The Ultimate Foundation for Precision: Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot 20 MOA Base for Remington 700 Short Action

Are you a dedicated long-range shooter, a precision hunter, or a tactical enthusiast seeking to unlock the full potential of your Remington 700 Short Action rifle? The quest for pinpoint accuracy and extended range begins with an unshakeable foundation for your optics. Many shooters ask, "What's the best scope base for a Remington 700 short action for long-range shooting?" or "How can I improve my rifle's accuracy and effective range?" The answer lies in a high-quality, meticulously engineered scope base that integrates seamlessly with your rifle and scope system. Enter the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot 20 MOA Base – a game-changer designed to provide the stability, lightweight performance, and crucial elevation compensation required for serious shooting.

This isn't just another piece of metal; it's a critical component that bridges your rifle to your optic, directly influencing your shot placement at any distance. For those pushing the limits of their rifle's capability, a reliable and precise scope base is non-negotiable. The Leupold BackCountry base is crafted to meet the rigorous demands of today's most discerning shooters, ensuring your scope remains perfectly aligned, shot after shot, season after season.

Engineered for Extreme Performance: Unpacking Key Features

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base stands out due to its thoughtful design and superior material selection. Every aspect of this base is optimized for enhanced shooting performance, particularly in challenging long-range scenarios.

Unparalleled Strength and Featherlight Design: 7075-T6 Aluminum Construction

When considering rifle accessories, the material choice is paramount. The Leupold BackCountry base is precision-machined from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. Many ask, "Is aluminum strong enough for a rifle scope mount?" The answer, when it comes to 7075-T6, is a resounding yes. This specific aluminum alloy is renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.

• Strength: 7075-T6 aluminum possesses tensile strength comparable to many steels, making it incredibly rigid and resistant to flexing or deformation under recoil or impact. This rigidity is vital for maintaining zero, ensuring that your point of aim remains consistent relative to your point of impact. Any minute shift in the base can translate to significant errors downrange.
• Lightweight: Despite its robust nature, 7075-T6 aluminum allows for significant weight reduction. Weighing in at a mere 1.75 ounces, this base adds minimal bulk to your rifle system. For hunters trekking through rough terrain or competitive shooters aiming for agile rifle handling, every ounce counts. Reducing overall rifle weight can lessen fatigue, improve balance, and make your firearm more maneuverable. This lightweight advantage also means less inertia to overcome during recoil, potentially leading to faster follow-up shots and improved shot recovery.
• Durability and Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer, making it highly resistant to corrosion. The matte black finish further enhances its resilience against the elements, ensuring it performs reliably in diverse weather conditions, from humid forests to arid deserts. This inherent durability means a longer lifespan for your crucial mounting system.

The Foundation for Versatility: Cross-Slot Design with Picatinny/Weaver Compatibility

A common question among shooters is, "What's the difference between Picatinny and Weaver, and which is better?" The beauty of the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot base is its intelligent design that accommodates both Picatinny and Weaver-style rings.

• Cross-Slot System: This design features multiple horizontal slots cut into the rail. These slots allow for precise and repeatable mounting of scope rings, ensuring proper eye relief and consistent placement.
• Picatinny Compatibility: The Picatinny rail (MIL-STD-1913) is a standardized system widely adopted by military and civilian shooters due to its precise dimensions and uniform spacing between recoil slots. This consistency ensures that accessories mounted on a Picatinny rail can be easily interchanged and hold zero reliably.
• Weaver-Style Compatibility: The Weaver system, while predating Picatinny, remains popular and is very similar in concept. While Weaver slots are typically narrower and less uniformly spaced than Picatinny, the Leupold BackCountry base is engineered to accept both, offering maximum flexibility in your choice of scope rings. This universal compatibility ensures that you can utilize a vast array of scope rings already on the market or future purchases without worrying about fitment issues. This versatility makes the base an excellent, future-proof investment for your Remington 700.

Precision Tailored: Designed for Remington 700 Short Action

The Leupold BackCountry base is specifically designed for the Remington 700 Short Action rifle. The Remington 700 is one of the most iconic and widely used bolt-action rifles globally, known for its accuracy and robust action.

• Short Action Advantage: A "short action" refers to the length of the rifle's bolt and receiver, designed for cartridges like the .308 Winchester, .223 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, and similar calibers. Using a short action often results in a stiffer receiver, contributing to inherent accuracy. A base precisely fitted to a short action ensures optimal alignment and reduces any potential for flex or movement.
• Perfect Fit: This base provides a snug, secure fit on your Remington 700 Short Action, ensuring a seamless interface between your rifle and your chosen optic. The included set of 8-40 length screws provides the necessary hardware for a robust and reliable installation, often replacing smaller factory screws for a stronger attachment. This precise fit minimizes the potential for play or shift, which is critical for maintaining zero, especially under repeated recoil or during transportation.

