Elevating Your Precision: The Leupold BackCountry 171120 Scope Mounting System for Winchester Model 70 Rifles

For serious hunters, competitive shooters, and firearms enthusiasts, achieving pinpoint accuracy and unwavering reliability from their rifle is paramount. Every component, from the barrel to the optic, plays a critical role. Yet, one of the most overlooked, but undeniably vital, elements is the scope mounting system. It’s the essential link between your rifle and your optic, and its integrity directly impacts your shooting performance. When you seek the best way to secure your precision optic to a legendary firearm like the Winchester Model 70, while simultaneously striving for reduced weight and uncompromising durability, the Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Rear (Part No. 171120) emerges as an exceptional solution.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help you understand why this specific Leupold mounting system is not just another accessory, but a strategic upgrade that solves common challenges faced by shooters. Whether you’re asking "What is the best lightweight scope mount for my Winchester Model 70?", "How can I improve my rifle's balance and accuracy?", or "What are the benefits of an integrated scope base and rings?", this detailed exploration will provide the answers you need to make an informed decision for your next outdoor adventure or shooting competition.

Unpacking the Engineering Excellence: Features That Stand Out

The Leupold BackCountry 171120 is more than just a piece of metal; it’s a meticulously engineered system crafted to meet the rigorous demands of the field. Here's a closer look at its core attributes and the distinct advantages they offer:

Superior Material: Lightweight Yet Incredibly Robust 7075-T6 Aluminum

The foundation of the Leupold BackCountry series’ exceptional performance lies in its material composition. Constructed from premium 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, this mounting system offers a formidable combination of characteristics.

• Exceptional Strength-to-Weight Ratio: At a mere 3 ounces, this mount adds negligible weight to your rifle, contributing to a lighter overall carry, which is crucial for long treks in rugged terrain. Despite its feathery nature, 7075-T6 aluminum boasts tensile strength comparable to many steels, ensuring it can withstand significant recoil and impact without flexing or failing. This means your zero remains consistently true, shot after shot.
• Corrosion Resistance: Hunting and shooting often occur in diverse and challenging environments – from damp forests to dusty plains. 7075-T6 aluminum naturally resists corrosion and rust, prolonging the lifespan of your mounting system and maintaining its aesthetic integrity even after years of exposure to the elements.
• Precision Machinability: The use of such a high-grade aluminum allows for incredibly precise machining. This results in exact tolerances, ensuring a perfect fit between the mount, your rifle receiver, and your scope, minimizing any potential for movement or misalignment that could compromise accuracy.

Integrated Design: Base and Rings in One Seamless Unit

Unlike traditional two-piece systems that require separate bases and rings, the Leupold BackCountry 171120 features an integrated base and ring design.

• Enhanced Rigidity and Stability: By eliminating the interface points between separate bases and rings, the integrated design significantly reduces potential points of weakness, flex, or slippage. This monolithic construction creates a far more rigid and stable platform for your optic, which is critical for maintaining zero under heavy recoil or accidental bumps.
• Simplified Installation: With fewer components, installation becomes more straightforward and quicker. This also reduces the number of torque specifications to manage, streamlining the setup process.
• Optimal Alignment: An integrated design inherently promotes better alignment between the front and rear rings, reducing stress on your scope tube. This minimizes the risk of bending or crimping your scope, which can degrade optical performance or even damage the internal mechanisms.

Dedicated Fit for Winchester Model 70 Rifles

This specific model (171120) is meticulously engineered to fit the iconic Winchester Model 70 rifle.

• Custom Contoured Fit: The bases are precisely machined to match the contours and screw hole patterns of the Winchester 70 receiver, ensuring a perfect, no-gap fit. This dedicated fit maximizes surface contact for superior stability and load distribution.
• Optimized Performance: Using a mount designed specifically for your rifle model ensures that the scope sits at the correct height and position relative to your eye, contributing to faster target acquisition and comfortable extended shooting sessions. If you own a Winchester 70, this mount eliminates any guesswork about compatibility.

30mm Ring Diameter and Medium Height Profile

The Leupold BackCountry 171120 is designed for scopes with a 30mm main tube diameter and offers a "Medium" ring height, specifically measured at 0.97 inches from the top of the receiver to the center of the scope tube.

• Versatile Scope Compatibility: The 30mm standard is common among many high-performance rifle scopes, including a vast array of Leupold optics and those from other reputable manufacturers. This ensures a wide range of choices for your optic.
• Ideal Optical Alignment: The 0.97" medium height is often preferred for maintaining a comfortable cheek weld on rifles like the Winchester 70, allowing for quick and natural eye alignment with the scope's reticle. This height typically accommodates objectives up to 50mm, depending on the barrel profile, without requiring excessively high rings, keeping the scope as low as possible for a better center of gravity and more ergonomic shooting posture.

Reversible Rear Base: Versatility in Mounting

A notable feature of this 2-piece mounting system is the "reversible rear" base.

• Optimized Eye Relief: The ability to reverse the rear base allows shooters to fine-tune the scope's position on the rifle, providing critical flexibility in achieving optimal eye relief. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with scopes of varying lengths or when a shooter has unique ergonomic preferences, ensuring the clearest and most comfortable sight picture. It ensures that the shooter's eye can consistently align with the scope's exit pupil, minimizing vignetting and maximizing field of view.
• Adaptability: This feature accommodates different scope body lengths and provides crucial adjustability to achieve the perfect balance and feel for your specific setup, preventing issues like scope bite or an awkward shooting position.

Sleek Matte Black Finish

The non-reflective matte black finish on the Leupold BackCountry 171120 serves both aesthetic and practical purposes.

