Elevate Your Shooting Performance: The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for Savage 110/Axis Long Action Rifles

For serious shooters, hunters, and precision rifle enthusiasts, the foundation of exceptional accuracy lies not just in the rifle and optic, but critically, in the connection between them. A robust, reliable, and lightweight mounting system is paramount for consistent performance in any environment. This is precisely where the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base (Part Number 171338) for Savage 110/AXIS Round Receiver Long Action rifles stands out. Designed with Leupold's legendary commitment to durability and precision, this cross-slot base is engineered to provide an unshakeable platform for your optics, ensuring that every shot counts.

Why Your Scope Mount Matters: The Foundation of Accuracy

Many enthusiasts focus heavily on their rifle's barrel, trigger, and the quality of their scope, often overlooking the critical role of the scope mount itself. Yet, a weak, misaligned, or poorly constructed scope mount can negate the advantages of even the most premium rifle and optic combination.

Consider these common questions from shooters:

• "My shots aren't consistent, even with a good rifle. Could it be my scope mount?"
• "What's the best way to ensure my scope holds zero in harsh conditions?"
• "How can I reduce overall rifle weight without compromising durability?"
• "Is there a scope base that's compatible with both Picatinny and Weaver rings?"

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base directly addresses these concerns. It provides a rock-solid interface between your Savage 110 or Axis long action rifle (specifically models with a round receiver) and your chosen optics, allowing your scope to perform to its full potential. The inherent stability prevents movement, flex, or slippage that can lead to frustrating zero shifts and inconsistent shot placement.

Unpacking the Engineering: What Makes the BackCountry Base Superior?

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base isn't just another piece of metal; it's a meticulously engineered component crafted to meet the demanding requirements of modern shooting.

Featherlight Strength: 7075-T6 Aluminum Construction

One of the most significant advantages of this Leupold base is its construction from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. This isn't your average aluminum; 7075-T6 is an alloy renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.

• What does 7075-T6 mean for you?
  • Incredible Durability: It provides strength comparable to some steels, ensuring the mount can withstand significant recoil, impacts, and the rigors of the field without deforming or failing. This means your scope stays precisely where it needs to be, shot after shot, season after season.
  • Minimal Weight Penalty: Despite its impressive strength, 7075-T6 aluminum is remarkably light. Weighing in at a mere 2.20 ounces, this base adds negligible weight to your overall rifle system. For hunters trekking miles through the wilderness or competitive shooters seeking to shave ounces from their setup, this lightweight design is a distinct advantage, contributing to better maneuverability and reduced fatigue.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum naturally resists corrosion, an essential characteristic for equipment exposed to varying weather conditions. Whether you're hunting in humid forests or dusty plains, this base will maintain its integrity and appearance.

Versatile Compatibility: Picatinny and Weaver Ready

The "cross-slot" design is a key feature that enhances the versatility of the Leupold BackCountry base. This design ensures broad compatibility with a wide range of scope rings.

• Picatinny Rail Standard: The cross-slots are precisely machined to the Mil-Std-1913 Picatinny specification. This is the gold standard for modern firearm accessories, offering robust clamping surfaces and repeatable mounting positions.
• Weaver-Style Ring Compatibility: Beyond Picatinny, the design also readily accepts traditional Weaver-style rings. This dual compatibility means you're not locked into a specific ring type, providing flexibility if you already own Weaver rings or prefer their design.

This feature is particularly beneficial for shooters who might upgrade their rings in the future or have multiple sets of rings from different manufacturers. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base ensures your investment in a quality base remains relevant, regardless of your chosen rings.

Precision Fit: Designed for Savage 110/Axis Round Receiver Long Action

This specific Leupold BackCountry base (Part Number 171338) is meticulously engineered for a perfect, secure fit on:

• Savage 110 Rifles: A long-standing, popular choice among hunters and precision shooters, known for its accuracy and robust action.
• Savage AXIS Rifles: An accessible and reliable bolt-action rifle, widely used for hunting and recreational shooting.
• Key Detail: Round Receiver, Long Action: It is crucial to note the specific receiver type (round) and action length (long). Savage rifles can have variations, and selecting the correct base for your rifle's exact specifications is paramount for proper alignment and secure mounting. The "long action" designation is for cartridges like .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, etc.

The precise machining ensures that the base mates seamlessly with your Savage receiver, eliminating play or misalignment that could compromise accuracy. Mounting hardware is included, simplifying the installation process for a secure attachment right out of the box.

