Elevate Your Precision: The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for Sauer 202 Short Action Rifles

For serious shooters, long-range enthusiasts, and dedicated hunters, the foundation of exceptional accuracy lies in the quality of your scope mounting system. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base, specifically designed for Sauer 202 Short Action rifles, represents the pinnacle of this foundational element. With its robust construction, intelligent design, and crucial 20 MOA slope, this matte black base is engineered to unlock your rifle's true long-range potential and deliver unwavering performance in the most demanding environments. If you're searching for the ultimate scope mounting solution to enhance your shooting precision, understand bullet trajectory, and reliably engage targets at extended distances, then delving into the capabilities of this Leupold base is essential.

Why Leupold Stands Apart: A Legacy of Optical Excellence

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is not just a brand; it's a testament to American craftsmanship and optical innovation spanning over a century. Renowned globally for producing some of the most durable, reliable, and optically superior rifle scopes, binoculars, and mounting systems, Leupold's commitment to quality is unparalleled. When you choose a Leupold product, you're investing in a heritage of precision, backed by rigorous testing and a lifetime guarantee that speaks volumes about their confidence in their engineering. The BackCountry series embodies this legacy, offering solutions that meet the extreme demands of backcountry hunting and competitive shooting. For those who refuse to compromise on their equipment, Leupold provides the trust and performance necessary to succeed when every shot counts.

Understanding the BackCountry Cross-Slot Design: Rugged Durability Meets Lightweight Performance

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot base is a masterclass in material science and intelligent design. Crafted from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum, this base offers an extraordinary strength-to-weight ratio. What does this mean for the shooter? It translates to a scope mounting solution that is incredibly light, minimizing added bulk to your rifle, while simultaneously being exceptionally rugged and resistant to the knocks, drops, and vibrations encountered in the field. At a mere 1.80 ounces, it contributes negligible weight, a critical factor for hunters trekking long distances or competitive shooters seeking to shave every possible ounce from their setup.

The "cross-slot" design is a key feature, providing superior recoil absorption and maintaining zero under repeated firing. Unlike traditional ring-and-base systems that might rely on friction or a limited contact area, cross-slot bases utilize a series of precisely machined slots that allow rings to firmly clamp down, creating a rock-solid interface between your scope and rifle. This design ensures that your optics remain perfectly aligned, shot after shot, season after season, giving you peace of mind that your zero will hold when it matters most.

Key Advantages of 7075-T6 Aluminum Construction:

• Exceptional Strength: Offers high tensile strength, comparable to some steels, providing incredible rigidity.
• Lightweight: Significantly reduces the overall weight of your rifle system, crucial for portability.
• Corrosion Resistance: Inherently resistant to rust and environmental degradation, ideal for all weather conditions.
• Durability: Stands up to significant impact and stress without deforming, ensuring long-term reliability.

Precision Fit: Tailored for the Sauer 202 Short Action

One of the most critical aspects of any scope mounting system is its compatibility and precise fit with your firearm. The Leupold 171356 BackCountry Cross-Slot base is meticulously engineered for the Sauer 202 Short Action rifle. Why is this specific fit so important? A perfectly matched base ensures optimal alignment of your scope, preventing any undue stress on the optic tube and maximizing the optical clarity and tracking capabilities of your scope. An improper fit can lead to POI (point of impact) shifts, difficulty zeroing, and even damage to your valuable scope.

The Sauer 202 is renowned for its modularity and accuracy, making it a favorite among discerning shooters. Pairing it with a base designed specifically for its receiver ensures that the inherent accuracy of the rifle is fully exploited. Understanding the difference between "short action" and "long action" is also vital for proper equipment selection. Short action rifles are designed for cartridges with a shorter overall length, like the .308 Winchester or .223 Remington, allowing for a more compact and often lighter receiver. This specific base respects those design considerations, providing a seamless and high-performance integration.

Unlocking Long-Range Potential: The Significance of a 20 MOA Slope

Perhaps the most significant performance-enhancing feature of this Leupold base is its integrated 20 MOA (Minutes of Angle) slope. For anyone serious about long-range shooting – whether it's hitting steel at 1000 yards, making ethical long-range hunting shots, or excelling in precision rifle competitions – a canted base is not just an accessory; it's a necessity.

What is MOA and Why 20 MOA?

MOA is an angular measurement commonly used in shooting. One MOA equates to approximately 1.047 inches at 100 yards, or roughly 1 inch for simplification. As a bullet travels downrange, gravity causes it to drop. For example, a common hunting cartridge might drop several feet at 500 yards. To compensate for this drop, a shooter must adjust their scope's elevation turret. However, rifle scopes have a finite amount of internal elevation adjustment. For extreme long-range shots, the required upward adjustment often exceeds the scope's internal travel, meaning you "run out of clicks."

A 20 MOA canted base effectively pre-loads your scope's elevation adjustment. By tilting the scope downward relative to the bore by 20 MOA, you consume 20 MOA of your scope's "down" travel, which in turn frees up an additional 20 MOA of "up" travel. This allows you to dial in significantly more elevation for those distant targets, ensuring you can still use the optical center of your scope for the clearest sight picture and most precise adjustments, even when shooting hundreds of yards away. This feature is a game-changer for pushing the boundaries of your effective shooting range and is a clear signal that this base is engineered for high-performance applications.