Conquering Distance: The Crucial 20 MOA Slope

Perhaps the most significant feature for long-range enthusiasts is the 20 MOA (Minutes of Angle) slope integrated into the base. Many new to long-range shooting might ask, "Why do long-range shooters use a 20 MOA base?"

• Understanding MOA: MOA is an angular measurement used in shooting, roughly equating to 1 inch at 100 yards. When shooting at extreme distances, bullet trajectory is affected significantly by gravity, causing the bullet to drop. To compensate for this "bullet drop," rifle scopes have a limited amount of internal vertical adjustment.
• The 20 MOA Advantage: A 20 MOA cant or slope on the base effectively "pre-loads" your scope's vertical adjustment. It tilts the scope slightly downwards towards the barrel, allowing you to use more of your scope's internal elevation adjustment to compensate for bullet drop at longer ranges (e.g., 600 yards, 1000 yards, or even further). Without this cant, you might "run out" of vertical adjustment on your scope before reaching your desired long-range target. This feature is absolutely essential for precision long-range shooting, providing the necessary extra elevation capability to effectively engage targets at extreme distances. It allows your scope to operate more centrally within its adjustment range, often leading to better optical performance and more consistent click values.

Aesthetically Pleasing and Practical: Matte Black Finish

The matte black finish of the Leupold BackCountry base is more than just an aesthetic choice; it serves a practical purpose.

• Glare Reduction: A matte finish significantly reduces glare and reflections, which can be critical in bright sunlight or tactical situations where maintaining a low profile is important.
• Stealth: For hunters, a non-reflective surface helps prevent spooking game.
• Durability: The finish is designed to be tough and resistant to chips and scratches, maintaining its appearance and protective qualities over time.

Real-World Applications and User Outcomes

The Leupold BackCountry 20 MOA base is not just a component; it's an enabler of superior shooting experiences.

• Long-Range Precision Shooting: For competitive shooters or enthusiasts aiming for small groups at 1000 yards and beyond, this base is indispensable. It provides the elevation necessary to dial in shots precisely and eliminates the need for excessive holdovers, making consistent hits far more achievable.
• Ethical Long-Range Hunting: When hunting in vast open spaces where shots can be long, having a reliable system that compensates for bullet drop ensures an ethical and humane take. The lightweight nature of the base also benefits hunters who trek for miles.
• Tactical and Duty Use: In situations where reliability and robust performance are paramount, the 7075-T6 aluminum construction and the secure Picatinny/Weaver interface ensure your optic stays locked in place, even under harsh conditions or rapid engagements.
• Upgrade Your Existing Setup: For Remington 700 owners looking to push the boundaries of their rifle's performance without investing in an entirely new firearm, upgrading to a Leupold BackCountry 20 MOA base is one of the most impactful and cost-effective improvements you can make. It's often the first step in building a truly capable long-range system.

Why a Quality Base Matters

Many overlook the scope base, focusing solely on the rifle and the scope. However, the base is the critical intermediary. A flimsy, poorly machined, or improperly fitted base can negate the accuracy potential of even the most expensive rifle and optic combination. A good base provides:

• Unwavering Stability: Prevents any movement or flex between the receiver and the scope rings.
• Consistent Zero: Ensures your point of impact remains consistent relative to your point of aim.
• Optimized Performance: Allows your scope to operate within its ideal adjustment range.
• Durability: Withstands the repeated shock of recoil and environmental stressors.

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot 20 MOA Base embodies these qualities, delivering a crucial performance upgrade that translates directly to improved accuracy and extended capabilities for your Remington 700 Short Action rifle. It's a testament to Leupold's legacy of producing high-quality, dependable shooting accessories that serious shooters trust worldwide. With its robust construction, versatile design, and essential long-range features, this base is an investment in unparalleled shooting precision.

Product Specifications

For easy reference and detailed comparison, here are the key specifications for the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot 20 MOA Base for Remington 700 Short Action:

Feature	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Model	BackCountry
Series	Cross-Slot Base
Firearm Fit	Remington 700 Short Action
Screws Included	8-40 Length
Color	Matte Black
Material	7075 T-6 Aluminum
Firearm Type	Rifle
Mount Type	To Receiver
Rings Included	No
Style	Cross-Slot
MOA	20
Includes	Mounting Hardware
Pieces	1
Weight	1.75 oz
SKU	131971
UPC	030317029036
MPN	180950