Mastering Precision: The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for Tikka T3/T3x Rifles

For serious shooters, hunters, and long-range enthusiasts who demand uncompromising precision and rugged reliability from their firearm setup, the foundation of an accurate shot often begins long before the trigger is pulled. It starts with the scope mounting system. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base, specifically designed for Tikka T3 and T3x rifles, stands as a testament to this principle. This isn't just another rifle accessory; it's a critical component engineered to elevate your shooting performance, particularly when engaging targets at extended distances.

Are you looking to optimize your Tikka T3 or T3x rifle for extreme long-range shooting? Do you frequently find yourself running out of elevation adjustment on your scope when pushing past 500 or 600 yards? Or perhaps you're simply seeking the most robust, lightweight, and dependable mounting solution to ensure your optics remain zeroed, shot after shot, in the most demanding conditions? The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is meticulously crafted to address these exact challenges, providing a rock-solid interface between your rifle and your precision optic.

Why the Leupold BackCountry Base is an Essential Upgrade for Your Tikka T3/T3x

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base (UPC: 030317011864, MPN: 171349) is engineered with several key features that set it apart. Its primary function is to provide an exceptionally stable and precise platform for mounting your rifle scope, ensuring repeatable accuracy and maximum elevation travel.

• Designed for the Demanding Shooter: This base is purpose-built for those who understand that every component in their shooting system contributes to the final outcome. Whether you're a competitive precision rifle shooter, a big-game hunter venturing into vast, open country, or a tactical operator requiring unwavering reliability, this base offers the peace of mind that your optic is securely mounted.
• Optimized for Tikka T3 and T3x Rifles: Leupold has specifically tailored the fit of this base to the Tikka T3 and T3x action. This ensures a seamless, low-profile integration that enhances the rifle's natural ergonomics and aesthetic. The precise machining guarantees optimal alignment with the rifle's receiver, minimizing potential for stress on the scope tube or misalignment issues.
• The Power of 20-MOA Cant: One of the most significant advantages of this Leupold BackCountry base is its integrated 20-Minute of Angle (MOA) slope. This forward cant is absolutely crucial for long-range shooting. By pre-tilting the scope downwards slightly relative to the bore, it effectively provides an additional 20 MOA of "up" elevation adjustment to your scope. For instance, if your scope has 60 MOA of internal adjustment, adding a 20-MOA base essentially gives you 80 MOA of usable elevation for dialing in distant targets. This is especially vital when shooting beyond 500 yards, as it allows your scope's erector system to remain closer to its optical center, resulting in clearer sight pictures and more consistent adjustments at extreme ranges. Without a canted base, many shooters find they "run out" of elevation adjustment before reaching their desired distance, forcing them to hold over more or resort to less precise methods.
• Unrivaled Strength and Lightness: 7075-T6 Aluminum Construction: The choice of material is paramount for any rifle component, especially a scope base. Leupold crafts the BackCountry Cross-Slot Base from 7075-T6 aluminum. This aerospace-grade alloy is renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.
  • Strength: 7075-T6 aluminum offers superior tensile strength compared to many other aluminum alloys, making it highly resistant to bending, warping, or deforming under the immense recoil forces generated by modern rifle cartridges. This rigidity ensures that your scope maintains zero, even after repeated heavy recoil or accidental bumps in the field.
  • Lightweight: Weighing in at a mere 2.45 ounces, this single-piece base contributes minimally to the overall weight of your rifle. This is a significant advantage for hunters trekking miles through rugged terrain or competitive shooters striving for a balanced, maneuverable rifle system. Reducing overall weight, especially in critical components like scope mounts, can make a noticeable difference in handling and fatigue during extended periods in the field or on the firing line.
  • Durability and Corrosion Resistance: Beyond its strength, 7075-T6 aluminum also boasts excellent corrosion resistance, especially when treated with a durable matte black anodized finish. This ensures the base will withstand harsh weather conditions, moisture, and the wear and tear of active use without degrading its structural integrity or appearance.

Understanding Picatinny and Weaver Compatibility: Versatility at its Core

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is designed to accept both Picatinny and Weaver-style rings. This dual compatibility is a significant convenience for shooters, offering flexibility in choosing their preferred scope rings.

• Picatinny Rail Standard (MIL-STD-1913): The Picatinny rail is a widely adopted standard for mounting accessories on firearms. It features a series of transverse slots with precise spacing and dimensions, ensuring a repeatable and secure attachment point for Picatinny-specific rings and other accessories. Its robust design is favored for precision shooting and tactical applications.
• Weaver-Style Rings: Weaver rings, while similar to Picatinny, have slightly different slot dimensions and spacing. Many traditional scope rings are designed to fit Weaver bases. The Leupold BackCountry base's ability to accept both types means you won't be limited in your choice of rings, allowing you to utilize existing rings or select from a wider range of options available on the market. This cross-compatibility ensures that you can pair your preferred Leupold scope or any other brand of optic with the ideal rings for your specific shooting needs.