Versatility and Compatibility: Picatinny and Weaver Ring Ready

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot base is designed for maximum versatility, accepting both Picatinny- and Weaver-style rings. This universal compatibility is a massive advantage, as it means you are not limited to a specific type of scope ring.

• Picatinny Rails: These are standardized by the military (MIL-STD-1913) and are characterized by wider, more consistently spaced recoil slots. They offer superior holding power and are preferred by many precision shooters for their robust nature.
• Weaver Rails: An older, but still widely used, standard. Weaver rails have narrower, less consistently spaced slots. While still very functional, they offer slightly less versatility than Picatinny.

By accommodating both, this Leupold base ensures that whether you're upgrading an existing setup or building a new one, you'll have a wide array of high-quality rings from which to choose, ensuring a perfect fit for your chosen optic.

Effortless Installation with Included Hardware

Getting your new Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot base mounted is straightforward, as it conveniently includes all necessary mounting hardware. While professional installation is always recommended for critical components like scope bases to ensure proper torque and alignment, the straightforward design allows for competent DIY installation. Proper torque specifications are paramount to prevent over-tightening (which can strip screws or warp the base) or under-tightening (which can lead to shifts in zero). Consult your rifle's manual or a reputable gunsmith for precise torque settings for your Sauer 202. Once correctly installed, this single-piece base creates an incredibly strong and stable platform for your optic, minimizing potential points of failure and maximizing reliability.

Who Benefits Most from the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base?

This Leupold scope base isn't just a piece of hardware; it's a critical component for specific types of shooters looking to solve common challenges and elevate their performance:

• Long-Range Shooters & Enthusiasts: If you're consistently engaging targets beyond 300 yards, the 20 MOA cant is indispensable for maximizing your scope's elevation travel.
• Precision Rifle Competitors: For those participating in PRS (Precision Rifle Series) or similar events, consistent, repeatable performance is key. This base provides the stability and necessary elevation for dynamic stages.
• Backcountry Hunters: Every ounce matters when packing into remote areas. The lightweight 7075-T6 aluminum construction is a significant advantage, while its ruggedness ensures your scope stays zeroed even after a demanding stalk.
• Sauer 202 Owners: Specifically designed for your rifle, this base ensures optimal fit and performance, safeguarding your investment in a high-quality firearm.
• Shooters Seeking Unwavering Reliability: If you demand equipment that won't fail you in critical moments, the robust construction and secure cross-slot design deliver peace of mind.

Are you constantly asking, "How do I extend my effective range without buying a new scope?" or "What's the most durable mount for my Sauer 202?" This Leupold base provides direct, effective answers to these crucial questions. It solves the problem of limited scope adjustment at long distances and offers an unparalleled level of mounting stability, directly translating to improved accuracy and confidence in your shooting.

Maintaining Your Precision Setup

Once installed, your Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot base requires minimal maintenance. Periodically check the mounting screws to ensure they remain torqued to specification, especially after periods of heavy use or significant temperature changes. A light cleaning with a soft cloth to remove dirt and grime is usually sufficient. Avoid harsh solvents that could damage the matte black finish. By treating your mounting system with the same care as your rifle and scope, you ensure its longevity and continued peak performance.

Why Choose Leupold from DEGuns?

When investing in critical firearm components like scope mounts, selecting a reputable dealer is as important as choosing a reputable brand. DEGuns is a trusted online retailer committed to providing a wide selection of high-quality firearms accessories, including the full line of Leupold products. At DEGuns.com, you can be confident you are purchasing genuine Leupold products backed by their legendary warranty and supported by knowledgeable customer service. For precision, reliability, and peace of mind in your purchase, DEGuns is your reliable source.

The Ultimate Foundation for Long-Range Accuracy

In the world of precision shooting, every component plays a vital role. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Sauer 202 Short Action Matte Black 20 MOA base is far more than just a piece of metal; it is the critical link that connects your advanced optic to your high-performance rifle, facilitating consistent, long-range accuracy. Its blend of lightweight 7075-T6 aluminum construction, a secure cross-slot design, and the essential 20 MOA cant makes it an indispensable upgrade for any shooter serious about pushing their limits. Experience the Leupold difference and equip your Sauer 202 with the foundation it deserves to achieve unparalleled precision.

Product Specifications & Features Summary

Feature	Detail	Benefit
Brand	Leupold	Trusted name in optics; reputation for quality & durability.
Model	BackCountry Cross-Slot	Lightweight, rugged series designed for demanding use.
Firearm Fit	Sauer 202 Short Action	Guaranteed precise fit for optimal scope alignment.
Material	7075-T6 Aluminum	Aerospace-grade; exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.
MOA Slope	20 MOA	Extends scope's elevation adjustment for long-range shooting.
Ring Compatibility	Picatinny & Weaver	Versatile; accepts a wide range of scope rings.
Finish	Matte Black	Non-reflective, durable coating for stealth and corrosion resistance.
Weight	1.80 oz	Ultra-lightweight; minimizes added bulk to your rifle.
Pieces	1	Single-piece design for maximum rigidity and stability.
Includes	Mounting Hardware	Ready for installation out of the box.
UPC	030317011949	Unique Product Code for identification and inventory.
MPN	171356	Manufacturer Part Number.