Elevating Your Precision: The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for Remington 700 Long Action Rifles

For any serious shooter, hunter, or firearm enthusiast, the foundation of a reliable and accurate rifle system isn't just the rifle itself or the high-performance optic perched atop it. It's the critical link between the two: the scope base. Often overlooked, a high-quality scope base ensures your optic remains perfectly aligned, securely mounted, and impervious to the rigors of recoil and the harsh conditions of the field. This comprehensive guide delves into the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base, a meticulously engineered mounting solution designed to provide unmatched stability and lightweight performance for Remington 700 Long Action rifles.

Are you searching for the "best scope mount for a Remington 700 Long Action"? Do you need a "durable Picatinny rail for hunting"? Or perhaps you're wondering "how to ensure your rifle scope stays zeroed"? The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base (MPN: 180951) is precisely the answer to these questions and more, offering a robust, featherlight platform that empowers your optic to perform at its peak.

Why the Scope Base is Your Rifle's Unsung Hero

Imagine having the most advanced rifle and a top-tier scope, only for your shots to consistently miss their mark due to a shifting or unreliable mount. This scenario highlights the indispensable role of a superior scope base. It's the bedrock that transfers the integrity of your rifle's action directly to your optic, preserving your zero through every shot, impact, and environmental challenge. A flimsy or poorly designed base can introduce wobble, flex, or even crack under recoil, leading to frustrating inconsistencies and a lack of confidence in your setup.

Choosing the right scope base is a decision that directly impacts:

• Accuracy: A stable base eliminates movement, allowing your scope to maintain a consistent point of aim relative to your bore.
• Reliability: It withstands recoil and harsh conditions, preventing your scope from shifting or becoming damaged.
• Durability: High-quality materials and construction ensure the base itself won't fail when you need it most.
• Weight Management: Especially crucial for hunting or tactical applications where every ounce counts.

Leupold's Legacy of Excellence in Optics and Mounting Solutions

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has long been synonymous with optical innovation and rugged reliability in the shooting world. With over a century of experience, Leupold has earned the trust of hunters, competitive shooters, and military personnel worldwide. Their commitment extends beyond just crafting world-class scopes; it encompasses every component of the shooting system, including the crucial mounting hardware. The Leupold BackCountry series represents this dedication, offering lightweight yet incredibly strong solutions designed to complement their premium optics and secure them flawlessly to your firearm.

Deep Dive into the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base (MPN: 180951)

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for the Remington 700 Long Action is engineered to meet the demands of discerning shooters. This isn't just another rail; it's a testament to precision manufacturing and intelligent design.

Unrivaled Strength from 7075-T6 Aluminum

At the core of the BackCountry base's exceptional performance is its material: 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. This isn't your average aluminum. 7075-T6 is a high-strength aluminum alloy known for its superior strength-to-weight ratio, often used in aerospace applications where performance under extreme stress is paramount.

• Why 7075-T6 Aluminum Matters:
  • Exceptional Rigidity: Provides a rock-solid platform for your scope, resisting flex and twisting even under heavy recoil from powerful cartridges.
  • Lightweight Advantage: Despite its strength, 7075-T6 allows the base to remain incredibly light, weighing in at a mere 1.80 ounces. This minimal added weight is a significant benefit for hunters who trek miles through challenging terrain or competitors seeking to optimize every component of their lightweight rifle build.
  • Corrosion Resistance: The material is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, further enhanced by its matte black finish, ensuring longevity in diverse weather conditions.

Versatile Cross-Slot Design: Picatinny and Weaver Compatibility

One of the standout features of the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is its universal compatibility. Designed with a cross-slot pattern, it seamlessly accepts both Picatinny-style and Weaver-style scope rings. This versatility is a huge advantage for shooters who may already own a variety of rings or wish to have flexibility in their optic setup.

• Understanding Picatinny vs. Weaver:
  • Picatinny Rails: Characterized by precise, consistent slot dimensions and spacing, allowing for exact repositioning of accessories and optics. They are generally considered the military standard and offer excellent clamping force.
  • Weaver Rails: An older, less standardized design with broader, less consistent slots. While still widely used, they may not offer the same precise repeatability as Picatinny.
  • Leupold's Solution: By incorporating a cross-slot design that accommodates both, Leupold eliminates compatibility headaches, ensuring you can use your preferred rings without compromise. This also makes the base a future-proof investment as your optics or ring preferences evolve.

Precision Fit for Remington 700 Long Action with 8-40 Screws

This specific Leupold BackCountry base (MPN: 180951) is meticulously engineered for the iconic Remington 700 Long Action rifle. The Remington 700 is one of the most popular bolt-action rifle platforms globally, renowned for its accuracy and robust action. Ensuring a perfect fit is crucial for optimal performance.

