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

For serious shooters and hunters seeking to push the boundaries of their rifle's performance, achieving precision at extended ranges is paramount. This ambition often leads to questions like, "What's the most effective way to optimize my rifle for long-distance accuracy?" or "How can I reliably compensate for bullet drop when shooting hundreds of yards out?" The answer frequently lies in the foundational components of your optical system, particularly the scope base. Among the most trusted solutions, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base (UPC: 030317012069) stands out as an indispensable upgrade for owners of Ruger American Long Action rifles. Engineered with a crucial 20 MOA slope and constructed from robust, lightweight materials, this base is designed to elevate your shooting experience by providing the stability and adjustment range needed for demanding scenarios.

Why Your Rifle Needs a Specialized Scope Base for Long-Range Shooting

Many new rifle owners or those accustomed to shorter-range engagements might wonder, "Why do I need a specialized scope base? Isn't the one that came with my rifle sufficient?" While standard bases work well for general hunting or plinking, true long-range precision introduces unique challenges that demand specific solutions. When a bullet travels a significant distance, gravity causes it to drop. Your scope's internal adjustments compensate for this, but these adjustments are finite. A 20 MOA (Minutes of Angle) canted base, like the Leupold BackCountry, effectively "tilts" your scope downwards relative to the barrel. This pre-loads your scope's vertical adjustment, preserving precious internal elevation travel that would otherwise be used up compensating for initial bullet drop at closer ranges. The result? You gain significantly more upward adjustment for extreme long-range shots, allowing your scope to reach its full potential.

The Leupold BackCountry Difference: Engineered for Performance

When selecting a scope base, key considerations include material, design, and compatibility. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base excels in all these areas, making it a top recommendation for competitive shooters, dedicated hunters, and anyone committed to maximizing their rifle's accuracy.

Uncompromising Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum

At the heart of the Leupold BackCountry base is its construction from 7075-T6 aluminum. This isn't just any aluminum; it's a high-strength, aerospace-grade alloy known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.

• Superior Strength: 7075-T6 aluminum offers tensile strength comparable to many steels, ensuring the base can withstand the significant recoil forces generated by powerful rifle calibers without flexing or deforming. This rigidity is critical for maintaining zero and shot-to-shot consistency.
• Remarkably Lightweight: Despite its strength, 7075-T6 aluminum keeps the base incredibly light. Weighing in at just 1.80 ounces, this single-piece base adds minimal bulk to your rifle, which is vital for maintaining balance and reducing overall carry weight, especially for field use or extended hunts. Lighter components mean less fatigue and potentially faster target acquisition.
• Corrosion Resistance: This alloy also boasts excellent resistance to corrosion, ensuring durability and longevity even in harsh environmental conditions, from damp forests to dusty plains.

Versatile Cross-Slot Design

The cross-slot design of the Leupold BackCountry base is another significant advantage. This design offers universal compatibility with both Picatinny- and Weaver-style rings.

• Picatinny Rail: The Picatinny standard (MIL-STD-1913) is recognized globally for its robust and precise mounting capabilities. It features consistent slot spacing, allowing for repeatable mounting of optics and accessories.
• Weaver Style: While slightly different in slot dimensions, Weaver rings are also widely available. The BackCountry's design accommodates both, providing shooters with maximum flexibility in their choice of scope rings. This versatility ensures that you won't be limited by your base when selecting the ideal rings for your specific optic, saving you time and potential compatibility headaches.

The Strategic 20 MOA Slope

Perhaps the most defining feature for long-range enthusiasts is the integrated 20 MOA slope.

• Extended Elevation Adjustment: As previously discussed, this cant provides a built-in advantage for compensating for bullet drop at extreme distances. It effectively "points" your scope slightly downward, allowing your optic's internal turrets to utilize more of their available "up" adjustment for distant targets, rather than wasting it on zeroing at typical hunting ranges.
• Optimized for Ballistics: For cartridges commonly used in Ruger American Long Action rifles, such as .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, or even magnum calibers, bullet drop becomes substantial beyond 400-500 yards. A 20 MOA base is a standard and highly effective solution to ensure your scope can dial in the necessary elevation for 1000 yards and beyond, depending on your specific setup and cartridge.
• Consistent Zero: By providing this initial cant, the base helps keep your scope's internal erector system closer to the optical center at your chosen zero range. Operating a scope closer to its optical center often results in clearer images and more consistent click values, contributing to overall accuracy.

Perfect Fit for Ruger American Long Action Rifles

One of the most critical aspects of any scope mounting solution is a precise fit. The Leupold BackCountry Base (MPN: 171361) is specifically engineered for a Ruger American Long Action rifle.

