Mastering Long-Range Precision: The Leupold BackCountry 20 MOA Cross-Slot Base for Ruger American Short Action Rifles

Are you a dedicated precision shooter, a meticulous hunter, or an enthusiast looking to unlock the full long-range potential of your Ruger American Short Action rifle? If you've ever asked yourself, "What's the best scope base for maximizing my rifle's accuracy at extended distances?" or "How can I ensure my scope holds zero perfectly under all conditions?", then understanding the critical role of a high-quality scope base is paramount. The often-overlooked foundation of any effective optical system, the scope base directly influences your ability to hit targets reliably, especially when pushing the boundaries of range.

The Leupold 171359 BackCountry Cross-Slot Base, specifically designed for the Ruger American Short Action rifle, is engineered to provide that unwavering foundation. This matte black, single-piece aluminum rifle mount is a vital component for anyone serious about elevating their shooting performance. It addresses common challenges faced by long-range shooters, such as running out of vertical adjustment on their scope and ensuring rock-solid stability.

Why a Specialized Scope Base is Indispensable for Long-Range Shooting

For shooters aiming beyond typical hunting distances, the curvature of the earth and the effects of gravity on a bullet's trajectory become significant factors. As a bullet travels, it drops, requiring the shooter to apply upward elevation adjustments to their scope. Standard scope bases often place the optic parallel to the bore, consuming a considerable amount of the scope's internal elevation adjustment just to compensate for short to mid-range bullet drop. This leaves limited upward travel for truly long-distance shots.

This is where a canted scope base, like the Leupold BackCountry 20 MOA, becomes indispensable. "MOA" stands for Minutes of Angle, a unit of angular measurement commonly used in shooting. A 20 MOA cant effectively pre-loads the scope with 20 MOA of upward elevation, allowing the shooter to zero their rifle at a standard distance (e.g., 100 yards) while preserving a much greater portion of the scope's internal elevation travel for extreme long-range engagements. This translates directly into the ability to dial in more elevation for distant targets, ensuring your reticle remains centered and your optical clarity is maintained at its best.

Without a canted base, shooters might find their scope "bottoming out" on elevation adjustments before reaching their desired long-range targets, forcing them to use holdovers on the reticle, which can be less precise and more prone to error. The Leupold BackCountry 20 MOA base solves this fundamental problem, offering a seamless and intuitive solution for trajectory compensation.

Unpacking the Leupold BackCountry Advantage: Design and Materials

Leupold, a brand synonymous with optical excellence and rugged reliability, brings its heritage of precision engineering to its mounting solutions. The 171359 BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is a testament to this commitment, crafted from high-grade 7075-T6 aluminum.

• 7075-T6 Aluminum: The Heart of Durability and Lightweight Performance
  • Superior Strength: 7075-T6 aluminum is an aerospace-grade alloy known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. It boasts tensile strength comparable to many steels but with significantly less weight. This choice of material ensures the scope base can withstand the harshest recoil and environmental conditions without flexing or deforming, maintaining your scope's zero with unwavering consistency.
  • Lightweight Advantage: Weighing in at a mere 1.75 ounces, this base adds minimal bulk to your rifle system. For hunters trekking through rugged terrain or competitive shooters striving for every advantage, reducing overall weight is crucial. The lightweight nature of the BackCountry base ensures your rifle remains agile and balanced, without compromising on strength.
  • Corrosion Resistance: The inherent properties of aluminum, coupled with the matte black finish, provide excellent resistance to corrosion, ensuring the base stands up to moisture, sweat, and varying weather conditions encountered in the field.
• Precision Machining and Finish: The cross-slot design is meticulously machined to exacting tolerances, ensuring a perfect interface with both Picatinny- and Weaver-style rings. This universal compatibility provides flexibility when choosing your scope rings, allowing you to select options that best suit your optic and preferences. The matte black finish not only looks professional but also reduces glare, preventing reflections that could spook game or give away your position.
• Dedicated Ruger American Short Action Fit: The Leupold 171359 is specifically contoured and drilled to integrate seamlessly with the Ruger American Short Action receiver. This precise fit eliminates any play or movement, creating a monolithic connection between your rifle and optic. When every fraction of an inch counts at long range, this dedicated fit is a non-negotiable feature.

Key Features That Set the Leupold BackCountry Base Apart

When considering "Which scope base offers the most reliable performance for long-range shooting on a Ruger American?", the Leupold BackCountry 20 MOA base consistently rises to the top due to its thoughtful design and robust construction.

