Mastering Your Shot: The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for Winchester 70 Long Action Rifles

For serious shooters and dedicated hunters, the foundation of a truly accurate rifle setup often comes down to one critical component: the scope mount. If you're running a legendary Winchester Model 70 Long Action rifle and demand uncompromising performance from your optics, then the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base (Matte Black, MPN: 171342) is engineered precisely for your needs. This isn't just another piece of hardware; it's a meticulously crafted system designed to provide a rock-solid, lightweight, and versatile platform for your rifle scope, ensuring every shot counts.

Who Is This Product For? Solving Your Mounting Challenges

Are you a long-range precision shooter striving for tighter groups at extended distances? Perhaps you're a big game hunter whose success hinges on a single, well-placed shot in challenging conditions. Or maybe you're simply an enthusiast who values robust, reliable gear for your cherished Winchester 70. If you've ever asked yourself questions like:

• "What is the most reliable scope base for my Winchester Model 70 Long Action?"
• "How can I reduce the overall weight of my hunting rifle setup without sacrificing durability?"
• "Which scope mount system offers the best recoil resistance and zero retention for powerful cartridges?"
• "I need a versatile scope base that accepts both Picatinny and Weaver rings – what are my options?"
• "How do professional shooters ensure their optics stay perfectly aligned, even after rough handling or heavy recoil?"

Then the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is your answer. It's specifically engineered for shooters who understand that stability and precision begin at the point where the scope meets the rifle. This base addresses common frustrations such as mounts loosening under recoil, adding unnecessary weight to a field rifle, or limiting optics choices due to incompatible ring standards. It's built for those who cannot afford compromise when it comes to shot placement and ethical hunting.

Unrivaled Strength Meets Featherlight Design: The 7075-T6 Aluminum Advantage

One of the defining features of the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is its construction from premium 7075-T6 aluminum. But what does that really mean for you, the shooter?

• Superior Strength-to-Weight Ratio: 7075-T6 aluminum is an aerospace-grade alloy renowned for its incredible strength, often compared to some steels, yet it retains aluminum's inherent lightness. This means your scope base provides maximum rigidity and recoil absorption without adding burdensome weight to your rifle. At just approximately 2 ounces, this base contributes minimally to your rifle's overall weight, which is crucial for hunters trekking long distances or competitive shooters seeking nimble handling.
• Exceptional Durability and Corrosion Resistance: This alloy is highly resistant to fatigue and offers excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for exposure to harsh weather conditions – rain, snow, humidity, or extreme temperatures. Whether you're hunting in the backcountry or competing in an adverse environment, you can trust this base to withstand the elements and maintain its integrity for years of reliable service.
• Precision Machining: The properties of 7075-T6 aluminum allow for extremely precise machining. Leupold leverages this to create bases with incredibly tight tolerances, ensuring a perfect fit with your Winchester 70 Long Action receiver and optimal alignment with your scope rings. This precision is fundamental to achieving and maintaining your rifle's accuracy potential.

This advanced material choice is a clear signal of Leupold's commitment to delivering top-tier performance where it matters most: at the critical interface between your rifle and your optic.

Designed for the Legendary Winchester Model 70 Long Action

The Winchester Model 70, often dubbed "The Rifleman's Rifle," is celebrated for its robust design, smooth bolt action, and inherent accuracy. Recognizing the enduring legacy and widespread use of this iconic firearm, Leupold specifically designed this BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for the Winchester 70 Long Action variant.

• Perfect Fit and Integration: This base is meticulously engineered to contour and align perfectly with the receiver of your Winchester 70 Long Action rifle. This precise fit minimizes stress on the mount and ensures maximum surface contact, leading to superior stability and preventing any shifting or flexing that could compromise your zero.
• Optimized for Longer Cartridges: Long action rifles, typically chambered in cartridges like .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, or 7mm Remington Magnum, generate significant recoil. The robust design and advanced material of this base are perfectly suited to handle these powerful forces, maintaining your scope's position shot after shot.
• Maintaining Rifle Aesthetics: The sleek matte black finish of the base complements the classic lines of the Winchester 70, providing a cohesive and professional appearance without unwanted glare or reflections.

By selecting this Leupold base, you're not just buying a generic mount; you're investing in a component specifically tailored to enhance the performance and longevity of your revered Winchester 70 Long Action rifle.

The Versatility of the Cross-Slot Design: Picatinny and Weaver Compatibility

One of the most practical benefits of the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is its exceptional versatility. It's designed to accept both Picatinny-style and Weaver-style rings.

