Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base: The Foundation for Precision and Performance on Your Browning A-Bolt Short Action

For serious shooters, hunters, and long-range enthusiasts, the foundation of an accurate rifle system begins with a rock-solid scope mount. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base, specifically engineered for the Browning A-Bolt Short Action, represents the pinnacle of lightweight durability and unwavering stability. This isn't just an accessory; it's a critical component designed to ensure your optics perform at their absolute best, shot after shot, in the most demanding conditions.

Why Choose the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base?

When upgrading your Browning A-Bolt Short Action rifle or building a new precision setup, one of the most frequently asked questions is, "What's the best scope mount to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability?" The answer often points directly to systems like the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base. It addresses common pain points such as scope creep under recoil, unreliable zero retention, and the added bulk of heavier steel mounts.

This innovative base offers a distinct advantage for a variety of users:

• Hunters: Minimize rifle weight for easier treks through rugged terrain while maintaining absolute confidence in your optic's stability when that critical shot presents itself.
• Competitive Shooters: Achieve repeatable accuracy and maintain zero, crucial for consistent performance in precision rifle matches or varmint hunting scenarios.
• Tactical Users: Benefit from the robust construction that can withstand harsh environments and rapid engagements, ensuring your optic remains steadfast.
• Enthusiasts Seeking Upgrades: Replace less reliable or heavier factory mounts with a premium solution that enhances the overall shooting experience and extends the life of your valuable optics.

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot base is a direct answer to the need for a superior mounting solution that blends featherlight design with uncompromising strength. Its design philosophy centers around a simple premise: a stable scope means consistent accuracy.

Unrivaled Design and Engineering: The Power of 7075-T6 Aluminum

What makes the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot base stand out in a crowded market of rifle mounts? It starts with the material. Crafted from high-grade 7075-T6 aluminum, this base offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. But what exactly does that mean for you, the shooter?

• Lightweight Advantage: At just 1.75 ounces, this base adds negligible weight to your rifle system. This is particularly beneficial for hunters who trek long distances or competitive shooters looking to shave ounces wherever possible without sacrificing performance.
• Superior Strength: 7075-T6 aluminum is an aerospace-grade alloy, renowned for its incredible hardness and resistance to deformation. This material is widely used in applications where high strength is required, making it ideal for absorbing and dispersing recoil forces without compromising the mount's integrity. It's significantly stronger than common aluminum alloys, providing a robust platform that will not flex or bend under extreme conditions or heavy recoil.
• Corrosion Resistance: The matte black finish not only provides a sleek, low-profile aesthetic but also offers enhanced protection against corrosion and wear, ensuring longevity even in harsh weather environments.

This choice of material directly contributes to the base's ability to maintain a rock-solid zero, ensuring your shot impacts precisely where your reticle indicates, even after repeated firing or transport.

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

One of the most valuable features of the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot base is its universal compatibility with both Picatinny- and Weaver-style rings. This cross-slot design provides immense flexibility for shooters who may own various sets of rings or wish to experiment with different optic setups.

• Picatinny Rail System (MIL-STD-1913): The gold standard for modern rifle optics, Picatinny rails feature precise slot spacing and dimensions, ensuring maximum contact and secure clamping for Picatinny-compatible rings. This offers superior repeatability and precise alignment.
• Weaver-Style Rings: A widely adopted and economical option, Weaver-style rings are also perfectly accommodated by this base. While slightly less precise in slot spacing than true Picatinny, the cross-slot design of the Leupold base ensures a secure and reliable fit for these popular rings.

This dual compatibility means you don't have to worry about purchasing specific rings for this base; you can likely utilize rings you already own, or choose from the vast selection of both Picatinny and Weaver options available. This not only saves you money but also simplifies the process of setting up your rifle.

Designed for the Browning A-Bolt Short Action

Precision fit is paramount when it comes to scope bases. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base (Leupold part number 171344) is meticulously designed to perfectly fit Browning A-Bolt Short Action rifles. This dedicated fit ensures:

• Optimal Alignment: The base aligns perfectly with the rifle's receiver, preventing any stress or misalignment on your scope tube. Poorly fitted bases can induce torque on your scope, leading to optical distortion, reduced clarity, and even permanent damage to the optic itself.
• Maximum Contact: A perfect fit ensures maximum surface contact between the base and the receiver, distributing recoil forces evenly and preventing any movement of the base, which is critical for maintaining zero.
• Ease of Installation: Engineered specifically for the A-Bolt Short Action, installation is straightforward for anyone with basic gunsmithing knowledge, especially with the included mounting hardware.

