Elevate Your Precision: The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot 20 MOA Base for Winchester XPR Short Action

For serious shooters, whether you're a dedicated long-range hunter, a competitive precision rifle enthusiast, or someone simply striving to unlock the full potential of your Winchester XPR short action rifle, the foundation of consistent accuracy lies in your scope mounting system. When a mere millimeter can translate into inches of deviation downrange, every component in your optical chain must be engineered for unwavering reliability. This is precisely where the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base with a 20 MOA slope, designed specifically for the Winchester XPR Short Action, distinguishes itself as an indispensable upgrade.

Imagine lining up a shot at extended distances, confident that your scope has ample elevation adjustment to compensate for ballistic drop, and that your optic is rigidly anchored to your firearm, resisting the forces of recoil and environmental stressors. This isn't just wishful thinking; it's the tangible advantage offered by a meticulously crafted scope base like the Leupold BackCountry. It addresses one of the most fundamental challenges in long-range shooting: ensuring your scope can effectively engage targets far beyond traditional hunting ranges.

The Critical Role of a Scope Base in Long-Range Shooting

Before diving into the specifics of the Leupold BackCountry, it's crucial to understand why a high-quality scope base is more than just an accessory—it's a performance enhancer. Your scope base is the interface between your rifle's receiver and your optic. Any flex, misalignment, or instability here will directly impact your point of impact, leading to frustration and missed shots. For long-range applications, where bullet drop can be measured in many feet, having sufficient vertical adjustment from your scope is paramount. This is where a 20 MOA (Minute of Angle) cant comes into play.

Why is a 20 MOA Base Essential for Long-Range Shooters?

Many modern rifle scopes, while offering impressive internal adjustment ranges, can still run out of "up" elevation when attempting to dial for extreme distances. A 20 MOA scope base effectively pre-loads your scope with 20 MOA of upward cant, meaning the barrel of your rifle is slightly elevated relative to your scope's optical axis. This effectively "tips" the scope down slightly, allowing you to use more of your scope's internal elevation adjustment for compensating for bullet drop at longer ranges, rather than simply getting to a zero at 100 or 200 yards.

Consider a scenario where your scope has 60 MOA of total internal adjustment. If you zero it at 100 yards on a flat base, you might use 10-15 MOA to get on target, leaving 45-50 MOA for drop. With a 20 MOA base, that 10-15 MOA for zero becomes less, or even negative, effectively shifting your entire adjustment range upwards. This translates directly into more usable elevation for those crucial 600, 800, or even 1000+ yard shots. Without a canted base, many shooters find themselves "dialing out" of their scope's adjustment range before reaching their desired distance, often necessitating holdovers that reduce precision. The 20 MOA Leupold BackCountry base is designed to overcome this very common limitation, empowering shooters to stretch their rifle's capabilities further.

Unveiling the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base: Features and Benefits

The Leupold 174687 BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for Winchester XPR Short Action is more than just a piece of metal; it's a testament to Leupold's commitment to robust, high-performance shooting accessories. Let's delve into the specific attributes that make this base a top choice for discerning rifle owners:

1. Engineered for the Winchester XPR Short Action:

   • Precision Fit: This base isn't a generic one-size-fits-all solution. It is meticulously designed and machined to seamlessly integrate with the unique receiver dimensions of the Winchester XPR short action rifle. This dedicated fit ensures optimal alignment and maximum surface contact, crucial for stability and recoil absorption. A proper fit minimizes stress on the scope and promotes consistent accuracy shot after shot.
   • Enhanced Rifle Performance: By providing a perfectly aligned and stable platform, this base allows your Winchester XPR to perform at its peak. It eliminates variables introduced by ill-fitting mounts, letting you focus on fundamental shooting skills rather than equipment limitations.

