Elevate Your Precision: Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for Ruger American Long Action

For discerning shooters and serious outdoorsmen who demand unwavering stability and pinpoint accuracy from their optics, the choice of a rifle scope mount is paramount. It’s the critical link between your high-performance rifle and your precision scope, and any compromise here can undermine even the most expensive glass. If you own a Ruger American Long Action rifle and are searching for a base that offers lightweight durability, superior strength, and versatile compatibility, the Leupold 171360 BackCountry Cross-Slot Base in Matte Black stands out as an exceptional choice. This essential component is engineered to provide a rock-solid foundation for your rifle scope, ensuring consistent zero retention and optimal performance in any shooting scenario.

The Foundation of Accuracy: Why Your Scope Mount Matters

Many shooters invest heavily in their rifles and scopes, often overlooking the fundamental importance of the scope base. However, the base is where the entire system's integrity begins. A flimsy, poorly designed, or incorrectly installed base can lead to frustrating issues such as:

• Loss of Zero: Even minor shifts can cause your point of impact to drift, leading to missed shots on game or targets.
• Inconsistent Accuracy: Without a stable platform, your groups will open up, making precision shooting impossible.
• Damage to Optics: Excessive recoil or impact can transmit stress directly to your scope if the mount isn't absorbing and distributing forces properly.
• Reliability Issues: In critical moments, you need to trust that your optics will perform exactly as expected, every single time.

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base (UPC 030317012106) is specifically designed to eliminate these concerns, offering the robust support necessary for a wide range of shooting applications, from ethical hunting in challenging terrains to competitive long-range precision shooting.

Designed for Rugged Performance: Leupold BackCountry Engineering

Leupold, a name synonymous with optical excellence and rugged reliability, brings its decades of expertise to the BackCountry line of scope mounts. This particular base, model 171360, is a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation. It's not just a piece of metal; it's a precisely engineered component crafted to meet the rigorous demands of the modern shooter. What makes this Leupold base the go-to choice for many Ruger American Long Action owners?

• Optimized for Ruger American Long Action: This base is custom-fitted for the Ruger American Long Action rifle, ensuring a perfect, secure fit that maximizes surface contact and stability. This eliminates any potential for play or movement between the base and the receiver, which is crucial for maintaining accuracy.
• Lightweight, High-Strength 7075-T6 Aluminum Construction: The decision to use 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum is a cornerstone of this product's appeal. This advanced aluminum alloy is renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.
  • Strength: 7075-T6 aluminum offers tensile strength comparable to many steels but at a fraction of the weight. This means it can withstand significant recoil and impact forces without deforming or failing.
  • Lightweight: At just 1.80 ounces (51 grams), this single-piece base adds minimal weight to your rifle, which is vital for maintaining balance and reducing fatigue during long treks or extended shooting sessions. Reducing overall rifle weight can also contribute to quicker target transitions and reduced perceived recoil.
  • Durability: This material is highly resistant to corrosion and environmental degradation, ensuring long-term performance even in harsh weather conditions.
• Cross-Slot Design for Versatile Ring Compatibility: The cross-slot design is a key feature, offering exceptional versatility. It accommodates both Picatinny-style and Weaver-style rings, which are the two most common types of scope rings on the market.
  • Picatinny Standard (MIL-STD-1913): Known for its precise spacing and broad compatibility with a vast array of modern optics and accessories. Picatinny offers more precise slot spacing and typically a wider slot, allowing for a more secure and repeatable mounting of accessories.
  • Weaver Standard: While slightly older, Weaver rings are still widely used and offer a robust mounting solution. The critical difference lies in the width and spacing of the cross-slots.
  • This dual compatibility means you're not locked into a specific type of ring, giving you the freedom to choose the best rings for your scope and personal preference.
• Integrated One-Piece Design: Unlike two-piece bases that can introduce potential points of failure or misalignment, the Leupold BackCountry base is a single, robust unit. This inherent rigidity contributes significantly to enhanced accuracy and consistent shot placement. A one-piece design ensures perfect alignment between the front and rear rings, which is essential for preventing stress on your scope's main tube.
• Matte Black Finish: The non-reflective matte black finish is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's functionally superior in hunting and tactical environments. It minimizes glare that could spook game or reveal your position, ensuring stealth and operational effectiveness.

Real-World Applications and User Benefits

When considering an upgrade like the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base, what practical problems does it solve for the everyday shooter?

