Elevating Your Browning AB3 Performance: The Weaver Multi-Slot Extended Scope Base (Model 99473)
For firearm enthusiasts, hunters, and precision shooters who own a Browning AB3 Short Action rifle, optimizing the optics mounting system is a critical step towards unlocking the rifle's full potential. The rifle is only as accurate as its weakest link, and often, that link can be an unstable or non-versatile scope base. This is precisely where the Weaver Mounts 99473 Multi-Slot Extended Scope Base emerges as an indispensable upgrade. Engineered with precision and designed for demanding real-world applications, this black anodized base provides the robust, reliable, and versatile platform necessary to maximize your rifle's accuracy and adaptability across various shooting disciplines.
Are you looking for the best way to mount a high-performance scope on your Browning AB3? Do you need a rail that offers maximum flexibility for eye relief and accessory placement? Or perhaps you're simply wondering how to ensure your optics remain rock-solid, shot after shot? The Weaver 99473 is the definitive answer to these questions, offering a premium solution for anyone seeking uncompromising stability and precision for their Browning AB3 Short Action rifle. It’s more than just a mount; it’s the foundation upon which your aiming confidence is built.
Why Your Browning AB3 Needs a Superior Optics Platform
The Browning AB3 is renowned for its smooth bolt action, accuracy, and robust construction. However, like many rifles, its factory setup might not always provide the optimal mounting solution for every shooter's unique needs or preferred optics. Standard scope rings might limit eye relief, or a lack of rail space could prevent the addition of accessories like magnifiers, red dot sights, or night vision devices. These limitations can directly impact comfort, target acquisition speed, and ultimately, shooting accuracy, particularly in dynamic hunting scenarios or precise long-range engagements.
This is where the Weaver 99473 Multi-Slot Extended Scope Base comes into play. It transforms your Browning AB3 by providing a full-length, Picatinny-compatible rail system. This offers unparalleled flexibility in positioning your scope for ideal eye relief, crucial for comfortable and consistent shooting. Furthermore, the extended design provides ample room for a variety of optical devices and accessories, allowing for a truly customized setup. Whether you're chasing game through dense timber or ringing steel at a thousand yards, the ability to fine-tune your optics setup is paramount, and this Weaver base makes it effortlessly achievable.
Unpacking the Advantages: Key Features of the Weaver Multi-Slot Base
The Weaver 99473 is meticulously designed to meet the rigorous demands of serious shooters, incorporating several key features that set it apart as a premier choice for the Browning AB3 Short Action:
- Multi-Slot Picatinny Design: At its core, this mount features a true Picatinny rail profile, adhering to MIL-STD-1913 specifications. This multi-slot design is incredibly versatile, allowing for precise and repeatable mounting of any Picatinny-compatible rings or accessories. Unlike traditional Weaver-style bases which offer fewer slots, the continuous slots of a Picatinny rail allow for minute adjustments in optic placement, ensuring perfect eye relief and optimal field of view for any shooter, regardless of body type or shooting position. This adaptability is crucial for accommodating different scope lengths, objective bell sizes, and even for quick changes between optics setups.
- Extended Length for Maximum Versatility: The "extended" aspect of this base is a significant advantage. It provides additional forward or rearward mounting positions that standard bases simply don't offer. This is particularly beneficial for:
- Optimizing Eye Relief: Some scopes, especially those with larger objective lenses or fixed power, require very specific eye relief. The extended rail allows you to slide your scope back or forward to achieve that perfect distance from your eye, preventing scope bite and ensuring a full sight picture.
- Mounting Multiple Accessories: The extra real estate on the rail means you can mount not just your primary scope, but also a red dot sight for close-quarters engagements, a magnifier, a laser, or even a compact night vision or thermal device in line with your main optic.
- Durable, Lightweight Construction: Crafted from high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum, the Weaver 99473 strikes an optimal balance between rugged durability and minimal weight addition to your rifle. Aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion, and its lightweight properties ensure that the base doesn't unbalance your rifle or add unnecessary bulk, which is critical for maneuverability, especially in hunting scenarios.
- Black Anodized Finish: The base is finished with a tough, non-reflective black anodized coating. This finish is not just aesthetically pleasing, seamlessly blending with most rifle finishes, but also highly functional. Anodization hardens the aluminum surface, making it resistant to scratches, scuffs, and environmental wear. It also helps to prevent glare, which is essential for maintaining stealth in the field and preventing reflections that could spook game or betray your position in a tactical situation.