Real-World Applications and Benefits: Where the BackCountry Shines

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is more than just a component; it's an enhancement that contributes directly to a superior shooting experience.

Hunting Expeditions:

• Reliability in the Field: When you're miles deep in the wilderness, relying on your gear is non-negotiable. The rugged 7075-T6 aluminum construction ensures your scope mount won't fail due to bumps, drops, or extreme temperatures.
• Weight Savings: Every ounce counts on a long hunt. The ultralight nature of this base helps lighten your load, reducing fatigue and making those challenging treks more manageable.
• Zero Retention: From the truck ride to crawling through brush, your rifle is subjected to various stresses. This base's secure fit means your scope's zero remains consistent, giving you confidence when that critical shot opportunity arises.

Target Shooting & Precision Riflery:

• Consistent Accuracy: For competitive shooters or those striving for maximum precision, a stable scope platform is foundational. The BackCountry base eliminates flex and movement, allowing your scope's reticle to remain perfectly aligned with your bore, shot after shot.
• Repeatability: When you dismount and remount your scope (perhaps for cleaning or transport), the precise manufacturing of this base contributes to excellent return-to-zero capabilities, minimizing the need for extensive re-zeroing.
• Enhanced Optics Performance: By providing a stable base, your high-quality optics can truly shine, delivering their full resolution and tracking capabilities without being hindered by an unstable connection.

General Use & Upgrades:

• Upgrade Path: If you're looking to upgrade from factory-supplied mounts or an older, less robust system, the Leupold BackCountry offers a significant improvement in durability, weight, and performance.
• DIY Friendly: While professional installation is always an option, the included mounting hardware makes it straightforward for the competent gun owner to install this base at home.

The Leupold Legacy: Trust in a Brand

When you choose a Leupold product, you're not just buying a piece of hardware; you're investing in over a century of American manufacturing excellence and innovation. Leupold is synonymous with optical and mounting solutions that perform under the toughest conditions. Their commitment to quality, backed by rigorous testing and a profound understanding of shooters' needs, has made them a trusted name worldwide.

The BackCountry series specifically highlights this ethos: creating lightweight, robust solutions for those who venture into demanding environments. By choosing a Leupold base, you are aligning your valuable optics and firearm with a mounting system that reflects the same level of quality and performance.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Installing the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is a relatively straightforward process, but precision is key.

1. Preparation: Ensure your rifle's receiver is clean and free of any debris, oil, or old thread locker.
2. Alignment: Carefully align the base with the pre-drilled holes on your Savage 110/Axis long action round receiver.
3. Secure Fasteners: Use the included mounting hardware. It is highly recommended to use a high-quality torque wrench to tighten the screws to the manufacturer's specified torque settings. Over-tightening can strip threads or deform the base, while under-tightening can lead to movement and zero shifts. A medium-strength thread locker (like blue Loctite) is often recommended to prevent screws from vibrating loose under recoil.
4. Ring Installation: Once the base is securely mounted, you can proceed with installing your chosen Picatinny or Weaver-style rings and scope according to their respective instructions. Ensure the rings are properly spaced and torqued to avoid damaging your scope tube.

Maintenance: The 7075-T6 aluminum requires minimal maintenance. Periodically check the mounting screws for tightness, especially after extended shooting sessions or exposure to harsh conditions. A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after use will help keep it in prime condition.

Conclusion: An Essential Upgrade for Savage 110/Axis Owners

For owners of the Savage 110 or AXIS rifle with a long action and round receiver, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base (Part Number 171338) is an indispensable upgrade. It represents the pinnacle of lightweight durability, providing an unyielding foundation for your optics. Its 7075-T6 aluminum construction, combined with its versatile Picatinny/Weaver compatibility and precise fit, makes it an intelligent choice for anyone looking to maximize their rifle's accuracy and reliability in any shooting scenario. Available at DEGuns, investing in this base means investing in unwavering performance and peace of mind.

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Product Specifications: Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base

Feature	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Model	BackCountry
Series	Cross-Slot Base
Firearm Fit	Savage 110 / Axis Round Receiver
Action Type	Long
Material	7075-T6 Aluminum
Color	Matte Black
Weight	2.20 oz
Length	7.10"
Mount Type	To Receiver
Style	Cross-Slot
Compatibility	Picatinny & Weaver Rings
Pieces	1
Rings Included	No
Includes	Mounting Hardware
Manufacturer PN	171338
SKU	101046
UPC	030317011833