This precise engineering for the Browning A-Bolt Short Action is a testament to Leupold's commitment to providing application-specific solutions that enhance performance rather than offer a one-size-fits-all compromise.

Installation and Maintenance Tips for Your Leupold BackCountry Base

Installing your Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base correctly is crucial for achieving the advertised performance benefits. While the base includes mounting hardware, having the right tools and following best practices will ensure a secure and long-lasting setup.

Recommended Installation Steps:

1. Clean the Receiver: Thoroughly clean the top of your Browning A-Bolt Short Action receiver where the base will sit. Remove any oil, grease, or debris using a degreaser.
2. Apply Threadlocker: Apply a small amount of non-permanent (blue) threadlocker to the threads of the mounting screws. This prevents screws from loosening under recoil.
3. Position the Base: Place the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base onto the receiver, aligning the screw holes.
4. Hand-Tighten Screws: Start by hand-tightening all screws to ensure they are properly seated and not cross-threaded.
5. Torque Screws: Using a quality torque wrench, tighten the screws to the manufacturer's recommended specifications. Over-tightening can strip threads or deform the receiver; under-tightening can lead to a loose mount. (Always consult your rifle or scope base manual for exact torque specifications, but generally, base screws are torqued to around 20-30 in-lbs).
6. Mount Rings and Scope: Once the base is secure, you can proceed to mount your Picatinny or Weaver-style rings and then your chosen scope, following the scope and ring manufacturer's instructions for alignment and torque.

Maintenance for Longevity:

• Regular Inspection: Periodically check the mounting screws for tightness, especially after heavy use or significant temperature changes.
• Cleanliness: Keep the base free of dirt, dust, and corrosive residues. A soft brush and a clean cloth are usually sufficient.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents that could damage the matte black finish or the aluminum alloy.

Proper installation and simple maintenance will ensure your Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base provides years of reliable service and consistent accuracy.

The Leupold Legacy: Trust and Performance

When you choose a Leupold product, you're not just buying a piece of equipment; you're investing in a legacy of American-made excellence, precision, and unwavering reliability. Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has been a leader in the optics industry for over a century, known for their commitment to quality and innovation.

• American Craftsmanship: Leupold products are designed, machined, and assembled in Beaverton, Oregon, USA, ensuring adherence to the highest manufacturing standards.
• Rigorous Testing: Every Leupold product undergoes extreme testing in real-world conditions to ensure it can withstand the harshest environments and deliver consistent performance. This includes impact tests, temperature cycling, and extensive vibration testing.
• Unmatched Warranty: Leupold stands behind its products with a legendary full lifetime guarantee. This commitment to customer satisfaction provides unparalleled peace of mind, knowing your investment is protected for life.

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base embodies this heritage, offering a product that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of discerning shooters worldwide. It's a testament to Leupold's dedication to helping you "Own the Moment" by providing equipment you can trust implicitly.

Where to Find Your Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base

Ready to enhance the performance and reliability of your Browning A-Bolt Short Action rifle? The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base (Leupold part number 171344) is available for purchase at trusted firearms retailers. For a wide selection of Leupold products, including this robust scope base, and an exceptional customer experience, consider DEGuns.com. DEGuns offers a comprehensive inventory of firearms, optics, and accessories, ensuring you can find everything you need to optimize your shooting setup.

Investing in a quality scope base like the Leupold BackCountry is an investment in your rifle's accuracy and your shooting confidence. It provides the essential, unyielding link between your Browning A-Bolt Short Action and your precision optic, allowing you to focus on the shot, not on whether your equipment will hold up.

Technical Specifications & Details

Attribute	Description	Key Benefit
Brand	Leupold	Trusted leader in optics
Series	Cross-Slot Base	Versatile optic mounting
Model	BackCountry	Lightweight, rugged, reliable
Firearm Fit	Browning A-Bolt Short Action	Precision engineered for fit
Color	Matte Black	Non-reflective, durable finish
Action Type	Short Action	Optimized for specific rifle size
Material	7075-T6 Aluminum	Aerospace-grade strength, light
Firearm Type	Rifle	Designed for long gun use
Mount Type	To Receiver	Direct, secure rifle attachment
Rings Incl.	No	Allows user choice of rings
Style	Cross-Slot	Accommodates Picatinny/Weaver
Length	5.90 inches	Optimal scope placement
Includes	Mounting Hardware	Ready for installation
Pieces	1	Single, integrated unit
Weight	1.75 ounces	Minimal rifle weight added
SKU	101056	Internal product identifier
UPC	030317011970	Universal Product Code
MPN	171344	Manufacturer's Part Number