• Reduced Glare: In hunting scenarios, a matte finish minimizes glare and reflections that could spook game or betray your position.
• Durability and Aesthetics: This finish is highly durable, resisting scratches and wear from regular use, and complements the appearance of most modern rifles and optics.

Who Will Benefit Most from the Leupold BackCountry 171120?

This mounting system is engineered for a specific kind of shooter who values performance, reliability, and precision.

• Winchester Model 70 Owners: This is the primary target audience. If you own a Winchester Model 70 and are looking to mount a 30mm scope, especially if you desire a lightweight, robust, and integrated solution, this product is tailor-made for you.
• Serious Hunters: For those who traverse challenging terrain and rely on their equipment in critical moments, the lightweight yet rugged 7075-T6 aluminum construction and the unwavering stability of the integrated design mean less fatigue and more confidence in the field.
• Precision Shooters: Competitive shooters and long-range enthusiasts understand that consistency is key. The rigidity and precise machining of the BackCountry mount help eliminate variables that could lead to poor grouping or inconsistent zero, allowing for repeatable accuracy.
• Shooters Seeking an Upgrade: If you’re currently using generic or lesser-quality mounts and are experiencing issues like scope creep, unreliable zero, or excessive weight, upgrading to the Leupold BackCountry 171120 will offer a significant improvement in performance and peace of mind.
• Those Prioritizing Durability and Longevity: Investing in a Leupold BackCountry mount means investing in a product designed to last for generations, resisting the wear and tear of continuous use in harsh conditions.

The Leupold Advantage: A Legacy of Trust and Innovation

When you choose a Leupold product, you’re not just buying a component; you're investing in a brand renowned for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

• American Craftsmanship: Leupold products are designed, machined, and assembled in the USA, adhering to stringent quality control standards. This commitment to domestic manufacturing often translates into superior craftsmanship and reliability.
• Rugged Reliability: Leupold has a reputation for building gear that performs flawlessly in the toughest conditions. The BackCountry series embodies this principle, engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, and recoil.
• Lifetime Guarantee: While not explicitly stated for this specific part, many Leupold products are backed by their legendary lifetime guarantee, offering peace of mind and demonstrating the company's confidence in its products. Always check specific warranty details upon purchase.

Optimizing Your Rifle System: Beyond the Mount

While the Leupold BackCountry 171120 provides an outstanding foundation, maximizing your rifle's performance involves a holistic approach.

• Proper Scope Selection: Pair this mount with a high-quality 30mm scope that complements your shooting discipline. Consider factors like magnification range, reticle type, and objective lens size.
• Torque Specifications: Always adhere to Leupold's recommended torque settings for the mounting screws. Using a torque wrench is essential to prevent overtightening (which can strip screws or damage the mount/receiver) or undertightening (which can lead to a loose scope).
• Optic Mounting Best Practices: Ensure your scope is level, and the rings are properly aligned before tightening. Using a leveling kit or a plumb bob method is highly recommended for optimal accuracy.
• Regular Maintenance: Periodically check all mounting screws for tightness and ensure the mount is free from debris. A clean, well-maintained system will provide consistent performance.

Common Questions Answered

Q: Is the Leupold BackCountry 171120 difficult to install?
A: No, the 2-piece integrated design simplifies installation compared to separate base and ring systems. However, proper tools, including a torque wrench, are recommended for secure and correct mounting.

Q: What is the benefit of a 2-piece mount vs. a 1-piece mount?
A: A 2-piece mount like the BackCountry 171120 can offer greater flexibility for top-loading magazines or accessing the receiver, particularly on certain rifle actions. It can also be slightly lighter than a full-length 1-piece rail. The integrated design of the BackCountry mitigates potential flex issues sometimes associated with generic 2-piece systems.

Q: Can this mount be used with other rifle models?
A: No, the Leupold BackCountry 171120 is specifically machined for the Winchester Model 70 receiver. Using it on an incompatible rifle will result in an improper fit and compromise performance and safety.

Q: How does the reversible rear feature help me?
A: The reversible rear base allows you to adjust the fore/aft position of your scope on the rifle, providing critical flexibility in achieving the perfect eye relief for your optic and shooting posture. This is especially useful for scopes with long or short eye relief requirements.

Q: Why choose 7075-T6 aluminum over steel?
A: 7075-T6 aluminum offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio, meaning it provides comparable strength to steel at a fraction of the weight (3 oz for this mount). This reduces the overall weight of your rifle system, which is advantageous for portability and balance, without sacrificing durability.

Conclusion: A Strategic Investment in Precision

The Leupold BackCountry Base/Ring Combo 2-Piece with Reversible Rear (Part No. 171120) for the Winchester Model 70 is not just a component; it's a performance enhancer. By combining cutting-edge material science with meticulous design, Leupold has created a mounting solution that addresses the core needs of discerning shooters: lightweight construction, unwavering stability, and precise fit. This integrated system ensures that your 30mm scope is held securely and accurately, allowing you to maximize the potential of your Winchester Model 70 rifle in any demanding scenario. For those who demand peak performance from their firearms, this Leupold mount represents a smart, durable, and reliable investment in their shooting success.

Product Specifications & Details

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Series	BackCountry
Model Number	171120
Firearm Fit	Winchester 70
Tube Diameter	30mm
Ring Height	Medium (0.97")
Pieces	2-Piece
Style	Reversible Rear
Material	7075-T6 Aluminum
Color	Matte Black
Weight	3 oz
Mount Type	Integrated Base/Ring
Rings Included	Yes
Includes	Mounting Hardware
UPC	030317011444
SKU	102692