Elevate Your Precision: The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot 30mm Medium Scope Mount

For any serious shooter, hunter, or tactical professional, the foundation of accuracy lies not just in the rifle or the optic, but in the unwavering connection between them. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot 30mm Medium Scope Mount (MPN: 175120) stands as a testament to this principle, engineered to provide an incredibly lightweight, rugged, and utterly dependable platform for your valuable riflescope. If you're wondering how to achieve consistent shot placement, maintain zero even under the most challenging conditions, or simply lighten your load without compromising strength, this comprehensive guide will illuminate why the Leupold BackCountry mount is an indispensable component of your firearms setup.

Unwavering Stability for Every Shot: Who Needs a Leupold BackCountry Mount?

This advanced scope mounting solution is meticulously crafted for individuals who demand precision and reliability from their equipment.

• Dedicated Hunters: Whether you're pursuing big game in rugged mountain terrain or small varmints across vast plains, minimizing rifle weight while ensuring your scope stays perfectly aligned is crucial. The BackCountry's lightweight design (approximately 3.50 oz) makes it ideal for long treks, and its robust construction guarantees your zero won't shift when that once-in-a-lifetime shot presents itself.
• Precision Shooters: For competitive shooters involved in disciplines like PRS (Precision Rifle Series), NRL (National Rifle League), or benchrest, every milliradian counts. The inherent stability provided by the milled-in recoil lug and high-strength aluminum construction ensures repeatable accuracy shot after shot, allowing you to focus on windage and elevation, not on your mount.
• Tactical and Professional Users: In high-stress environments, equipment failure is not an option. The BackCountry mount's ability to withstand extreme recoil and harsh environmental conditions makes it a trusted choice for law enforcement, military personnel, and anyone whose life or mission depends on their gear performing flawlessly.
• Firearms Enthusiasts: For those building custom rifles or upgrading existing setups, selecting the right components is key to unlocking a firearm's full potential. If you've invested in a quality 30mm riflescope and a rifle with a Picatinny or Weaver-style rail, this mount provides the perfect interface.

The problem this mount solves is simple yet critical: maintaining optic stability and zero retention. Without a rock-solid connection between your rifle and scope, all other efforts towards accuracy are in vain. This mount eliminates common issues like scope creep, loosening rings, and inconsistent point of impact, allowing you to shoot with ultimate confidence.

What Makes the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Mount Stand Out?

The Leupold BackCountry series isn't just another set of scope rings; it's a meticulously engineered system designed for peak performance. Here’s a detailed look at its defining characteristics:

1. Uncompromising Material Strength: 7075-T6 Aluminum

The very foundation of the BackCountry mount's ruggedness lies in its material composition: 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. Why is this specific alloy so significant?

• Superior Strength-to-Weight Ratio: 7075-T6 aluminum is renowned for its exceptional strength, often compared to some steel alloys, yet it retains aluminum's inherent lightness. This means you get the durability and rigidity needed to handle magnum recoil without adding unnecessary bulk to your rifle system. For hunters carrying their rifles for miles, every ounce saved contributes to reduced fatigue and increased agility.
• Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer, making it highly resistant to corrosion. The matte black finish further enhances this protection, ensuring your mount can withstand exposure to rain, snow, humidity, and varying temperatures found in outdoor environments without degrading its performance or appearance.
• Exceptional Durability: This alloy's high tensile strength and fatigue resistance mean it can endure repeated stress and impact without deforming or failing. This translates to a mount that will last for years, maintaining its integrity through countless shooting sessions and demanding adventures.

2. Intelligent Design for Superior Retention: Milled-In Recoil Lug and Low-Profile Keeper Screw

One of the most innovative features of the BackCountry Cross-Slot mount is its integrated design elements that enhance zero retention:

• Milled-In Recoil Lug: Unlike some mounts that rely on small, separate lugs or the clamping force alone, the Leupold BackCountry features a recoil lug that is milled directly into the base of the ring. This creates a robust, integral connection with the cross-slots on your Picatinny or Weaver rail.
  • Why this matters: When a rifle fires, significant forces are exerted back through the action and into the scope mount. A milled-in recoil lug positively engages with the rail, preventing the rings from sliding forward or backward under recoil. This mechanical lock ensures your scope stays precisely where you mounted it, maintaining your zero even with powerful magnum cartridges.
• Low-Profile Keeper Screw: This small but crucial detail contributes to the mount's clean aesthetics and secure fit. The keeper screw ensures that the rings remain tightly clamped to the rail, preventing any lateral movement or accidental loosening. Its low-profile design also reduces the chance of snagging on gear or vegetation.

3. Versatile Compatibility: Picatinny and Weaver-Style Rails

The "Cross-Slot" in the name highlights a key aspect of its design:

• Picatinny and Weaver Acceptance: The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot mount is engineered to seamlessly integrate with both Picatinny and Weaver-style rails. This broad compatibility means you won't have to worry about whether your rifle's rail system will work with these rings.
  • Picatinny Rail (MIL-STD-1913): Characterized by consistently spaced and sized cross-slots.
  • Weaver Rail: While similar, Weaver rails have wider, less consistently spaced slots.
  The BackCountry's cross-slot design accommodates the variations between these two popular rail systems, offering maximum versatility.

