Leupold 49996 Standard Base: The Essential Foundation for Your Pre-2003 Savage 110 Rifle

Are you a dedicated hunter, a precision shooter, or a firearm enthusiast with a classic Savage 110 rifle manufactured before 2003? If you’re seeking to optimize your rifle’s accuracy and ensure unwavering scope stability, the Leupold 49996 Standard (STD) 1-Piece Base in Black Gloss is an indispensable upgrade. This isn't just another accessory; it's a foundational component designed to elevate your shooting experience by providing a rock-solid mounting platform for your optical sight. For anyone asking, "What are the best scope mounts for my older Savage 110?", or "How can I ensure my rifle scope holds zero consistently?", the answer often points directly to a high-quality, purpose-built base like the Leupold STD system.

The performance of your rifle scope is only as good as the mount connecting it to your firearm. Flex, vibration, or misalignment in your scope base can lead to frustrating inconsistencies, impacting everything from target acquisition to shot placement. Leupold, a name synonymous with optical excellence and rugged dependability in the shooting world, engineered their STD series with precision and resilience in mind. The 49996 base is specifically tailored for Savage 110 receivers featuring a flat rear and round front – a critical distinction for models produced prior to 2003. This meticulous fitment ensures an optimal interface between your rifle and your scope, preventing any unwanted movement that could compromise your accuracy, particularly when using standard calibers less than .300 Win. Mag.

Unmatched Durability and Precision: Why Steel Matters

When considering rifle scope mounting solutions, material choice is paramount. The Leupold 49996 STD 1-Piece Base is crafted from premium-grade steel, a material renowned for its inherent strength, rigidity, and resistance to deformation under stress. Why is this important?

• Exceptional Strength: Steel offers superior tensile strength compared to lighter alloys, ensuring your scope remains firmly affixed even under the repeated shock and recoil generated by magnum cartridges or prolonged shooting sessions. This robust construction is a key factor in maintaining zero over countless rounds.
• Rigid Stability: A steel base provides a non-flexing platform. Any minute flex in a scope mount can translate to significant point-of-impact shifts downrange. The unwavering rigidity of this Leupold base minimizes such deflections, contributing directly to enhanced precision and repeatable accuracy.
• Longevity and Corrosion Resistance: The black gloss finish applied to the steel not only provides a sleek, classic aesthetic but also offers an added layer of protection against corrosion, wear, and the elements. This ensures your investment stands the test of time, performing reliably in diverse environmental conditions, whether you're in a damp forest or a dusty range.
• Optimal Recoil Management: The inherent mass and density of steel help absorb and dissipate recoil energy more effectively than lighter materials. While not a primary recoil reduction device, a heavier, more stable base contributes to overall system stability during the firing sequence, which can subtly aid in maintaining consistent shot groups.

For serious shooters and hunters, understanding these material benefits helps answer the question, "What materials are best for scope mounts to ensure long-term accuracy and durability?" The unequivocal answer from experts often points to high-quality steel, precisely what you get with the Leupold 49996.

The Genius of the Standard (STD) System: Versatility and Ease of Adjustment

Leupold's STD mounting system is celebrated for its blend of robust design and ingenious adjustability. The 49996 base, as part of this system, provides the critical foundation, but its full potential is realized when paired with Leupold STD rings (sold separately). This integrated design offers several distinct advantages for scope mounting and zeroing:

• Pivoting Front Dovetail: One of the hallmark features of the Leupold STD system is the front dovetail ring, which pivots within the base. This innovative design allows for a degree of lateral adjustment of your scope. This functionality is a game-changer during the initial bore sighting process, enabling you to bring your scope roughly into alignment with the bore before firing your first shot. This saves time, ammunition, and frustration at the range.
• Rear Windage Screws: Complementing the pivoting front ring, the rear ring of the STD system utilizes opposing windage screws. Once your scope is roughly aligned, these screws allow for precise lateral (windage) adjustments to fine-tune your zero. This system makes it straightforward for both novice and experienced shooters to achieve optimal scope alignment, ensuring your shots land exactly where you intend. For those wondering, "How do I make precise windage adjustments on my scope mount?", the Leupold STD system provides a direct and reliable method.
• Optimal Ring Heights: Leupold STD rings are available in five different heights (low, medium, high, super high, and extra high), allowing you to select the perfect height for your specific scope objective lens diameter and rifle configuration. This ensures proper cheek weld and a comfortable shooting posture, which are critical for consistent accuracy. While the 49996 base itself doesn't include rings, its design perfectly accommodates the entire range of STD ring options, making it a highly adaptable system.

The combination of the rugged 1-piece steel base and the adjustable ring system means you're investing in a mounting solution that prioritizes both enduring stability and user-friendly precision.