• Improved Accuracy for Hunters: Imagine a cold, rainy morning in the deer stand. Your rifle, equipped with this Leupold base, offers an uncompromising connection between your scope and rifle. When that trophy buck appears, you can trust your optics will hold zero, allowing for a clean, ethical shot. The lightweight design also means less fatigue during long treks through dense brush.
• Enhanced Precision for Target Shooters: For those who spend hours at the range refining their groups, every component matters. This base provides the rigidity needed to consistently place shots where you intend them, reducing variable factors related to mount flex or movement. It allows you to truly evaluate your rifle's and your own shooting capabilities.
• Durability for Challenging Environments: Whether you're navigating rough terrain, enduring extreme temperatures, or your rifle takes an accidental bump, the robust 7075-T6 aluminum construction ensures your scope mount won't fail you. It's built to withstand the rigors of the backcountry, just as its name implies.
• Versatile Optic Upgrades: As your shooting needs evolve, you might upgrade your scope. The cross-slot design of this base means you won't be forced to buy new bases if your preferred new scope rings are Picatinny- or Weaver-style. This saves time and money, and reduces hassle.

Choosing the Right Mount: What Questions Should You Ask?

When trying to find the "best scope mount for my Ruger American Long Action," consider the following:

• What is my rifle's action length? This Leupold base is specifically for Ruger American Long Action. Ensuring correct action length is critical for proper fit and eye relief.
• What type of scope rings will I be using? Do you prefer Picatinny or Weaver? This Leupold base supports both, offering maximum flexibility.
• What material offers the best balance of strength and weight? While steel is incredibly strong, 7075-T6 aluminum provides a fantastic strength-to-weight ratio, which is often preferable for hunting and field use.
• Do I need a one-piece or two-piece base? For ultimate rigidity and consistency, a one-piece base like the Leupold BackCountry (UPC 030317012106) is often recommended.
• What kind of shooting will I be doing? Extreme long-range shooting might benefit from a canted base, but for general hunting and standard target shooting, a level base is perfect.

Leupold's Heritage of Excellence

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has been designing and manufacturing precision optics and mounting solutions in Beaverton, Oregon, since 1907. Their commitment to optical superiority, rugged construction, and unmatched customer service has earned them a reputation as one of the most trusted names in the industry. Every Leupold product, including the BackCountry series, undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest standards of performance and durability. When you choose a Leupold mount, you're investing in over a century of American manufacturing excellence and innovation. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base (SKU 171360) embodies this legacy, offering shooters a reliable and effective solution for securing their optics.

Installation and Maintenance

While the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is designed for ease of installation, proper mounting techniques are crucial to unlock its full potential. Always refer to your rifle's manual and the mount's instructions. Key tips include:

• Clean Surfaces: Ensure the rifle's receiver and the mount's underside are free of oil, grease, or debris.
• Threadlocker: A small amount of non-permanent threadlocker (e.g., blue Loctite) on the mounting screws can prevent them from loosening under recoil.
• Torque Specifications: Use a torque wrench and adhere strictly to the manufacturer's recommended torque settings for all screws. Over-tightening can strip threads or damage components, while under-tightening can lead to movement.
• Leveling: After mounting the base, use a scope leveling kit to ensure your scope is perfectly level, preventing canting issues that affect accuracy at long distances.

Maintenance is minimal. Regularly check that all screws remain tight. A simple wipe-down with a clean cloth after use will keep the matte black finish looking good and prevent dirt buildup.

The Leupold Advantage: A Solid Investment

The Leupold 171360 BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for Ruger American Long Action, with its UPC 030317012106, represents more than just a mounting accessory; it's a critical investment in your rifle's overall performance. It’s a component that delivers peace of mind, knowing your optics are secured with a foundation built for precision and resilience. Its lightweight construction won't bog down your rifle, while its robust 7075-T6 aluminum ensures it can withstand the harshest conditions you and your firearm might encounter. The versatility of its cross-slot design means you'll have ample choices when selecting rings, adapting to various scope setups and preferences. For those seeking to maximize the potential of their Ruger American Long Action rifle, this Leupold base is an indispensable upgrade, ensuring every shot counts. For genuine Leupold products and expert advice, visit DEGuns, a trusted source for all your firearm and accessory needs.

Product Specifications and Details

Key Feature	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Model Series	BackCountry
Product Type	Cross-Slot Base
Firearm Fit	Ruger American Long Action
Material	7075-T6 Aluminum
Finish	Matte Black
Pieces	1
Weight	1.80 oz (51 grams)
Length	6.30"
Mount Type	To Receiver
Rings Included	No
Style	Cross-Slot (Picatinny/Weaver Compatible)
Includes	Mounting Hardware
Manufacturer Part Number	171360
UPC	030317012106
SKU (Leupold)	101068