Leupold 170911 DeltaPoint Pro Base for Smith & Wesson Classic Pistols: Elevating Your Shooting Precision

For discerning handgun owners seeking to dramatically enhance their shooting accuracy and speed, the journey often leads to integrating advanced optical systems. Among these, red dot sights like the acclaimed Leupold DeltaPoint Pro stand out as premier choices. But to truly unlock the potential of such an optic on a timeless firearm like the Smith & Wesson Classic pistol, a robust and precisely engineered mounting solution is not just an accessory—it's a critical foundation. This is where the Leupold 170911 DeltaPoint Pro Base steps in, providing the indispensable link between your cherished S&W Classic and a cutting-edge red dot sight.

This isn't just any mounting plate; it's a purpose-built component designed by Leupold, a name synonymous with optical excellence and rugged dependability in the shooting world. Engineered specifically for Smith & Wesson Classic pistols featuring the traditional dovetail style, this mounting base ensures a secure, low-profile fit that maintains the integrity and balance of your firearm while preparing it for modern optical performance. Whether you're a competitive shooter aiming for faster splits and tighter groups, a self-defense advocate prioritizing rapid target acquisition under pressure, or a passionate enthusiast looking to maximize your range experience, this base is engineered to meet and exceed your expectations for reliability and precision.

Unlocking Precision: Why Upgrade Your S&W Classic with a Red Dot Sight?

• Enhanced Accuracy: A red dot sight fundamentally simplifies the aiming process. Instead of aligning three distinct planes (front sight, rear sight, and target), the shooter only needs to focus on the target and place the illuminated dot. This intuitive aiming method leads to more precise shot placement, especially beneficial for tighter groupings at various distances.
• Faster Target Acquisition: The single, clear aiming point provided by a red dot allows for significantly quicker sight picture acquisition compared to traditional iron sights. This speed is invaluable in dynamic shooting scenarios, competitive shooting events where milliseconds count, or critical self-defense situations requiring rapid response.
• Improved Low-Light Performance: Unlike traditional iron sights which can become difficult to see in dim conditions, the illuminated reticle of a red dot remains bright and distinct. This provides a clear aiming solution in low-light environments, giving shooters a significant advantage and enhancing safety.
• Easier to Learn and Master: For new shooters, a red dot can flatten the learning curve, making it easier to understand the concept of sight alignment and achieve consistent hits more quickly. For experienced shooters, it refines existing skills, allowing for greater focus on trigger control and overall shooting mechanics.
• Reduced Eye Strain: The ability to focus on a single plane (the target and the dot) is often less fatiguing for the eyes during extended shooting sessions. This is particularly beneficial for shooters experiencing presbyopia or other vision challenges, allowing them to shoot comfortably and effectively for longer periods.

To realize these profound benefits on your Smith & Wesson Classic, a superior mounting solution like the Leupold 170911 is paramount. It seamlessly bridges the gap between classic firearm design and contemporary optical technology, ensuring a stable, reliable, and performance-enhancing integration.

Key Features and Engineering Excellence of the Leupold 170911 Base

1. Uncompromising Steel Construction for Superior Durability and Stability

Crafted from robust, high-grade machined steel, this mounting plate offers unparalleled strength and longevity. Unlike lighter materials that may flex or wear over time, steel provides exceptional rigidity and resistance to the constant forces of recoil, ensuring the DeltaPoint Pro remains steadfastly zeroed, shot after shot. This material choice is a testament to Leupold's unwavering commitment to reliability, guaranteeing that your optical setup will endure the rigors of extensive use, harsh environments, and competitive demands without compromise. The inherent density and rigidity of steel also contribute to a more stable platform for the optic, directly translating into consistent accuracy and repeatable performance.

2. Precision Machining for a Flawless, Secure Fit

Each Leupold 170911 base is precision machined to exact specifications. This meticulous manufacturing process ensures a perfect, wobble-free fit into the existing dovetail slot of your Smith &Wesson Classic pistol. A secure, custom fit is absolutely critical for maintaining zero and ensuring the optic performs as intended under all conditions. The precise tolerances mean that once installed, your DeltaPoint Pro will be optimally aligned, contributing to superior sight performance and unwavering shot consistency. This attention to detail prevents any movement that could compromise accuracy.

3. Seamless Compatibility with Smith & Wesson Classic Dovetail Style Pistols

This base is engineered exclusively for Smith & Wesson Classic handguns featuring the traditional rear sight dovetail. This dedicated compatibility means you don't have to worry about ill-fitting generic mounts, frustrating modifications, or compromising the aesthetics of your firearm. It’s designed to integrate smoothly and cleanly with the iconic lines of your S&W Classic, maintaining its classic appeal while significantly upgrading its functional capabilities. This precise, model-specific fit is a cornerstone of its performance, ensuring maximum contact and stability between the firearm and the mount.

