causing some doubt about its ability to maintain zero. Zeroing the scope took a bit longer than usual, requiring several adjustments. Once zeroed at 50 yards, I fired a few groups to assess accuracy.

After the first few shots, the bases appeared to hold zero reasonably well. However, after pivoting the scope to use the iron sights and then returning to the scope, I observed a noticeable shift in the point of impact. This confirmed my initial concern about the pivot’s impact on zero retention.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use and approximately 500 rounds fired, the WEAVER BASE PIVOT MOUNT 2PC 153* showed some signs of wear. The blue finish had begun to wear off around the pivot points, revealing bare metal underneath. The ‘wiggle’ in the pivot also seemed to have increased slightly, further impacting zero consistency.

Cleaning and maintaining the bases was simple, requiring only a quick wipe down with a cloth and a light oiling of the pivot points. However, I found myself frequently checking the screws to ensure they hadn’t loosened, a common issue with budget-friendly mounting systems. Compared to using a solid, non-pivoting base, the WEAVER BASE PIVOT MOUNT 2PC 153* definitely underperformed in terms of stability and zero retention. My previous experiences with Weaver’s standard non-pivot bases yielded better, more consistent results. This pivot feature seems to compromise its otherwise acceptable performance.

Breaking Down the Features of WEAVER BASE PIVOT MOUNT 2PC 153*

Specifications

• Type: Two-piece pivot scope base. This allows for easier installation compared to a one-piece base, but potentially sacrifices some rigidity.
• Material: Steel with a blue finish. This offers reasonable strength and corrosion resistance, though higher-grade steel alloys would be more durable.
• Mounting Style: Dovetail receiver attachment. This requires a receiver already equipped with a dovetail rail.
• Compatibility: Specific to certain rifle models (check Weaver’s fit chart for “153” compatibility). Ensure your rifle model is listed to guarantee proper fit.
• Pivot Feature: Allows tilting the scope to use iron sights. This is the key selling point, but also the primary source of potential instability.
• Price: $10.99. This is a very budget-friendly option, reflecting the materials and design choices.

These specifications are crucial because they dictate the mount’s suitability for a particular rifle and shooting style. The dovetail attachment limits its compatibility to rifles with that specific receiver design. The pivot feature is a double-edged sword, offering convenience but potentially compromising accuracy.

Performance & Functionality

The WEAVER BASE PIVOT MOUNT 2PC 153* performs adequately for light-duty applications, such as plinking or recreational shooting with a .22 rifle. It securely attaches a scope to the receiver, providing a platform for mounting scope rings. However, the pivot feature introduces a degree of instability that affects accuracy.

The main strength is the ease of switching between the scope and iron sights. The primary weakness is the inconsistent zero due to movement in the pivot mechanism. It meets the basic expectation of mounting a scope, but falls short in providing a rock-solid, repeatable platform for precision shooting.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for the price point. The steel bases are reasonably sturdy, although not as robust as higher-end mounts. The weight is minimal, which is a positive for lightweight rifles.

The mount is user-friendly, requiring no specialized tools for installation. There is a slight learning curve in ensuring the pivot mechanism is properly aligned and tightened.

Durability & Maintenance

The WEAVER BASE PIVOT MOUNT 2PC 153* is expected to last for several years with proper care, but the finish is prone to wear. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the pivot points are necessary to prevent corrosion and maintain smooth operation. Repairing a damaged pivot mechanism would likely be difficult, suggesting replacement rather than repair is the more practical route.

Accessories and Customization Options

The WEAVER BASE PIVOT MOUNT 2PC 153* itself doesn’t offer many customization options. It’s primarily designed to interface with Weaver style scope rings. It is compatible with any Weaver style scope rings, offering a wide range of choices for scope mounting height and style. Be sure to check your scope’s tube diameter (1 inch or 30mm) when selecting rings. Higher quality rings are recommended to maximize the stability of the overall system.

Pros and Cons of WEAVER BASE PIVOT MOUNT 2PC 153*

Who Should Buy WEAVER BASE PIVOT MOUNT 2PC 153*?

The WEAVER BASE PIVOT MOUNT 2PC 153* is perfect for recreational shooters or plinkers who want a budget-friendly way to mount a scope on their rifle while retaining the option of using iron sights. It’s also suitable for those who prioritize convenience over ultimate accuracy.

Those who should skip this product are serious hunters, competitive shooters, or anyone who demands consistent zero and maximum accuracy from their rifle. They should invest in a more robust, non-pivoting scope base from a reputable manufacturer.

A must-have accessory is a high-quality set of Weaver style scope rings to ensure a secure and stable scope mounting. Also, a thread-locking compound (like Loctite) is recommended to help prevent screws from loosening over time.

Conclusion on WEAVER BASE PIVOT MOUNT 2PC 153*

The WEAVER BASE PIVOT MOUNT 2PC 153* offers an affordable and convenient solution for mounting a scope while retaining the ability to use iron sights. However, the pivot feature inherently introduces instability, compromising zero consistency and making it unsuitable for precision shooting.

At $10.99, the price is certainly justified for its intended purpose as a budget-friendly, versatile mounting option. However, buyers should be aware of its limitations.

I would recommend this product to casual shooters who prioritize convenience over ultimate accuracy and are aware of its limitations. For serious shooters, investing in a higher-quality, non-pivoting base is a better choice for achieving consistent and reliable results. Consider it a decent option for a .22 plinker but not a serious hunting rifle.