Unlocking Precision: The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for Weatherby Mark V Long Action Rifles

For serious shooters and hunters, the foundation of an accurate rifle system isn't just the rifle itself or the scope – it's the critical connection between the two. If you're looking for an unwavering, lightweight, and incredibly rugged mounting solution for your Weatherby Mark V (9-Lug) or Vanguard Long Action rifle, the Leupold 171354 BackCountry Cross-Slot Base in Matte Black stands as an elite choice. This isn't just a piece of hardware; it's a precision-engineered component designed to eliminate variables and enhance your rifle's inherent accuracy potential.

Are you constantly seeking ways to lighten your hunting rifle without compromising durability? Do you demand absolute zero retention in the most challenging field conditions? Is reliability under heavy recoil a non-negotiable factor for your long-range pursuits? The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is specifically crafted to answer these questions, offering a robust platform that ensures your optics remain perfectly aligned shot after shot, season after season.

Why Choose a Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base?

When it comes to scope mounting, "good enough" often isn't good enough. The integrity of your base directly impacts your ability to hold zero, manage recoil, and achieve consistent shot placement. Leupold, a name synonymous with optical excellence and rugged dependability, extends that same commitment to their mounting systems. The BackCountry series represents a culmination of decades of experience, engineered for those who push their equipment to the limits.

This particular model, the Leupold 171354, is meticulously designed for Weatherby Mark V (9-Lug) and Vanguard Long Action rifles. Owners of these iconic firearms know they possess powerful, precise instruments. Pairing them with a lesser mounting system would be akin to putting budget tires on a high-performance sports car – it simply negates the potential. The BackCountry Cross-Slot base provides the rigid, rock-solid interface necessary for these powerful cartridges and their associated recoil.

Exceptional Materials and Construction: The 7075-T6 Advantage

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

• Unparalleled Strength-to-Weight Ratio: 7075-T6 is an alloy known for its exceptional strength, often compared to steel in terms of rigidity, yet it's significantly lighter. This translates directly into a lighter overall rifle system without sacrificing durability. At a mere 1.80 ounces, this base adds negligible weight, which is a critical consideration for backcountry hunters or competitive shooters where every ounce counts.
• Superior Rigidity and Recoil Absorption: The inherent strength of 7075-T6 aluminum allows the base to withstand the significant forces of recoil generated by magnum cartridges, preventing flex or distortion that could lead to point-of-impact shifts. This means your scope's zero remains consistent, shot after shot, even under rapid firing conditions.
• Corrosion Resistance: This high-grade aluminum offers excellent resistance to corrosion, ensuring that your mount performs reliably in diverse and harsh weather conditions, from humid swamps to icy mountain peaks.
• Precision Machining: Leupold utilizes advanced machining processes to ensure that each BackCountry base is manufactured to extremely tight tolerances. This precision fit minimizes stress on the scope tube and rings, promoting optimal optical performance and longevity.

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

The "cross-slot" design is a significant advantage, offering broad compatibility with popular ring types. This Leupold base is engineered to accept both Picatinny-style and Weaver-style rings.

• Picatinny Rail System (MIL-STD-1913): The Picatinny standard is widely regarded as the most robust and versatile mounting interface available. Its precisely spaced and dimensioned cross-slots allow for secure, repeatable mounting of scope rings, ensuring that your scope returns to zero if removed and reinstalled. The design inherently resists fore-aft movement under recoil.
• Weaver-Style Rings: While slightly different in slot dimensions compared to Picatinny, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot base is designed to seamlessly accommodate Weaver-style rings as well. This dual compatibility gives you the flexibility to use a wider range of existing scope rings you might already own or prefer.

This dual-compatibility ensures that whether you're using Leupold's own top-tier rings or those from another reputable manufacturer, you'll achieve a secure, stable mount.

Designed for the Weatherby Mark V and Vanguard Long Action

This specific base (MPN: 171354) is a perfect fit for Weatherby Mark V (9-Lug) and Vanguard Long Action rifles. Understanding the nuances of rifle actions is crucial for proper mounting:

• Weatherby Mark V (9-Lug): Known for its incredibly strong bolt and precision engineering, the Mark V is a workhorse for magnum cartridges. A robust base like the Leupold BackCountry is essential to handle the recoil and ensure accuracy with these powerful rounds. The "9-Lug" refers to the nine locking lugs on the bolt, a signature feature contributing to its strength.
• Weatherby Vanguard: While often considered a more budget-friendly option than the Mark V, the Vanguard series still offers excellent accuracy and reliability. This base provides an ideal upgrade or starting point for mounting optics on a Vanguard Long Action rifle, elevating its performance potential.
• Long Action: This refers to the length of the rifle's action, which is designed to accommodate longer cartridges (e.g., .30-06 Springfield, .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua Magnum). The 6.30-inch length of this base ensures full support for your scope, preventing cantilevered stress on the rings or scope tube.