4. Optimized for the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Red Dot Sight

The Leupold 170911 base is custom-tailored for direct mounting of the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, one of the most respected and high-performance red dot sights available on the market. This optimization ensures perfect screw alignment and allows for a low-profile mount that keeps the optic as close to the bore axis as possible. A lower bore axis contributes to more intuitive aiming and can help reduce parallax errors, enhancing the overall shooting experience. This direct-mount capability eliminates the need for additional adapter plates, streamlining the setup and enhancing overall system integrity and reliability.

5. Integrated Mounting Hardware for Comprehensive, Convenient Installation

Included with the Leupold 170911 DeltaPoint Pro Base are all the necessary screws for a complete and secure installation. This thoughtful inclusion covers both sets of fasteners required: screws to securely attach the mounting plate to your S&W Classic pistol’s dovetail, as well as additional screws specifically designed to mount your DeltaPoint Pro optic directly onto the plate itself. This comprehensive hardware package simplifies the installation process, ensuring you have the correct, high-quality fasteners for a robust and reliable setup right out of the box. Users consistently find this all-in-one solution highly convenient and user-friendly.

6. Non-Reflective Black Matte Finish for Tactical Advantage and Aesthetics

The base features a durable black matte finish. This non-glare coating not only provides excellent corrosion resistance and an aesthetic complement to most firearms, blending seamlessly with classic S&W designs, but also serves a crucial practical purpose: it minimizes reflections. By reducing glare that could potentially distract the shooter or inadvertently give away their position in tactical scenarios or bright environments, this thoughtful detail underscores Leupold's understanding of real-world shooting demands and enhances user focus.

7. Proudly Made in the USA: A Mark of Quality and Craftsmanship

Leupold's steadfast commitment to American manufacturing is proudly reflected in the 170911 DeltaPoint Pro Base, which is made in the USA. This ensures adherence to stringent quality control standards, supports domestic jobs, and provides customers with a product built with exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Choosing a Made in USA product often signifies superior materials, a commitment to precision engineering, and a dedication to durability—qualities Leupold is renowned for across its entire product line.

Who Benefits Most from the Leupold 170911 DeltaPoint Pro Base?

• Competitive Shooters: For disciplines like USPSA, IDPA, or Steel Challenge, the ability to mount a high-performance red dot like the DeltaPoint Pro on a reliable and classic platform like the S&W can significantly improve stage times, reduce missed shots, and lead to higher overall scores.
• Handgun Enthusiasts and Collectors: Anyone looking to modernize their S&W Classic without permanent modifications to the frame, enhancing its versatility, usability, and shooting enjoyment while preserving its historical value.
• Self-Defense Practitioners: The rapid target acquisition, improved accuracy, and enhanced low-light performance offered by a red dot system, combined with the proven reliability and stopping power of a S&W Classic, create a formidable and highly effective self-defense tool.
• Hunters (where legal): For ethical handgun hunting, the precision and rapid aiming capabilities of a red dot can be invaluable for accurate shot placement on game, particularly in challenging environments.
• Recreational Shooters: Those who simply want to enhance their range experience, achieve tighter groups, and enjoy the inherent advantages of shooting with a modern optical sight on a classic firearm.

Installation Considerations and Best Practices for Your Optic Mount

1. Safety First and Foremost: Before beginning any work on your firearm, always ensure it is unloaded and that the chamber is clear. Keep it pointed in a safe direction at all times.
2. Gather Proper Tools: Basic gunsmithing tools are highly recommended. This includes a set of precise, hollow-ground screwdrivers (specifically for optic and mounting plate screws) and a torque wrench. Using a torque wrench is crucial to ensure screws are tightened to the manufacturer's precise specifications, preventing both overtightening (which can strip threads or damage components) and undertightening (which can lead to loosening under recoil). A brass punch and hammer, or a dedicated sight pusher tool, might be necessary to remove the existing rear sight from the dovetail slot.
3. Thorough Degreasing: Before installation, thoroughly clean and degrease both the dovetail slot on your S&W Classic and the mounting surfaces of the base. This ensures a secure, slip-free fit and optimal metal-to-metal contact, which is vital for maintaining zero.
4. Application of Threadlocker: Apply a small amount of non-permanent (blue) threadlocker (e.g., Loctite 242) to the mounting screws for both the plate to the firearm and the optic to the plate. This critical step prevents screws from vibrating loose under recoil, which can lead to a loss of zero and potential damage.
5. Careful Zeroing: After installation, your DeltaPoint Pro will need to be properly zeroed. This involves firing practice shots from a stable position and making precise adjustments to the optic until the point of aim consistently matches the point of impact at your desired zero distance (e.g., 25 yards).
6. Consider Professional Installation: If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any part of the installation process, consider having a qualified and reputable gunsmith perform the mounting. Professional installation ensures the job is done correctly, safely, and to the highest standards, preserving your firearm and optic.

