Elevate Your Precision: The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for Ruger American Short Action Rifles

For any serious shooter, hunter, or outdoor enthusiast, the foundation of a truly accurate rifle system lies in its mounting solution. An optic, no matter how advanced, is only as good as the mount connecting it to your firearm. When it comes to the popular Ruger American Short Action rifle, finding a base that offers unwavering stability, lightweight performance, and versatile compatibility is paramount. This is precisely where the Leupold 171358 BackCountry Cross-Slot Base in Matte Black emerges as an indispensable component for optimizing your shooting experience.

This one-piece cross-slot base is meticulously engineered by Leupold, a brand synonymous with optical excellence and rugged durability for generations. Designed specifically for the Ruger American Short Action, it provides a rock-solid platform that ensures your scope remains precisely zeroed, shot after shot, even under the most demanding field conditions.

Unpacking the Advantage: Why Choose the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base?

So, why is this particular mount a top recommendation for Ruger American Short Action owners looking to maximize their rifle's potential? It boils down to a blend of superior materials, thoughtful design, and Leupold's unwavering commitment to quality.

Problem Solved:

• Optic Instability: Weak or poorly manufactured mounts can lead to scope shift, loss of zero, and frustrating inaccuracies. The Leupold BackCountry base eliminates this by providing a rigid, unyielding connection.
• Weight Concerns: Heavy mounts can unbalance a rifle, making it cumbersome to carry and difficult to handle for extended periods. This lightweight aluminum base minimizes added bulk.
• Compatibility Issues: Finding a versatile base that accommodates various scope rings can be a challenge. The cross-slot design solves this by accepting both Picatinny and Weaver-style rings.

Key Features and Benefits that Matter:

• Unrivaled Strength and Lightness: Constructed from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum, this base strikes a critical balance between extreme durability and minimal weight. At just 1.75 ounces, it adds negligible mass to your rifle, preserving its natural balance while offering robust protection against recoil and impact. This material is known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for high-performance applications where every ounce counts.
• Precision-Engineered for Ruger American Short Action: This base isn't a "one-size-fits-all" solution. It's specifically machined to perfectly match the receiver contours of the Ruger American Short Action rifle, ensuring a seamless fit and optimal alignment. This precision fit is crucial for maintaining concentricity between your scope and bore, a fundamental requirement for long-range accuracy.
• Versatile Cross-Slot Design: The integrated cross-slots are a major advantage, offering unparalleled compatibility. Whether you prefer Picatinny-style rings for their robust locking mechanism or Weaver-style rings for their widespread availability, this base accommodates both. This versatility allows shooters to choose from a vast array of scope rings, tailoring their setup to their specific needs and budget without compromising on security.
• Non-Reflective Matte Black Finish: The matte black finish isn't just for aesthetics; it's a critical functional feature. It minimizes glare and reflections, crucial for maintaining stealth in hunting scenarios or preventing distractions during competitive shooting. This subtle finish helps you remain unnoticed in the field, contributing to more successful outcomes.
• One-Piece Construction: Unlike two-piece bases that can sometimes introduce alignment challenges or potential points of weakness, the one-piece design of the Leupold BackCountry base offers superior rigidity and simpler installation. This monolithic structure enhances stability, providing an unwavering platform for your optic.
• Includes Mounting Hardware: To ensure a hassle-free installation right out of the box, the base comes complete with all necessary mounting hardware. This means you won't need to hunt for specialized screws or tools, allowing for quicker setup and zeroing.

Real-World Applications: Who Benefits from This Mount?

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is an ideal choice for a diverse range of firearm enthusiasts:

• Hunters: When pursuing game, every shot counts. The lightweight nature and rock-solid stability ensure your scope holds zero even after long treks through challenging terrain or sudden impacts. This translates to increased confidence and ethical shot placement.
• Precision Shooters & Competitors: For those who demand the utmost accuracy from their Ruger American, this base provides the rigidity needed for consistent shot groups. The ability to trust your mounting system frees you to focus on fundamentals like trigger control and breath management.
• Long-Range Enthusiasts: Eliminating any potential flex or movement in your mounting system is critical for consistent long-range accuracy. The robust 7075-T6 aluminum construction and one-piece design contribute directly to maintaining precise point-of-impact at extended distances.
• General Rifle Owners: Anyone who values reliability and wants to ensure their optics are securely mounted for casual shooting or home defense will appreciate the peace of mind offered by a Leupold-quality base.

Deep Dive into Compatibility and Installation

Firearm Fit:
This specific base is engineered for the Ruger American Short Action. It's important to verify your rifle's action length to ensure proper fit. The Ruger American series is known for its versatility and accuracy, and pairing it with a purpose-built Leupold mount enhances its inherent capabilities.

Ring Compatibility:
As mentioned, the cross-slot design natively accepts both Picatinny and Weaver-style rings.

• Picatinny Rings: These are characterized by their deeper, wider slots and often feature a recoil lug that fits into the base's slots for added security against recoil-induced movement. They are standardized by MIL-STD-1913.
• Weaver Rings: While similar, Weaver slots are slightly narrower and can be spaced differently. Most modern rings designed for Weaver rails will fit Picatinny, but not all Picatinny rings will fit Weaver bases. The Leupold BackCountry base offers the best of both worlds, ensuring broad compatibility.

