Elevate Your Precision: The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for Remington 700 Short Action

For serious shooters and hunters who demand uncompromising performance from their Remington 700 Short Action rifle, a solid foundation for your optic is paramount. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base with 20 MOA slope is engineered to provide that critical stability and optical advantage, particularly for long-range applications. This isn't just another scope mount; it's a meticulously crafted component designed to unlock your rifle's true potential, ensuring every shot counts, whether on the range or in the field.

Imagine consistently hitting targets at extended distances, confidently engaging steel at 1000 yards, or making that crucial ethical shot on a distant game animal. Achieving this level of precision hinges not only on your rifle and optic but fundamentally on the interface between them. The Leupold BackCountry base is built precisely for this purpose, addressing the core needs of accuracy-focused individuals.

Why Choose a Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base?

When considering upgrades for your precision rifle, the scope base might seem like a small detail, but its impact on accuracy and reliability is immense. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base stands out for several key reasons:

• Unwavering Stability: Crafted from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum, this base provides a rigid, unyielding platform for your scope. It's designed to withstand the rigors of heavy recoil and challenging environments, ensuring your zero remains rock-solid.
• Optimized for Long-Range Shooting: The integrated 20 MOA (Minutes of Angle) slope is a game-changer for long-distance engagements. This cant effectively "pre-loads" your scope's internal elevation adjustments, giving you significantly more usable vertical travel for compensating bullet drop at extreme ranges. Without a canted base, many scopes would simply run out of adjustment before reaching targets beyond 600-800 yards, depending on the caliber.
• Lightweight Durability: Despite its robust construction, the 7075-T6 aluminum keeps the base incredibly light, weighing in at a mere 1.75 ounces. This minimizes added bulk to your rifle system, which is crucial for hunting and competitive shooting where every ounce matters.
• Versatile Compatibility: The cross-slot design means it accepts both Picatinny- and Weaver-style rings, offering maximum flexibility in choosing your preferred scope mounting solution. This universal compatibility simplifies the ring selection process and allows for optimal scope positioning.
• Precision Fit for Remington 700 Short Action: Engineered specifically for the Remington 700 Short Action, this base ensures a perfect, secure fit to your rifle's receiver. This precise interface is vital for maintaining optical alignment and preventing any shift under recoil.

Understanding the 20 MOA Advantage for Extended Range

Many shooters new to long-range disciplines often ask, "Why do I need a 20 MOA scope base?" The answer lies in the physics of projectile motion and the mechanics of your rifle scope. As a bullet travels downrange, gravity constantly pulls it towards the earth. To compensate for this "bullet drop," your scope has internal adjustments that elevate the reticle.

A standard flat base (0 MOA) assumes your scope is perfectly parallel to your bore. While fine for shorter distances, at extended ranges (typically beyond 200-300 yards), the bullet drops significantly. To aim high enough to hit a distant target, you might need 30, 40, or even 50 MOA of elevation adjustment. The problem is, most rifle scopes have a limited range of internal adjustment (e.g., 50-80 MOA total). With a flat base, half of that adjustment range is dedicated to moving the reticle "down" (relative to the optical center), which is rarely used for shooting.

A 20 MOA canted base angles the scope slightly downward relative to the bore. This effectively uses up 20 MOA of your scope's "down" adjustment, freeing up that same 20 MOA from the "up" adjustment side. In practical terms, this means you start with your scope optically zeroed at an elevated position, giving you significantly more upward adjustment available for truly long-range shots. This allows you to push the limits of your scope and ammunition without running out of elevation.

Benefits of a 20 MOA Base in Action:

• Increased Effective Range: Shoot accurately at distances previously unattainable with your scope.
• Optimized Optical Performance: By utilizing the base to compensate for initial bullet drop, you keep your scope's internal erector system closer to its optical center, where it typically performs best, resulting in clearer images and reduced potential for optical distortion at the extremes of its adjustment range.
• Reduced Scope Stress: Less reliance on extreme internal adjustments can reduce stress on the scope's internal components, potentially extending its lifespan and maintaining precision.

The Strength of 7075-T6 Aluminum

What makes 7075-T6 aluminum the material of choice for premium scope bases like the Leupold BackCountry?

• Superior Strength-to-Weight Ratio: 7075-T6 is an aluminum alloy with zinc as the primary alloying element. It's renowned for having a strength comparable to many steels, but at a fraction of the weight. This is why it's a go-to material in aerospace, marine, and automotive industries where high strength and low weight are critical.
• Exceptional Durability: This alloy exhibits excellent fatigue strength and resistance to stress corrosion cracking, making it ideal for components subjected to repeated shock and vibration, such as a rifle scope base. It ensures the base will not deform or fail under the constant recoil of high-powered cartridges.
• Corrosion Resistance: While not as corrosion-resistant as some other aluminum alloys in certain environments, 7075-T6, especially with its matte black anodized finish, provides adequate protection against the elements, ensuring longevity in diverse shooting conditions.

By utilizing 7075-T6 aluminum, Leupold has engineered a base that offers the best of both worlds: robust strength for ultimate stability and lightweight properties for an agile firearm.