Furthermore, this base comes included with 8-40 length screws. The 8-40 screw size offers a larger diameter and greater thread engagement compared to the more common 6-48 screws, providing enhanced clamping force and superior resistance to recoil-induced movement. This detail underscores Leupold's commitment to maximum security and long-term reliability for demanding rifle setups.

Who Will Benefit Most from This Leupold BackCountry Base?

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is an ideal upgrade or starting point for a wide range of firearm enthusiasts:

• Big Game Hunters: The lightweight design is perfect for reducing overall rifle weight, a critical factor during long treks. The robust 7075-T6 aluminum ensures your scope stays zeroed even after rough handling or intense recoil from magnum cartridges.
• Long-Range Shooters: Precision is paramount in long-range shooting. A stable, non-flexing base like the BackCountry ensures your scope's adjustments are true and repeatable, vital for dialing in precise shots at extended distances.
• Competitive Shooters (e.g., PRS, Benchrest): Consistency and reliability are key. This base provides a rock-solid foundation, minimizing variables and allowing shooters to focus on fundamental skills.
• Tactical Enthusiasts: For those building a dependable tactical rifle, the BackCountry base offers military-grade strength and compatibility with a wide array of Picatinny accessories.
• Remington 700 Long Action Owners: If you own a Remington 700 Long Action rifle and are looking for a significant upgrade in your mounting system, this base is tailor-made for your firearm.
• DIY Gunsmiths and Custom Rifle Builders: Its ease of installation (coming with mounting hardware) and precise fit make it an excellent choice for those assembling their own rifles or upgrading existing ones.

Addressing Common Questions About Scope Mounts and Rails

"What is the best way to mount a scope on a Remington 700?"
The best way involves a high-quality base, like the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base, paired with reputable rings that match your scope's tube diameter. Proper torque settings for all screws (base-to-receiver and rings-to-base) are crucial, often requiring a torque wrench.

"How do I choose between a Picatinny and Weaver mount?"
With the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base, you don't have to choose! Its design accommodates both, giving you maximum flexibility. If you're buying new rings, Picatinny rings are generally preferred for their standardized dimensions and stronger clamping.

"Is a lightweight scope mount strong enough?"
Absolutely, when made from advanced materials like 7075-T6 aluminum, as the Leupold BackCountry base is. The material's inherent strength and intelligent engineering allow for significant weight reduction without sacrificing integrity. In fact, lighter mounts can sometimes contribute to better rifle balance.

"Will this base hold up to heavy recoil?"
Yes. The 7075-T6 aluminum construction combined with the robust 8-40 mounting screws provides exceptional resistance to recoil, ensuring your scope maintains its zero even with powerful magnum cartridges.

"Can I install this Leupold base myself?"
For many, yes. The Leupold BackCountry base is designed for straightforward installation. It comes with all necessary mounting hardware. However, it is highly recommended to use a quality torque wrench to ensure all screws are tightened to the manufacturer's specifications. If you are unsure, consulting a professional gunsmith is always a wise choice to avoid damage to your rifle or the mount.

Optimizing Your Rifle System: Beyond the Base

While the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base provides an exceptional foundation, achieving peak accuracy involves harmonizing all components of your rifle system. Consider these factors:

• Quality Scope Rings: Pair your Leupold base with high-quality Leupold rings or other reputable brands that match your scope's tube diameter. Ensure rings are lapped if necessary for perfect alignment.
• Optic Choice: Select an optic that matches your shooting discipline (e.g., a high-magnification scope for long-range, a lighter, more compact scope for hunting).
• Ammunition Consistency: Use high-quality, consistent ammunition to truly test and leverage the precision of your setup.
• Proper Shooting Technique: Even the best equipment can't overcome poor fundamentals. Practice proper shooting form, breath control, and trigger discipline.

Invest in Confidence with Leupold

Choosing the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base (MPN: 180951) for your Remington 700 Long Action is an investment in reliability, accuracy, and confidence. It’s engineered to withstand the most demanding conditions while providing a lightweight advantage that serious shooters appreciate. Don't compromise on the critical link between your rifle and your optic. Elevate your shooting experience with a mount built to perform.

This exceptional scope base, along with a wide range of other premium firearm accessories, is available at DEGuns.com. Ensure your rifle is equipped with the best, and experience the difference that Leupold precision engineering makes in every shot.

Product Specifications & Features Summary

The table below provides a concise overview of the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base, highlighting its key attributes for quick reference.

Feature	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Model Series	BackCountry Cross-Slot Base
Firearm Fit	Remington 700 Long Action
Mount Type	To Receiver (Cross-Slot Style)
Material	7075-T6 Aluminum
Color	Matte Black
Weight	1.80 oz
Includes	Mounting Hardware (8-40 Screws)
Pieces	1
Rings	Not Included
Firearm Type	Rifle
UPC	030317029104
MPN	180951
SKU	131972