Installation Considerations:
While specific steps can vary slightly depending on your rifle and tools, the general process for mounting the Leupold BackCountry base is straightforward:

1. Preparation: Ensure your rifle is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction. Clear your workspace and gather the necessary tools (e.g., Torx or hex wrenches, typically included with the mount or your rifle).
2. Clean Receiver: Thoroughly clean the top of your Ruger American receiver where the base will sit, removing any oil, grease, or debris. A degreaser like rubbing alcohol works well.
3. Position the Base: Carefully place the Leupold BackCountry base onto the receiver, aligning the mounting holes. The one-piece design simplifies this, as there are fewer pieces to align.
4. Install Screws: Apply a small amount of removable thread locker (e.g., blue Loctite, not included but highly recommended) to the mounting screws. This helps prevent screws from loosening under recoil. Insert the screws into their respective holes.
5. Torque Screws: Using a torque wrench, tighten the screws to the manufacturer's recommended specifications. Do not overtighten, as this can strip threads or damage the receiver. Refer to Leupold's or Ruger's documentation for precise torque values, though general guidelines often fall in the 15-25 inch-pounds range for base screws. Tighten in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating.
6. Mount Rings and Scope: Once the base is securely installed, you can proceed to mount your chosen scope rings and then your optic, following the scope and ring manufacturer's instructions for proper alignment, eye relief, and torque settings.

Leupold: A Legacy of Trust and Innovation

When you choose a Leupold product, you're not just buying a piece of equipment; you're investing in a legacy of American manufacturing excellence and a commitment to optical and mounting solutions that have stood the test of time. Leupold & Stevens, Inc., based in Beaverton, Oregon, has been designing and manufacturing premium optics and mounting systems for over a century. Their reputation is built on delivering products that perform flawlessly in the most challenging environments.

The BackCountry series specifically embodies this spirit, offering lightweight, rugged solutions for adventurers and professionals who demand uncompromising reliability. The use of 7075-T6 aluminum in these bases is a testament to Leupold's dedication to using top-tier materials to achieve optimal performance and durability, ensuring that your investment provides enduring value.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rifle Scope Mounts

Here are some common questions users ask when researching scope mounts, and how the Leupold BackCountry base addresses them:

• "What is the best scope base for a Ruger American Short Action?"
  The Leupold 171358 BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is consistently recommended due to its precision fit, robust 7075-T6 aluminum construction, lightweight design, and versatile Picatinny/Weaver compatibility. It offers a premium solution for optimal accuracy and stability.
• "How important is a good scope mount for rifle accuracy?"
  A high-quality scope mount is absolutely critical for accuracy. Even the most expensive, precise optic will perform poorly if it's not securely and consistently attached to the rifle. A weak or ill-fitting mount can cause the scope to shift under recoil, leading to a loss of zero and inconsistent shot placement. The Leupold BackCountry base provides the rigidity needed to maintain zero.
• "What's the difference between Picatinny and Weaver scope bases?"
  Both are popular rail systems for mounting optics. Picatinny (MIL-STD-1913) rails have standardized slot widths and spacing, making them highly consistent. Weaver rails have slightly narrower slots and less consistent spacing. The Leupold BackCountry base's cross-slot design is engineered to accept both types of rings, offering maximum versatility.
• "Are one-piece scope bases better than two-piece bases?"
  For many shooters, one-piece bases offer advantages in terms of rigidity and ease of alignment. By eliminating the gap and potential for flex between two separate bases, a one-piece design like the Leupold BackCountry can enhance overall system stability and simplify the mounting process. They often provide a stronger, more consistent platform, especially for long-range shooting.
• "Will this mount add too much weight to my hunting rifle?"
  Absolutely not. The Leupold 171358 BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is specifically designed with weight reduction in mind. Made from lightweight 7075-T6 aluminum, it weighs only 1.75 ounces. This minimal added weight helps maintain the balance and portability of your Ruger American Short Action, which is crucial for hunting and field use.
• "Do I need to use thread locker when installing a scope base?"
  While the base comes with mounting hardware, applying a small amount of removable (blue) thread locker to the mounting screws is highly recommended. This helps prevent the screws from loosening due to rifle recoil and ensures long-term stability of your optic. Always use a torque wrench to tighten screws to manufacturer specifications.

Conclusion

The Leupold 171358 BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is more than just a piece of metal; it's a critical upgrade for any Ruger American Short Action rifle owner who demands peak performance and unwavering reliability from their optic setup. Its intelligent design, premium 7075-T6 aluminum construction, and versatile compatibility with both Picatinny and Weaver rings make it an industry-leading choice.

By providing a rock-solid, lightweight foundation for your scope, this Leupold base empowers you to achieve superior accuracy, maintain zero integrity, and confidently tackle any shooting challenge—from the unpredictable conditions of the hunting grounds to the precision demands of the target range. Trust in Leupold's century-long legacy of excellence and elevate your shooting experience. This essential component is available at DEGuns, your trusted source for quality firearm accessories.

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Feature	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Series	BackCountry Cross-Slot Base
Model	171358
Firearm Fit	Ruger American Short Action
Color	Matte Black
Material	7075-T6 Aluminum
Weight	1.75 oz
Pieces	1 (One-Piece Design)
Mount Type	To Receiver
Ring Style	Accepts Picatinny & Weaver
Includes	Mounting Hardware
UPC	030317011956
MPN	171358