Tailored Fit: The Savage 110 Pre-2003 Specifics

Understanding your rifle's exact specifications is crucial when selecting a scope mount. The Leupold 49996 base is meticulously designed for a very specific configuration of the Savage 110 rifle:

• Savage 110 Receivers with Flat Rear and Round Front: This is the key identifier. Older Savage 110 models (typically manufactured before 2003) featured a distinct receiver profile. The rear receiver bridge was flat, while the front bridge was round. This specific Leupold base is contoured to match this profile perfectly, ensuring a seamless, high-strength connection. Attempting to mount this base on a newer Savage 110 with a different receiver profile (e.g., two round bridges) will result in an improper fit. Always verify your rifle's receiver configuration before purchase.
• Pre-2003 Production: The "Pre 2003" designation is vital for compatibility. Savage Arms has evolved its receiver designs over the years, and a mount designed for an older model may not fit newer iterations, and vice versa. This Leupold base specifically addresses the needs of owners of these classic Savage 110 firearms.
• Right Hand Configuration: This specific model, Leupold 49996, is designed for right-hand Savage 110 actions. While Leupold offers a wide range of products for various firearm configurations, this particular base caters to the right-handed shooter.
• 1-Piece Design: Unlike 2-piece bases, a 1-piece base spans the entire length of the receiver, offering enhanced rigidity and consistent alignment between the front and rear scope rings. This monolithic design minimizes the potential for torquing or twisting, which can occur with separate front and rear bases, especially under heavy recoil. For those who prioritize maximum stability and long-term zero retention, a 1-piece base like the 49996 is often the preferred choice. It’s designed to create a single, incredibly strong bridge between your rifle and your optic.

If you've ever wondered, "How do I choose the right scope base for my specific Savage 110 model?", the answer begins with identifying your rifle's receiver type and production year. For the classic pre-2003 Savage 110 with a flat rear and round front, the Leupold 49996 is the precise solution.

Installation and Maintenance: Ensuring Optimal Performance

While the Leupold 49996 base includes all necessary mounting hardware, proper installation is paramount to achieving optimal performance. For those asking, "How do I correctly install a scope base on my rifle?", here are some general tips to ensure a secure and reliable mount:

1. Clean Surfaces: Before installation, ensure both the rifle receiver and the base mounting surfaces are clean and free of oil, grease, or debris. A degreaser can be used, followed by a dry cloth.
2. Thread Preparation: While not always strictly necessary, applying a small amount of non-permanent thread locker (like blue Loctite) to the mounting screws can provide an extra layer of security, preventing screws from loosening under recoil. Be sure to use the correct type and sparingly.
3. Torque Settings: Always refer to Leupold's recommended torque specifications for the mounting screws. Using a torque wrench is highly recommended to ensure proper tension without over-tightening, which can strip threads or deform the base/receiver.
4. Leveling: While the base itself is designed for a precise fit, ensuring your rifle is level during scope mounting, and then leveling the scope to the base, is crucial for accurate long-range shooting.
5. Professional Installation (Optional): If you are unsure about any part of the installation process, consider having a qualified gunsmith install your base and scope. This ensures that the job is done correctly and safely.

The Leupold 49996 STD 1-Piece Base is designed for minimal maintenance. A simple wipe-down with a clean, dry cloth after use is usually sufficient. Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh solvents that could damage the black gloss finish. Regular checks of the mounting screws to ensure they remain torqued to specification will help guarantee long-term reliability.

Why Choose Leupold? A Legacy of Trust and Performance

When it comes to firearm accessories, the Leupold brand carries a weight of trust and expertise earned over decades. For shooters asking, "Why should I choose Leupold products for my rifle?", the reasons are clear:

• American Craftsmanship: Leupold products are designed, machined, and assembled in the USA, adhering to stringent quality control standards. This commitment to domestic manufacturing translates into superior build quality and reliability.
• Legendary Durability: Leupold products are known for their ability to withstand the harshest conditions, whether in the field or at the range. Their mounts are no exception, engineered to perform flawlessly year after year.
• Unrivaled Support: Leupold stands behind its products with a comprehensive warranty and exceptional customer service, offering peace of mind to every owner.
• Integrated System Design: Leupold doesn't just make individual components; they design integrated systems. The STD base, when combined with STD rings, forms a cohesive, high-performance unit designed for optimal compatibility and ease of use. This holistic approach ensures that every part works in harmony to deliver the best possible shooting experience.

For those looking to invest in components that enhance their rifle's capabilities and maintain peak performance, Leupold is consistently a recommended and reputable option. You can confidently find the Leupold 49996 Standard Base and a wide range of other high-quality Leupold products available at DEGuns, a trusted source for firearm enthusiasts.

In conclusion, for owners of pre-2003 Savage 110 rifles with the flat rear and round front receiver configuration, the Leupold 49996 Standard (STD) 1-Piece Base in Black Gloss is an indispensable investment. Its robust steel construction, precision engineering, and compatibility with the versatile Leupold STD ring system make it an ideal choice for enhancing accuracy, ensuring zero retention, and building a truly reliable shooting platform. Whether you're upgrading an existing setup or building a new one, this Leupold base provides the strength and stability your rifle deserves.

Product Specifications & Features Summary

Feature	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Model	Standard Base
Firearm Fit	Savage 110 Pre-2003
Color	Black Gloss
Action	Long
Hand	Right Hand
Material	Steel
Firearm Type	Rifle
Mount Type	To Receiver
Rings Included	No
Includes	Mounting Hardware
Pieces	1-Piece Design
Weight	3.60 oz
SKU	49996
UPC	030317499969