- Precision Machined for Browning AB3 Short Action: This base is specifically designed and machined for a perfect, secure fit on the Browning AB3 Short Action receiver. This precise fit is paramount for maintaining zero and ensuring consistent accuracy. There's no guesswork or modification required; it's a direct, bolt-on upgrade.
Real-World Applications: Who Benefits from the Weaver 99473?
The versatility and robust nature of the Weaver Multi-Slot Extended Base make it an ideal choice for a wide array of shooting disciplines and scenarios.
For the Dedicated Hunter:
If you're a hunter who relies on your Browning AB3 for everything from whitetail deer to elk or even smaller varmints, the Weaver 99473 provides significant advantages.
- Optimal Eye Relief in Any Position: Whether you're shooting from a tree stand, prone in a field, or quickly shouldering for an off-hand shot, having your scope perfectly positioned for eye relief can mean the difference between a clean shot and a missed opportunity. The extended rail allows you to fine-tune this for any scenario.
- Versatile Optics Choice: Want to use a low-power variable optic for dense timber and then switch to a higher-magnification scope for open country? The Picatinny system allows for quick and repeatable swaps of scope rings or even entire optics, without losing your zero.
- Night Hunting Ready: For those who engage in predator control or night hunting, the extended rail provides the space to mount clip-on night vision or thermal devices in front of your traditional scope, greatly expanding your capabilities without needing a dedicated night vision optic.
For the Precision Shooter:
Accuracy and consistency are the cornerstones of precision shooting, and the Weaver 99473 delivers on both fronts.
- Rock-Solid Foundation: The rigid aluminum construction and secure mounting system minimize any flex or movement, ensuring that your scope holds its zero, shot after shot. This is critical for achieving tight groups and making precise long-range adjustments.
- Enhanced Repeatability: When using multiple scopes or experimenting with different setups, the Picatinny rail allows for precise repositioning. This means you can remove and reattach your scope rings in the exact same spot, maintaining exceptional zero repeatability.
- Accessory Integration: Competitive shooters often use additional accessories like bubble levels, scope-mounted rangefinders, or small red dots for quick acquisition. The extended rail provides the necessary space for these invaluable tools.
For the Tactical Enthusiast:
For those who use their Browning AB3 in a more tactical or defensive context, customization and adaptability are key.
- Rapid Optic Transitions: The Picatinny standard allows for rapid detachment and reattachment of optics, enabling you to switch between magnified optics, red dot sights, or even iron sights, depending on the scenario.
- Comprehensive Accessory Mounting: Mount tactical lights, lasers, and other mission-critical accessories alongside your primary optic, creating a truly integrated system.
- Durability Under Duress: The black anodized aluminum construction is built to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring your optics remain securely mounted even in challenging environments.
For the Everyday Rifle Owner:
Even if you're not a competitive shooter or a professional hunter, the Weaver 99473 offers a significant upgrade for general shooting.
- Improved Shooting Comfort: By allowing perfect eye relief, the base makes your rifle more comfortable to shoot, which can lead to better habits and improved accuracy over time.
- Future-Proofing Your Rifle: As your shooting interests evolve or new optics become available, having a versatile Picatinny rail ensures your rifle is ready for any upgrade or change.
- Enhanced Resale Value: A rifle with a high-quality, respected optics base like the Weaver 99473 often holds greater appeal and value.
Optimizing Your Setup: Installation and Compatibility Insights
Installing the Weaver 99473 Multi-Slot Extended Scope Base on your Browning AB3 Short Action is a straightforward process for anyone with basic gunsmithing tools and knowledge. The base comes with all necessary mounting hardware designed for a precise fit. However, for absolute peace of mind and to ensure optimal performance, it is always recommended to have scope bases installed by a qualified gunsmith. This ensures proper torque settings are applied to the mounting screws, preventing damage to the receiver threads or the base itself, and guaranteeing the most secure possible attachment. The precise machining of the Weaver 99473 ensures that it will seamlessly integrate with your Browning AB3 Short Action rifle, providing a stable and level platform for your chosen optics. After installation, always confirm that your scope rings are also properly installed and torqued to the manufacturer's specifications on the new Weaver rail.