Choosing a base specifically designed for your firearm's action ensures perfect alignment, proper eye relief setup, and maximized contact between the base and receiver, which are all critical for ultimate accuracy.

Key Benefits for the Discerning Shooter

Investing in a high-quality scope base like the Leupold BackCountry 171354 offers tangible advantages that directly impact your shooting experience:

• Enhanced Accuracy: A stable and rigid mounting platform minimizes scope movement and vibration, allowing your optics to perform at their peak. This translates into tighter groups and more consistent hits downrange.
• Superior Zero Retention: Whether you're navigating rough terrain, enduring repeated recoil from high-volume shooting, or transporting your rifle, this base is engineered to maintain your scope's zero, reducing the need for constant re-zeroing.
• Reduced Overall Weight: At just 1.80 ounces, this base contributes minimally to your rifle's weight, making it an ideal choice for hunters who trek long distances or competitive shooters seeking to optimize their setup.
• Increased Durability: Built from 7075-T6 aluminum, the base can withstand extreme temperatures, impacts, and corrosive environments, ensuring reliable performance in any conditions.
• Streamlined Profile: The matte black finish and low-profile design integrate seamlessly with most rifles, providing a clean, professional look that minimizes snag points.
• Ease of Installation: The base comes with all necessary mounting hardware, simplifying the installation process. For optimal results, Leupold recommends proper torque settings for all screws.

Applications and Use Cases

Who benefits most from the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base?

• Big Game Hunters: For pursuits where a single, well-placed shot is paramount, a dependable scope mount is non-negotiable. This base ensures your scope holds zero even after long treks through rugged terrain or repeated shots on the range preparing for the hunt.
• Long-Range Shooters: Precision at extended distances demands a rock-solid foundation. The rigidity and anti-flex properties of this base contribute directly to sub-MOA accuracy potential.
• Competitive Shooters: In disciplines where every point matters, equipment reliability is key. The BackCountry base offers the consistent performance needed to succeed under pressure.
• General Sporting and Target Shooters: Even for casual range visits, the superior mounting ensures a more enjoyable and consistent shooting experience, fostering confidence in your equipment.
• Enthusiasts Upgrading Their Weatherby: If you've recently acquired a Weatherby Mark V or Vanguard Long Action rifle and are looking for a foundational upgrade, this base is an excellent starting point for building a top-tier optical system.

The Leupold Legacy: Trust and Innovation

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has been a leader in precision optics and accessories for over a century, headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, USA. Their reputation is built on a commitment to rigorous testing, innovative design, and unwavering quality. When you choose a Leupold product, you're not just buying a component; you're investing in a piece of equipment backed by generations of expertise and a lifetime of performance. Their mounts are designed to complement their world-class optics, creating a complete system that performs flawlessly.

The BackCountry series embodies this legacy, offering solutions that stand up to the most demanding environments and applications. It's a testament to Leupold's understanding of what serious shooters need: reliability, precision, and lightweight ruggedness.

Your Trusted Source: DEGuns

When you're ready to enhance your rifle's performance with the Leupold 171354 BackCountry Cross-Slot Base, trust DEGuns for your purchase. DEGuns is committed to providing a comprehensive selection of firearms, optics, and accessories from the industry's most respected brands. With a focus on customer satisfaction and product expertise, DEGuns ensures you receive genuine, high-quality products that meet your exacting standards. Your investment in precision starts with a trusted retailer, and DEGuns is the place to find the right equipment for your shooting needs.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Foundation for Your Weatherby

The Leupold 171354 BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for Weatherby Mark V (9-Lug) / Vanguard Long Action rifles in Matte Black is more than just a mounting accessory; it's a critical component for optimizing your rifle's accuracy and reliability. Its 7075-T6 aluminum construction offers an unmatched blend of lightweight design, extreme durability, and unwavering rigidity. By accepting both Picatinny and Weaver-style rings, it provides flexibility while ensuring a rock-solid connection between your rifle and your chosen optic. For hunters, competitive shooters, or any firearm enthusiast demanding the best from their equipment, this Leupold base represents a smart, performance-driven choice. It's the foundation upon which true shooting precision is built.

Product Specifications & Details

Attribute	Value
Brand	Leupold
Series	Cross-Slot Base
Model	BackCountry
Firearm Fit	Weatherby Mark 5 (9 Lug) / Vanguard
Action	Long
Color	Matte Black
Material	7075-T6 Aluminum
Firearm Type	Rifle
Mount Type	To Receiver
Rings Included	No
Style	Cross-Slot
Length	6.30"
Includes	Mounting Hardware
Pieces	1
Weight	1.80 oz
SKU	101064
UPC	030317012083
MPN	171354