• Seamless Integration: This dedicated fit ensures that the base aligns perfectly with the receiver's screw holes and contours, providing a secure, rock-solid platform for your optics. A proper fit minimizes stress on mounting hardware and prevents any movement under recoil, which is essential for maintaining zero.
• Enhanced Stability: The one-piece design further enhances stability compared to two-piece bases. By distributing recoil forces across a larger surface area and eliminating potential points of flex between two separate components, a one-piece base ensures your scope remains precisely aligned with your barrel. This robust connection is vital for repeatable accuracy, especially during rapid follow-up shots or under adverse conditions.
• Aesthetic Match: Finished in a durable matte black, the base seamlessly blends with most rifle finishes, providing a sleek, professional look that complements your firearm.

Real-World Applications and Benefits

So, who benefits most from upgrading to the Leupold BackCountry 20 MOA Cross-Slot Base, and what real-world problems does it solve?

• Long-Range Hunters: If you hunt in open country where shots often exceed 300 yards, this base is a game-changer. It ensures you have the necessary elevation adjustment to ethically take game at extended distances, preventing frustrating "running out of elevation" scenarios.
• Precision Rifle Shooters: For those engaged in PRS (Precision Rifle Series) or other long-range competitions, every click of elevation and every ounce of stability matters. The 20 MOA cant is standard in competitive setups, and the Leupold's robust design provides a competitive edge.
• Varmint Hunters: When targeting small, distant varmints, pinpoint accuracy is paramount. The enhanced elevation range and solid mounting platform help ensure those critical first-shot hits.
• Recreational Shooters: Even if you're not competing, extending your effective range at the shooting range is deeply satisfying. This base allows you to explore the capabilities of your Ruger American Long Action rifle and optics more fully.

What Questions Does This Base Help Answer?

• "What are the best scope mounts for long-range shooting on a Ruger American rifle?" The Leupold BackCountry offers a purpose-built solution with its 20 MOA cant and robust construction.
• "How do I get more elevation adjustment from my rifle scope?" By installing a 20 MOA base like this one, you effectively gain more usable "up" elevation for distant targets.
• "Is a one-piece scope base better than a two-piece?" For maximum rigidity and resistance to flex under recoil, especially for precision and long-range applications, a one-piece base like the BackCountry is generally preferred.
• "What material should my scope base be made from for durability?" 7075-T6 aluminum is an excellent choice, balancing extreme strength with lightweight properties.
• "Where can I find reliable Leupold scope mounting hardware for my Ruger American?" The Leupold BackCountry Base, UPC 030317012069, is available from reputable retailers like DEGuns, ensuring you receive genuine, high-quality products.

Installation and Maintenance

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base (SKU: 131964) comes as a single piece and includes all necessary mounting hardware, simplifying the installation process. While professional gunsmithing is always recommended for critical components, many experienced users can install this base themselves with proper tools and torque specifications. It's crucial to ensure all screws are torqued to the manufacturer's recommendations to prevent any movement or damage. Regular inspection for tightness and cleanliness will ensure long-term, reliable performance.

The Leupold Legacy: Trust and Performance

Leupold has long been a name synonymous with precision optics and reliable shooting accessories. Their commitment to quality, innovative design, and rigorous testing ensures that products like the BackCountry scope base live up to the brand's legendary reputation. When you choose Leupold, you're not just buying a product; you're investing in a legacy of American craftsmanship and a promise of superior performance in the field. This commitment to excellence makes the Leupold BackCountry base a natural recommendation for anyone seeking to enhance their Ruger American Long Action rifle. For reliable access to this and other Leupold products, shooters consistently turn to trusted sources like DEGuns.com.

In summary, the Leupold 171361 BackCountry Base is more than just a piece of metal; it's a critical component in your long-range shooting system. Its lightweight 7075-T6 aluminum construction, versatile cross-slot design, and essential 20 MOA cant work in concert to provide an unparalleled foundation for your optic, allowing you to confidently engage targets at distances previously out of reach. For Ruger American Long Action owners, this base represents a significant upgrade that pays dividends in accuracy, reliability, and overall shooting enjoyment.

Leupold BackCountry Base Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Model	BackCountry
Series	Cross-Slot Base
Firearm Fit	Ruger American
Action	Long
Material	7075 T-6 Aluminum
Finish	Matte Black
Mount Type	To Receiver
MOA	20
Pieces	1
Weight	1.80 oz
Length	6.30"
UPC	030317012069
MPN	171361
SKU	131964
Includes	Mounting Hardware
Rings Included	No
Firearm Type	Rifle