• What is a Cross-Slot Base? A cross-slot base features a series of slots or grooves running perpendicular to the rifle's bore. These slots are designed to interlock with the cross-lugs found on compatible scope rings, providing a positive and secure engagement.
• Picatinny Rail Standard (MIL-STD-1913): The Picatinny standard is widely regarded as the most robust and precise mounting interface. It features consistent slot width and spacing, allowing for precise positioning of optics and accessories. If you own Picatinny rings, this base will provide a perfect, repeatable fit.
• Weaver Rail Standard: The Weaver standard is an older, but still very popular, mounting system. While its slot dimensions can vary slightly, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is engineered to accommodate the subtle differences, ensuring compatibility with your existing Weaver-style rings.
• Maximizing Your Optics Options: This dual compatibility means you're not locked into a single ring type. Whether you prefer the widespread availability of Weaver rings or the precise indexing of Picatinny rings, this base offers the flexibility to use the rings that best suit your preferences and your scope. This future-proofs your investment, allowing you to easily swap optics or ring sets without needing a new base.
• Enhanced Recoil Resistance: The interlocking design of cross-slot systems, where the rings' cross-lugs seat firmly into the base's slots, provides superior resistance to forward and backward movement under recoil. This mechanical lock prevents scope creep and ensures your zero remains consistent, even with magnum cartridges or prolonged firing sessions.

Key Features and Specifications at a Glance

To summarize the engineering excellence packed into this essential component, consider these core features:

• Lightweight Durability: Crafted from 7075-T6 aluminum, offering a perfect balance of strength and minimal weight.
• Precision Engineered: Designed specifically for the Winchester 70 Long Action, ensuring a seamless and secure fit.
• Versatile Compatibility: Accepts both Picatinny- and Weaver-style scope rings, providing maximum flexibility for your optic setup.
• Single-Piece Construction: A one-piece base enhances rigidity and minimizes potential points of failure, contributing to overall system stability and accuracy.
• Matte Black Finish: Non-reflective finish reduces glare and provides a sleek, tactical look that complements most rifle setups.
• Includes Mounting Hardware: Comes ready for installation, simplifying the setup process for the user.

These features culminate in a scope base that not only holds your optic securely but actively contributes to your rifle's overall accuracy and reliability, whether you're at the range or in the field.

Installation and Maintenance: Ensuring Optimal Performance

While the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is designed for straightforward installation, following best practices will ensure optimal performance and longevity:

• Cleanliness is Key: Before mounting, ensure both your rifle's receiver and the scope base are free of any oil, grease, or debris. A clean, degreased surface allows for proper torque and adhesion.
• Thread Lock Compound (Recommended): For permanent and recoil-resistant installations, a small amount of non-permanent (blue) thread-locking compound on the mounting screws is highly recommended. This prevents screws from loosening under recoil over time.
• Proper Torque: Always use a torque wrench to tighten the mounting screws to Leupold's recommended specifications (refer to the product's included instructions or Leupold's official resources). Overtightening can strip threads or damage components, while undertightening can lead to the base shifting.
• Ring Installation: Once the base is securely mounted, proceed with installing your chosen Picatinny or Weaver-style rings, again adhering to the ring manufacturer's torque specifications. Proper ring alignment and lapping (if necessary for traditional rings) are critical for preventing scope damage and maximizing accuracy.
• Regular Checks: Periodically inspect your scope base and ring screws for any signs of loosening, especially after extensive shooting sessions or rough handling. A quick check can prevent significant issues down the line.

By investing a little time in proper installation and routine maintenance, you can ensure that your Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base performs flawlessly, maintaining your scope's zero and contributing to your shooting success for years to come.

Why Choose Leupold? A Legacy of Trust and Innovation

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has been a cornerstone of the optics industry for over a century, building a reputation for ruggedness, reliability, and precision. When you choose a Leupold product like the BackCountry Cross-Slot Base, you're not just purchasing a component; you're investing in a legacy of American engineering excellence.

• Trusted by Professionals: Leupold products are consistently chosen by hunters, competitive shooters, military, and law enforcement professionals worldwide, a testament to their unwavering performance in the most demanding environments.
• Commitment to Quality: Every Leupold product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest standards of durability and functionality. This commitment to quality translates directly into the confidence you'll have in the field or on the range.
• Unparalleled Support: Leupold stands behind its products with industry-leading customer service and warranties, providing peace of mind for your investment.

When looking to enhance your Winchester 70 Long Action, choosing a reputable brand like Leupold for critical mounting components is a decision that pays dividends in accuracy, reliability, and overall shooting satisfaction. These precision-engineered bases are readily available to elevate your setup at DEGuns.com.

Product Details for Your Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Model	BackCountry
Series	Cross-Slot Base
Firearm Fit	Winchester 70
Action Type	Long
Material	7075-T6 Aluminum
Color	Matte Black
Mount Type	To Receiver
Rings Included	No
Style	Cross-Slot
Length	6.70"
Weight	2 oz
Pieces	1
Includes	Mounting Hardware
UPC	030317011918
MPN	171342
SKU	101050