2. Robust 7075-T6 Aluminum Construction:

   • Lightweight Durability: Crafted from premium 7075-T6 aluminum, this base strikes an ideal balance between minimal weight and exceptional strength. 7075-T6 is a high-strength aluminum alloy widely used in aerospace applications, renowned for its superior tensile strength and fatigue resistance. At a mere 1.80 ounces, this base adds negligible weight to your rifle setup, which is a significant advantage for hunters navigating rugged terrain or competitive shooters looking to optimize their rifle's balance.
   • Corrosion Resistance: The inherent properties of aluminum, coupled with its matte black anodized finish, provide excellent resistance to corrosion, rust, and abrasion, ensuring longevity even in harsh outdoor environments. This means your base will stand up to rain, humidity, and general wear and tear, maintaining its integrity and appearance for years to come.

3. Versatile Cross-Slot Design (Picatinny & Weaver Compatible):

   • Universal Ring Acceptance: The "cross-slot" design of this base makes it incredibly versatile, accepting both Picatinny-style and Weaver-style scope rings. This compatibility means you have a vast array of ring options available, allowing you to choose the perfect rings for your specific scope tube diameter, height, and personal preference, without being restricted by the base's design.
   • Superior Clamping Surface: The multiple cross-slots provide an extensive clamping surface for your scope rings, ensuring a rock-solid connection between your scope and the base. This superior grip prevents any forward or backward movement of the scope under heavy recoil or during vigorous handling, preserving your zero shot after shot.

4. Matte Black Finish:

   • Reduced Glare: The non-reflective matte black finish is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's highly functional. It minimizes glare and reflections that could potentially spook game or reveal your position to competitors, making it ideal for both hunting and tactical applications.
   • Seamless Integration: The finish perfectly complements the aesthetics of most modern rifles and scopes, providing a sleek and professional look.

5. 20 MOA Slope:

   • Optimized Elevation for Long Range: As discussed, the integrated 20 MOA cant provides a significant advantage for long-range shooting by maximizing your scope's usable internal elevation adjustment. This means less reliance on holdovers and more precise dialing for distant targets. It helps ensure that even with scopes of moderate internal adjustment, you won't "run out of clicks" when engaging targets at 800, 1000 yards, or beyond.
   • Precision and Predictability: By using more of your scope's optical center, a 20 MOA base can also contribute to better optical clarity and reduced internal distortion at the extreme ends of your scope's travel, leading to a clearer sight picture and more repeatable adjustments.

Installation and Achieving Optimal Performance

Installing the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is a straightforward process, aided by the inclusion of all necessary mounting hardware. While it can be a DIY project for experienced gun owners, always refer to the specific instructions provided by Leupold and consider having a qualified gunsmith perform the installation to ensure proper torque specifications and alignment.

Tips for Maximizing Performance:

• Clean Surfaces: Ensure the rifle's receiver and the base's mating surfaces are clean and free of oil or debris before installation.
• Thread Locker: Use a high-quality, non-permanent thread locker on the mounting screws to prevent them from loosening under recoil. Always use the recommended amount and type.
• Proper Torque: Follow Leupold's recommended torque specifications for the mounting screws. Over-tightening can strip threads or damage the base/receiver, while under-tightening can lead to instability.
• Quality Rings: Pair this high-quality base with equally high-quality scope rings (Picatinny or Weaver style, depending on your choice) to complete a robust and reliable mounting system. Leupold offers an excellent range of rings that complement their bases perfectly.
• Leveling: Use a scope leveling kit to ensure your scope's reticle is perfectly level. This is crucial for accurate long-range shooting, as a canted reticle will cause horizontal deviation when dialing for elevation.

Why Leupold? A Legacy of Trust and Performance

Choosing Leupold isn't just about buying a product; it's investing in a legacy of American-made excellence, rigorous engineering, and unwavering customer support. With over a century of experience, Leupold has earned its reputation as a leader in sports optics and mounting solutions. Their commitment to quality is evident in every product they produce, from their world-renowned rifle scopes to their precision-machined scope bases.