4. Precision Fit for 30mm Maintubes

This specific model (Leupold 175120) is designed for riflescopes with a 30mm maintube diameter. This is a very common size for modern riflescopes, ranging from compact tactical optics to large objective long-range scopes. Ensuring the correct tube diameter for your rings is paramount for proper scope seating, eye relief, and optical clarity.

5. Optimal "Medium" Ring Height

The rings are categorized as "Medium" height (0.99"). Choosing the correct ring height is critical for:

• Proper Eye Alignment: Allows for a comfortable and consistent cheek weld, which is essential for rapid target acquisition and precise shooting.
• Objective Lens Clearance: Ensures the scope's objective bell clears the rifle's barrel, forend, or any other obstructions. For a 45mm objective, a medium height typically provides ample clearance on most rifle setups.
• Ergonomics: A scope mounted at the right height feels natural and intuitive, preventing strain during prolonged shooting sessions.

Real-World Applications and How This Mount Excels

Let's explore common scenarios where the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot 30mm Medium Mount truly shines:

How do I mount a new riflescope on my hunting rifle?

The Leupold BackCountry rings simplify the process. Their two-piece design allows for easier placement and leveling of the scope. Once the rings are secured to your Picatinny or Weaver rail, place your 30mm riflescope into the lower half of the rings, ensuring proper eye relief. Then, place the upper halves, gently tightening the screws in a crisscross pattern to specified torque values (always consult Leupold's recommendations or your scope manufacturer's guidelines for torque settings). The positive engagement of the milled-in recoil lug means you can be confident in its grip.

What are the best scope rings for long-range shooting?

For long-range shooting, zero retention is non-negotiable. The BackCountry's 7075-T6 aluminum construction combined with its integral recoil lug makes it an outstanding choice. It resists the intense recoil cycles of cartridges like .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and even larger magnums, ensuring your point of impact remains consistent shot after shot, critical for making precise adjustments over hundreds or thousands of yards.

How can I reduce the overall weight of my rifle without sacrificing durability?

The average weight of the Leupold BackCountry mount is approximately 3.50 ounces. This lightweight profile, achieved through the use of 7075-T6 aluminum, makes it a prime candidate for weight-conscious builds. Unlike heavier steel alternatives, these aluminum rings provide equivalent or superior strength for their weight class, making them perfect for backcountry hunters or tactical operators who need to minimize every ounce of their loadout.

Will these rings hold zero on a rifle with heavy recoil?

Absolutely. The primary design objective of the BackCountry series was to create a lightweight yet robust mounting solution capable of withstanding significant recoil. The milled-in recoil lug is the key differentiator here, as it mechanically locks the rings to the rail, preventing any forward or backward movement even under the most violent recoil impulses. This direct engagement is far superior to relying solely on friction.

Are these scope mounts easy to install for a DIY gun owner?

Yes, the two-piece cross-slot design is generally straightforward to install. For optimal performance, a torque wrench is highly recommended to ensure all screws are tightened to the manufacturer's specifications. The clear labeling of "Medium" height and 30mm diameter also helps in quickly identifying the correct application.

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 over a century of American manufacturing excellence and innovation. Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has been a trusted name in optics and mounting solutions since 1907, known for their legendary ruggedness, optical clarity, and unwavering commitment to quality. The BackCountry series embodies this heritage, bringing advanced materials and thoughtful engineering to a critical component of any shooting system.

Their reputation for producing gear that performs flawlessly in the harshest conditions means that when you mount your optic with Leupold BackCountry rings, you gain peace of mind. You can trust that your scope will remain securely attached and your zero will hold, allowing you to focus on your target with complete confidence.

Maximizing Your Shooting Potential with the Right Mount

The journey to precision shooting is multifaceted, involving a harmonious interaction between shooter, rifle, ammunition, and optics. However, the often-overlooked hero in this equation is the scope mount. A sub-par mount can undermine the performance of even the most expensive rifle and scope combination.

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot 30mm Medium mount eliminates this weak link. By providing:

• Exceptional Durability: Crafted from 7075-T6 aluminum, it's built to endure.
• Lightweight Advantage: Reduces overall rifle weight for enhanced maneuverability.
• Unrivaled Zero Retention: Thanks to the milled-in recoil lug and secure clamping.
• Broad Compatibility: Fits both Picatinny and Weaver rails.
• Optimal Fit: Designed specifically for 30mm maintube scopes and offering a versatile medium height.

This mount isn't merely an accessory; it's a critical upgrade that contributes directly to your shooting success. It's an investment in consistency, reliability, and ultimately, your confidence in the field or on the range. For hunters navigating challenging terrain, for competitive shooters vying for every point, or for tactical professionals where failure is not an option, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot 30mm Medium Scope Mount is the definitive choice for securing your precision optic. Ensure your valuable riflescope is mounted on a foundation as solid and reliable as your shooting aspirations.

Product Specifications: Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot

Feature	Specification
Brand	Leupold
Model	BackCountry Cross-Slot
MPN	175120
Tube Diameter	30mm
Ring Height	Medium (0.99")
Color	Matte Black
Material	7075-T6 Aluminum
Mount Type	Picatinny / Weaver
Firearm Type	Rifle
Pieces	2
Weight	3.50 oz
Includes	Mounts / Mounting Hardware
UPC	030317019143
SKU	101073