The Leupold Advantage: A Legacy of Excellence and Trust

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is a revered fifth-generation, family-owned company that has been designing, machining, and assembling some of the world's finest sports optics in Beaverton, Oregon, for over a century. Their unparalleled reputation is built on a foundation of uncompromising quality, rugged durability, and superior optical performance. When you choose a Leupold product, you're not just purchasing a component; you're investing in a legacy of precision and reliability:

• Legendary Reliability: Leupold products are meticulously engineered and rigorously tested to perform flawlessly in the most demanding conditions, from extreme temperatures to intense recoil, a testament to their robust design and manufacturing processes.
• Superior Engineering: From the meticulous choice of premium materials to the intricate precision of the machining processes, every Leupold product reflects a profound commitment to advanced engineering and innovation.
• Outstanding Customer Support: Leupold stands firmly behind its products with a comprehensive warranty and dedicated customer service, providing unparalleled peace of mind to users worldwide. This commitment ensures long-term satisfaction and support for your investment.

The Leupold 170911 DeltaPoint Pro Base for the Smith & Wesson Classic is a perfect embodiment of this rich heritage, bringing Leupold's renowned quality, durability, and precision to a critical component of your firearm's sighting system, directly impacting your shooting performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Handgun Optic Mounts and the Leupold 170911

Q: Will this Leupold 170911 base fit my specific Smith & Wesson pistol?
A: This Leupold 170911 base is specifically designed for Smith & Wesson Classic pistols that utilize a traditional dovetail style rear sight. It is absolutely crucial to verify your particular pistol's rear sight configuration and model to ensure perfect compatibility. If your S&W pistol is not explicitly a "Classic" model or if it utilizes a different sight cut (e.g., modern M&P series or specialized competition models), this particular base may not be suitable. We highly recommend consulting your firearm's owner's manual or a qualified gunsmith if you are at all unsure about your pistol's specific dovetail type.

Q: Do I need any special tools for the installation of this base?
A: While relatively straightforward, certain tools are highly recommended for proper and safe installation. Basic gunsmithing tools are ideal, including a set of precise, hollow-ground screwdrivers (specifically designed for firearm screws) and, most importantly, a torque wrench to ensure screws are tightened to the manufacturer's exact specifications. A brass punch and hammer, or a dedicated sight pusher tool, might be needed to safely remove the existing rear sight from the dovetail slot before installing the new base. Always prioritize safety and use appropriate tools to prevent damage.

Q: Can I still use my iron sights in conjunction with this mount?
A: The Leupold 170911 base is designed to replace the existing rear iron sight of your Smith & Wesson Classic pistol. Depending on the specific Leupold DeltaPoint Pro model you install and the height of your pistol's existing front sight, it may be possible to achieve a "co-witness" where your front iron sight is visible through the red dot optic's window, acting as a potential backup. However, this is not guaranteed for all setups and often requires the installation of taller, suppressor-height front sights. This base is primarily intended for a dedicated red dot setup to maximize its performance benefits.

Q: Is this Leupold mount durable enough for heavy use, such as competitive shooting or duty applications?
A: Absolutely. Constructed from robust machined steel, the Leupold 170911 base is meticulously designed for maximum durability, exceptional strength, and superior recoil resistance. It is built to reliably withstand the rigors of competitive shooting, extensive range sessions, and demanding real-world applications, maintaining zero consistently under even the most stressful conditions. Its steel construction ensures a long lifespan and unwavering performance.

Q: Where can I confidently purchase the genuine Leupold 170911 DeltaPoint Pro Base?
A: The authentic Leupold 170911 DeltaPoint Pro Base for Smith & Wesson Classic pistols, along with a wide array of other genuine Leupold products, firearms, and high-quality accessories, is readily available at DEGuns.com. As a reputable and trusted source for premier shooting sports equipment, DEGuns.com ensures you receive genuine, factory-fresh products and benefit from excellent customer service and support.

Conclusion: A Foundation for Enhanced Performance and Modern Capability

The Leupold 170911 DeltaPoint Pro Base is far more than just a piece of metal; it's a strategic investment in the enhanced performance, versatility, and modern capability of your cherished Smith & Wesson Classic pistol. By providing a rock-solid, precisely engineered, and perfectly compatible platform for the cutting-edge Leupold DeltaPoint Pro red dot sight, it empowers shooters to achieve significantly greater accuracy, remarkably faster target acquisition, and an overall more engaging, effective, and confident shooting experience. Manufactured with Leupold's legendary commitment to uncompromising quality and proudly made in the USA, this base ensures that your S&W Classic is not just a timeless firearm, but also a fully capable and modern precision tool, ready for any challenge you present. Elevate your S&W Classic with the best possible foundation for an optic, and unlock a new level of shooting excellence and enjoyment.

Attribute	Detail	Value
Brand	Manufacturer	Leupold
Model	Designed For Optic	DeltaPoint Pro
Compatibility	Firearm Type	Smith & Wesson Classic Pistol (Dovetail)
Material	Construction	Machined Steel
Finish	Surface Treatment	Black Matte
Mount Type	Attachment Method	Screws (Included)
Product Type	Category	Base / Mount
Gun Type	Firearm Class	Handgun
Pieces	Component Count	1
UPC	Universal Product Code	030317011215
MPN	Manufacturer Part Number	170911