When you purchase a Leupold BackCountry base, you're benefiting from:

• Uncompromising Quality Control: Every Leupold product undergoes stringent testing to ensure it meets the highest standards of durability and performance.
• Innovation: Leupold is constantly pushing the boundaries of optical and mounting technology, bringing cutting-edge solutions to shooters.
• Legendary Customer Service: Leupold stands behind its products with a robust warranty and unparalleled customer support, offering peace of mind that your investment is protected.

This particular Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base (Leupold MPN: 174687) exemplifies these core values. It's designed not just to hold a scope, but to enhance your shooting experience, enabling you to achieve greater accuracy and confidence with your Winchester XPR.

Common Questions About Scope Bases and Long-Range Shooting

What is the main purpose of a 20 MOA scope base?

The primary purpose of a 20 MOA (Minute of Angle) scope base is to provide additional "up" elevation for your scope, which is crucial for long-range shooting. By canting the scope slightly downwards relative to the rifle's bore, it shifts your scope's internal adjustment range, allowing you to utilize more of its vertical travel to compensate for significant bullet drop at extended distances (e.g., 500 yards and beyond). This prevents you from "running out of clicks" when trying to dial for elevation.

Is this Leupold BackCountry base compatible with all scope rings?

This Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot base is designed to accept both Picatinny-style and Weaver-style scope rings. This offers a wide range of compatibility with most common scope ring designs on the market, giving you flexibility in choosing the best rings for your specific scope.

Why is 7075-T6 aluminum a good material for a scope base?

7075-T6 aluminum is an aerospace-grade alloy known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. It provides a highly rigid and durable platform for your scope while adding minimal weight to your rifle. This material offers excellent resistance to deformation under recoil and environmental stresses, ensuring your scope remains securely mounted and your zero is consistently held. Its lightweight nature is particularly beneficial for hunting rifles where every ounce counts.

How does a quality scope base like this improve my shooting accuracy?

A high-quality scope base improves accuracy in several ways:

• Stable Foundation: It provides a rock-solid, unyielding platform for your scope, eliminating any movement or flex that could lead to inconsistent zero or shifted point of impact.
• Consistent Zero Retention: The robust construction and precise fit ensure that your scope maintains its zero shot after shot, even under heavy recoil or rough handling.
• Maximized Scope Performance: The 20 MOA cant allows you to fully utilize your scope's internal elevation adjustments for long-range engagements, rather than relying on less precise holdovers or running out of adjustment.
• Reduced Variables: By eliminating potential weak links in the mounting system, it allows you to isolate and address other factors affecting accuracy, such as ammunition, barrel harmonics, or shooting technique.

Where can I purchase the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Winchester XPR Short Action 20 MOA Base?

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot 20 MOA Base for Winchester XPR Short Action (MPN: 174687) is available from reputable firearms and accessories retailers. You can find this essential upgrade for your Winchester XPR and other Leupold products at DEGuns, a trusted source for quality shooting equipment.

Conclusion

Optimizing your rifle for long-range performance starts with the fundamental components, and the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot 20 MOA Base is a critical piece of that puzzle for Winchester XPR short action owners. Its lightweight yet incredibly strong 7075-T6 aluminum construction, combined with the precision-enhancing 20 MOA slope and versatile cross-slot design, provides a reliable and high-performance foundation for any optic. Whether you're tracking a trophy buck across vast plains or ringing steel targets at incredible distances, this Leupold base empowers you with the confidence that your scope is securely mounted and precisely aligned to meet the demands of advanced shooting. Make the intelligent choice to invest in accuracy and reliability with the Leupold BackCountry.

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Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Series	Cross-Slot Base
Model	BackCountry
Firearm Fit	Winchester XPR
Action Type	Short
Color	Matte Black
Material	7075-T6 Aluminum
Firearm Type	Rifle
Mount Type	To Receiver
Rings Included	No
Style	Cross-Slot
MOA Slope	20
Includes	Mounting Hardware
Pieces	1
Weight	1.80 oz
SKU	101053
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN)	174687
UPC	030317018535