1. Integrated 20 MOA Slope: This is the cornerstone of its long-range utility. The built-in cant provides the necessary elevation compensation, allowing your scope's internal adjustments to be reserved for fine-tuning at extreme distances. It's a fundamental requirement for pushing your rifle's effective range.
2. Cross-Slot Design: The versatile cross-slot pattern ensures broad compatibility with a wide array of rings. Whether you prefer the robust Picatinny standard for tactical applications or the tried-and-true Weaver system for hunting, this base accommodates both with ease.
3. Single-Piece Construction: Unlike two-piece bases that can introduce potential points of failure or misalignment, the Leupold BackCountry is a single, solid piece of machined aluminum. This monolithic design maximizes rigidity and strength, minimizing flex and ensuring consistent point of impact.
4. Included Mounting Hardware: The base comes complete with all necessary mounting hardware, simplifying installation. While professional installation is always recommended for critical components, the inclusion of hardware ensures you have what you need to get started.

Real-World Benefits for Every Shooter

Investing in the right scope base translates directly into tangible performance improvements and peace of mind.

• Unlock Your Rifle's Full Potential: By optimizing your scope's elevation travel, you can truly explore the ballistic capabilities of your Ruger American Short Action rifle, confidently engaging targets at distances previously thought impossible.
• Enhanced Precision and Consistency: A rock-solid scope base eliminates movement between your optic and rifle, which is critical for maintaining zero. This means fewer adjustments needed between shooting sessions and greater confidence in your shots.
• Streamlined Ballistic Solutions: With more internal elevation available, dialing in precise adjustments based on your ballistic calculator's output becomes simpler and more accurate, reducing reliance on less precise holdovers.
• Durability in Demanding Environments: Whether you're hunting in harsh weather, competing in challenging conditions, or simply enjoying a rigorous day at the range, the rugged 7075-T6 construction ensures your optic remains securely mounted and zeroed.
• Reduced Scope Stress: A properly mounted scope on a rigid base experiences less stress from recoil and handling, potentially extending the lifespan of your valuable optic.

Who Should Consider the Leupold BackCountry 20 MOA Base?

This scope base is an essential upgrade for a specific subset of shooters who demand the utmost in performance and reliability:

• Long-Range Hunters: For those who need to make ethical shots on game at extended distances where every MOA of adjustment matters.
• Precision Rifle Competitors: Where fine-tuning elevation for different stages and conditions is crucial for winning.
• Ruger American Owners: Specifically those with the Short Action model who are looking to upgrade their rifle's optics mounting system for improved performance.
• Ballistics Enthusiasts: Individuals who enjoy experimenting with different loads and pushing the limits of their rifle's effective range.
• Anyone Seeking Ultimate Reliability: For shooters who prioritize absolute zero retention and durability in their rifle setup.

The Leupold BackCountry base is not just an accessory; it's a foundational component of a precise shooting system. It empowers shooters to engage targets confidently at various distances, secure in the knowledge that their scope is perfectly aligned and steadfastly mounted.

When considering "Where can I purchase genuine Leupold rifle accessories?", the Leupold BackCountry 20 MOA Cross-Slot Base, along with a wide array of other high-quality firearms components, is available at DEGuns and deguns.com, ensuring you receive authentic products backed by reliable service.

Product Specifications & Compatibility

Investing in the Leupold 171359 BackCountry Cross-Slot Base means investing in a component that will stand the test of time and elevate your shooting experience. Its robust design, precision engineering, and dedicated 20 MOA slope make it an indispensable asset for any Ruger American Short Action rifle owner looking to conquer long-range challenges.

Choosing the right foundation for your rifle scope is a decision that impacts every shot. With the Leupold BackCountry 20 MOA base, you're not just mounting a scope; you're building a system engineered for unwavering accuracy and performance at extended distances.

Feature	Detail	Type/Value
Brand	Leupold	Leupold
Model Series	BackCountry Cross-Slot	Rifle Base
Firearm Fit	Ruger American	Short Action Rifle
Color	Matte Black	Finish
Material	7075 T-6 Aluminum	High-Strength Alloy
Mount Type	To Receiver	Rifle Accessory
Rings Included	No	Mount Component
Style	Cross-Slot	Picatinny/Weaver
Length	5.90 inches	Overall Length
MOA Cant	20	Long-Range Aid
Includes	Mounting Hardware	Installation Kit
Pieces	1	Single Piece Design
Weight	1.75 ounces	Lightweight
UPC	030317012090	Universal Product Code
MPN	171359	Manufacturer Part No.
SKU	131965	Stock Keeping Unit