Precision Manufacturing and Finish: The Leupold Standard

Leupold's commitment to quality is evident in every detail of the BackCountry Cross-Slot Base. The matte black finish is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's a non-reflective coating that helps prevent glare, which can be critical in bright sunlight or tactical situations. The single-piece construction of the base offers inherent advantages over two-piece designs:

• Enhanced Rigidity: A one-piece base provides a continuous, integrated platform, significantly increasing the overall rigidity of the mounting system. This reduces the chance of flex or misalignment between the front and rear rings, which can lead to accuracy issues, especially under heavy recoil or during impacts.
• Simplified Installation: While two-piece bases can sometimes offer more flexibility in ring spacing, a one-piece base often simplifies the installation process by inherently ensuring proper alignment along the rifle's action. The included mounting hardware further streamlines the setup.

Optimizing Your Long-Range Setup: Beyond the Base

While the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is a phenomenal starting point, achieving ultimate long-range precision involves several integrated elements:

• High-Quality Optics: Pair this robust base with a Leupold scope renowned for its optical clarity, precise adjustments, and durability. The combination ensures that the strength of the base is matched by the performance of the optic.
• Appropriate Rings: Select high-quality, precision-machined scope rings that match your scope's tube diameter and complement the Picatinny/Weaver interface of the base. Ensure proper torque specifications are followed during installation to prevent damage to the scope or rings.
• Barrel and Action Bedding: For the utmost accuracy, consider having your Tikka T3/T3x action properly bedded into its stock. This creates a stress-free interface between the action and stock, further enhancing consistency.
• Ammunition Consistency: Use high-quality, consistent ammunition that your rifle prefers. Hand-loading optimized cartridges tailored to your specific rifle can unlock its full accuracy potential.
• Shooting Fundamentals: Even the best equipment cannot compensate for poor shooting technique. Consistent practice of fundamentals such as breath control, trigger discipline, and proper body mechanics remains paramount.

Installation and Maintenance: Ensuring Longevity

Installing the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base (UPC: 030317011864) is a straightforward process, typically involving a few screws to attach it to the rifle's receiver. Always refer to the specific instructions provided with the base and your rifle. Using a quality torque wrench is highly recommended to ensure all screws are tightened to the manufacturer's specified foot-pounds or inch-pounds. This prevents overtightening, which can strip threads or damage components, and undertightening, which can lead to loosening under recoil.

Maintaining your Leupold BackCountry base is minimal. Regularly inspect the mounting screws for tightness, especially after extended shooting sessions or exposure to harsh conditions. A quick wipe-down with a clean, dry cloth will remove dirt and debris. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the anodized finish. With proper installation and basic care, this Leupold scope base will provide a lifetime of reliable performance.

Leupold: A Legacy of American Excellence

For over a century, Leupold & Stevens, Inc., based in Beaverton, Oregon, has been a leading American manufacturer of optics and mounting solutions. Renowned for their "Goat Tough" durability and unwavering commitment to quality, Leupold products are trusted by hunters, competitive shooters, law enforcement, and military personnel worldwide. When you choose a Leupold product like the BackCountry Cross-Slot Base, you're investing in a heritage of precision engineering, innovation, and customer satisfaction that has defined the brand since 1907. Their products are designed, machined, and assembled with an obsessive attention to detail, ensuring that every item bearing the Leupold name lives up to its legendary reputation.

This Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for the Tikka T3/T3x rifle is an ideal solution for anyone seeking to maximize their rifle's long-range capabilities while ensuring the utmost reliability and minimal weight. Its robust 7075-T6 aluminum construction, combined with the beneficial 20-MOA cant and versatile Picatinny/Weaver compatibility, makes it a premier choice for serious shooters. Enhance your rifle's performance and gain confidence in your long-range shots.

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base (UPC: 030317011864) and a full range of other premium Leupold products are available at DEGuns. Elevate your shooting experience with equipment engineered for excellence.

Product Specifications & Features Overview

The following table provides a concise overview of the key specifications and features for the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for Tikka T3/T3x Rifles, ensuring clarity and quick reference for its essential attributes.

Feature	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Model Name	BackCountry Cross-Slot Base
Part Number	171349
Firearm Fit	Tikka T3 / T3x Rifles
Material	7075-T6 Aerospace-Grade Aluminum
Finish	Matte Black Anodized
MOA Cant	20 MOA (Minutes of Angle)
Ring Type	Accepts Picatinny and Weaver-Style Rings
Pieces	1 (One-Piece Design)
Mount Type	Direct to Receiver
Weight	2.45 ounces
Length	6.70 inches
Included	Mounting Hardware
UPC	030317011864
SKU	131961