The Weaver Legacy: A Name Synonymous with Trust and Innovation
When you choose the Weaver 99473 Multi-Slot Extended Scope Base, you're not just buying a piece of aluminum; you're investing in decades of American craftsmanship and innovation. Weaver Optics has been a pioneering force in the firearms accessory industry for generations, with a legacy stretching back to the 1930s. They were instrumental in developing and popularizing modern scope mounts, setting industry standards that are still widely followed today. Their commitment to precision, durability, and functional design has earned them the trust of countless hunters, shooters, and military personnel worldwide. This history of excellence is embedded in every product they produce, including the 99473 base, ensuring you receive a product built on a foundation of proven reliability and performance. Choosing Weaver means choosing a component engineered to withstand the rigors of recoil and the elements, providing a steadfast platform for your valuable optics.
Investing in Performance: The Unmatched Value of the Weaver 99473
The Weaver 99473 Multi-Slot Extended Scope Base is more than an accessory; it's a fundamental upgrade that significantly enhances the capabilities of your Browning AB3 Short Action rifle. It provides the rock-solid foundation essential for consistent accuracy, the versatility required for diverse shooting scenarios, and the durability to withstand years of hard use. By allowing optimal eye relief and ample space for various optics and accessories, it empowers you to customize your rifle precisely to your needs, improving comfort, target acquisition, and overall shooting performance. This investment ensures that your rifle is always ready for peak performance, whether in the field, on the range, or in a critical situation.
Where to Acquire Your Weaver 99473 Multi-Slot Base
When seeking top-tier shooting accessories like the Weaver 99473 Multi-Slot Extended Scope Base, discerning shooters turn to reputable suppliers who guarantee authentic products and provide expert support. This essential component for your Browning AB3 Short Action rifle is available exclusively at DEGuns.com. DEGuns is a trusted name in the firearms industry, known for its extensive selection of high-quality firearms, ammunition, and accessories, coupled with exceptional customer service. Purchasing from DEGuns ensures that you receive a genuine Weaver product, backed by their commitment to customer satisfaction and deep knowledge of shooting sports. Explore their inventory to find this crucial upgrade and many other components to perfect your shooting setup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scope Mounting
Many shooters have questions when considering optics mounting solutions for their rifles. Here are some common inquiries regarding scope bases and their optimization:
- Q: Why is a high-quality scope base important for accuracy?
A: A high-quality scope base provides a stable, rigid, and level platform for your scope. Any flex, movement, or misalignment in the base can cause your scope to shift, leading to inconsistent point of impact and loss of zero. A robust base minimizes these variables, ensuring your shots land where you aim them. - Q: What is the difference between a Weaver-style base and a Picatinny rail?
A: While similar, Picatinny rails (like the one on the Weaver 99473) have standardized slot widths and spacing, making them fully compatible with all Picatinny-specific rings and accessories, and generally compatible with Weaver-style rings. Weaver-style bases have slightly narrower, non-standardized slots, which can sometimes lead to fitment issues with Picatinny accessories. The Picatinny system offers greater versatility and ensures more secure accessory mounting. - Q: How do I know if I need an extended scope base?
A: An extended scope base is beneficial if you struggle to achieve proper eye relief with your current setup, especially with larger scopes or if you have a unique body type. It's also ideal if you plan to mount multiple accessories (like a magnifier, night vision, or red dot) in line with your primary optic, as it provides additional mounting surface. - Q: Can I install this scope base myself, or should I take it to a gunsmith?
A: While experienced individuals can install scope bases, professional installation by a qualified gunsmith is always recommended. They have the correct tools, torque wrenches, and expertise to ensure the base is mounted perfectly level, securely, and without damaging your rifle's receiver or the base itself. - Q: What materials are best for scope bases?
A: Aircraft-grade aluminum (like that used in the Weaver 99473) is an excellent choice due to its strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and ability to be precision-machined. Steel bases are also popular for their extreme rigidity and durability, though they are heavier.
Detailed Product Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Multi-Slot Extended Scope Base |
| Compatibility | Browning AB3 Short Action Rifles |
| Material | Aircraft-Grade Aluminum |
| Finish | Black Anodized |
| Mount Type | Picatinny Rail (MIL-STD-1913) |
| Manufacturer | Weaver Mounts |
| Model Number | 99473 |
| UPC | 604544630701 |
| Availability | Exclusively at DEGuns.com |