Seamless Integration with Your Remington 700 Short Action

The Remington 700 is one of the most popular and customizable bolt-action rifles in the world, known for its accuracy and reliability. This Leupold BackCountry base is specifically designed for the Short Action variant of the Model 700. This is crucial for a perfect fit, as Remington 700 receivers come in different action lengths (short, long, and magnum).

A "short action" typically accommodates cartridges like the .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and other cartridges with similar overall lengths. The precise dimensions and mounting holes of the Leupold 171333 base are specifically machined to align perfectly with the factory drilled and tapped holes on your Remington 700 Short Action receiver. This ensures optimal alignment between your bore and optic, which is the cornerstone of accuracy.

Leupold's Heritage of Excellence

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has been a trusted name in American optics and mounting solutions for over a century. Known for their ruggedness, optical clarity, and unwavering reliability, Leupold products are engineered, machined, and assembled in the USA. Choosing a Leupold mount means investing in a product backed by a legacy of precision and a commitment to quality that shooters worldwide have come to depend on. Their reputation for durable, high-performance equipment ensures that your investment in this BackCountry base is one you can trust for years of reliable service.

Setting Up Your Precision Rifle: Installation and Best Practices

While the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is designed for straightforward installation, proper mounting techniques are essential to maximize performance and maintain your zero.

1. Cleanliness is Key: Before mounting, thoroughly clean the receiver's screw holes and the base itself to remove any oil, grease, or debris. Use a degreaser like rubbing alcohol.
2. Thread Locker: Apply a small amount of non-permanent thread locker (e.g., blue Loctite) to the base screws before installation. This prevents screws from loosening under recoil and vibration.
3. Proper Torque: Use a torque wrench to tighten the mounting screws to the manufacturer's specified torque settings. Overtightening can strip threads or deform components, while undertightening can lead to movement and loss of zero. Refer to your Leupold instructions or Leupold's official resources for precise torque specifications.
4. Ring Selection: Pair this robust base with high-quality scope rings that match your scope's tube diameter. Leupold offers an excellent range of rings (e.g., Leupold Mark 4, PRW2, or BackCountry rings) that perfectly complement their bases. Ensure your rings are properly aligned and torqued to avoid damaging your scope tube.

By following these best practices, you establish a solid, repeatable mounting system that will hold your zero through countless rounds and challenging conditions.

Common Questions Answered by the Leupold BackCountry Base

Q: How do I get more elevation adjustment from my rifle scope for long-range shooting?

A: The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base with its integrated 20 MOA slope is specifically designed to provide this. By canting your scope downward relative to the bore, it shifts your scope's usable elevation range, giving you significantly more "up" adjustment for bullet drop compensation at extended distances.

Q: What is the best material for a lightweight yet strong scope base?

A: Aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum, as used in the Leupold BackCountry series, offers an exceptional balance of high strength, durability, and minimal weight, making it an ideal choice for high-performance scope mounts.

Q: Will this base fit my Remington 700 rifle?

A: This specific Leupold BackCountry base (UPC 030317011819, MPN 171333) is engineered for the Remington 700 Short Action. It will not fit long-action Remington 700 rifles or other firearm models. Always verify your rifle's action length before purchase.

Q: Can I use different brands of scope rings with this base?

A: Yes, the cross-slot design of the Leupold BackCountry base is compatible with both Picatinny- and Weaver-style rings from various manufacturers, offering broad versatility for your scope mounting needs.

Q: What is the benefit of a "cross-slot" design for a scope base?

A: A cross-slot (or Picatinny/Weaver) design provides multiple recoil lugs or slots for the scope rings to engage. This allows for precise and repeatable positioning of the rings along the rail, accommodating various scope lengths and eye relief requirements. More importantly, the recoil lugs resist scope movement under heavy recoil, ensuring your scope maintains its zero.

Conclusion: A Foundation for Long-Range Success

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for the Remington 700 Short Action with 20 MOA is more than just an accessory; it's a critical upgrade for any serious long-range shooter. Its robust 7075-T6 aluminum construction, intelligent 20 MOA cant, and versatile cross-slot design provide the stability, elevation advantage, and adaptability required to achieve peak performance. When you invest in a Leupold mount, you're investing in the precision and reliability that Leupold has been delivering for generations. Build your rifle system on a foundation of excellence and experience the difference a truly optimized scope base can make. All Leupold products, including this exceptional BackCountry base, are available for purchase at DEGuns.

Product Specifications & Features Summary

Key Feature	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Series	BackCountry Cross-Slot Base
Model	Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Rem 700 Short Action Matte Black 20 MOA
Firearm Fit	Remington 700 Short Action
MOA Slope	20 MOA (for enhanced long-range elevation adjustment)
Material	7075-T6 Aerospace-Grade Aluminum (lightweight & highly durable)
Color	Matte Black
Mount Type	To Receiver (Cross-Slot/Picatinny/Weaver compatible)
Weight	1.75 oz (ultra-lightweight design)
Includes	Mounting Hardware
Pieces	1 (single-piece design for added rigidity)
UPC	030317011819
MPN	171333
SKU	101041