Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base: The Foundation for Unrivaled Precision Shooting

For any serious marksman, whether a dedicated long-range precision shooter, a meticulous hunter, or a competitive enthusiast, the pursuit of accuracy hinges on a multitude of factors. While the rifle and optic often steal the spotlight, the often-underestimated scope base plays an absolutely critical role as the foundational link between your firearm and your aiming system. Without a rock-solid, precisely engineered scope base, even the most expensive rifles and scopes will struggle to achieve their full potential. This is where the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base, specifically designed for the Remington 700 Long Action and featuring a crucial 20-MOA slope, emerges as an indispensable component for elevating your shooting performance.

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base, identified by its MPN 180952, is not merely a piece of metal; it is a meticulously crafted bridge designed to ensure maximum optical stability, enduring reliability, and superior long-range capability. This isn't just about attaching a scope; it's about creating an unyielding platform that can withstand the rigors of recoil, environmental stressors, and repeated use, ensuring your point of impact remains consistent shot after shot. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What’s the best way to secure my rifle scope for extreme accuracy?” or “How can I get more elevation adjustment out of my scope for 1000-yard shots?”, the Leupold BackCountry base provides a definitive answer.

Engineered for Excellence: Unpacking the Leupold BackCountry Advantage

Every feature of the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base has been thoughtfully integrated to deliver peak performance and reliability. Let's delve into the specific advantages that make this base a preferred choice for discerning shooters:

• Unmatched Strength & Lightweight Design with 7075-T6 Aluminum: The very essence of the BackCountry base's robustness lies in its construction from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum. This isn't just any aluminum; 7075-T6 is renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, rivaling some steels while being significantly lighter. This material choice means the base can withstand immense recoil forces and impacts without deforming or failing, preserving your zero under the most demanding conditions. Simultaneously, its lightweight nature, weighing in at a mere 1.80 ounces, ensures that it adds minimal bulk to your rifle, which is crucial for maintaining balance and maneuverability, especially during extended field use or competitive scenarios where every ounce counts. Its inherent corrosion resistance also makes it ideal for use in diverse weather conditions, from humid jungles to arid deserts.
• The 20-MOA Difference: Conquering Long-Range Distances: One of the most critical features of this particular Leupold BackCountry base is its integrated 20-MOA (Minute of Angle) slope. For anyone engaged in long-range shooting—distances typically beyond 300-400 yards—understanding and utilizing a canted base like this is paramount. Gravity causes your bullet to drop as it travels downrange. To compensate for this drop, rifle scopes have a limited amount of internal elevation adjustment. By building in a 20-MOA forward cant, the base effectively 'pre-loads' your scope, angling it slightly downwards towards the barrel. This seemingly subtle adjustment dramatically increases the usable internal elevation travel of your scope for dialing in shots at extended distances. Without a 20-MOA base, shooters often "run out" of elevation adjustment on their scope before they can reach targets at 800, 1000 yards, or beyond. This feature ensures you have ample room to adjust for bullet drop, making those distant targets achievable and repeatable.
• Seamless Compatibility: Remington 700 Long Action and Versatile Ring Options: Designed specifically for the widely popular Remington 700 Long Action rifle, this base offers a perfect, secure fit that integrates flawlessly with your firearm. The Remington 700 is a cornerstone of the bolt-action rifle world, known for its accuracy and versatility, and it deserves a mounting system that matches its capabilities. Furthermore, the cross-slot design of the Leupold BackCountry base ensures broad compatibility with both Picatinny and Weaver-style scope rings. This versatility is a significant advantage, allowing shooters to choose from a vast array of high-quality rings on the market, ensuring you can pair your preferred optic with the ideal ring system without compatibility concerns. This adherence to industry standards provides flexibility for future upgrades or changes to your optic setup.
• Precision Installation: The Importance of 8-40 Screws: The inclusion of 8-40 length screws is a deliberate design choice that speaks volumes about Leupold's commitment to durability and zero retention. While many standard bases use 6-48 screws, 8-40 screws are larger in diameter and provide significantly more thread engagement with the receiver. This increased surface area and robust threading offer superior resistance to shear forces and pull-out, which are critical when dealing with the substantial recoil generated by powerful long-action cartridges. This ensures a much more secure mount that is less prone to loosening over time, even under sustained heavy use, directly contributing to consistent accuracy and minimizing the need for re-zeroing.
• Aesthetic & Durability: Matte Black Finish: The non-reflective matte black finish on the Leupold BackCountry base serves a dual purpose. Aesthetically, it provides a sleek, tactical look that seamlessly blends with most rifle finishes, preventing unwanted glare or reflections that could give away your position in the field or distract you during a critical shot. Practically, this finish is highly durable, resisting scratches, abrasions, and corrosion, ensuring your base maintains its integrity and appearance even after years of hard use in challenging environments.

Real-World Applications: Who Benefits Most from This Base?

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is an ideal upgrade or essential component for several categories of shooters:

• Long-Range Precision Shooters: This is arguably the primary beneficiary. The 20-MOA cant is indispensable for dialing in extreme long-range shots (e.g., 600 yards, 800 yards, 1000 yards, and beyond) without running out of scope elevation. Its robust construction ensures that repeated recoil from magnum cartridges won't compromise your zero.
• Hunters Seeking Reliable Performance: Whether you're hunting big game across vast open plains or in mountainous terrain, the Leupold BackCountry base provides the unwavering stability you need. The peace of mind that your scope is securely mounted and your zero will hold true, even after a long stalk or a rough ride, is invaluable for a successful hunt.
• Tactical and Competitive Marksmen: In high-stakes competitive shooting or tactical scenarios where every shot counts, equipment failure is not an option. The extreme durability and precision engineering of this base ensure it can withstand rapid fire, quick transitions, and demanding operational environments, maintaining accuracy under pressure.
• Remington 700 Owners Looking to Upgrade: If you own a Remington 700 Long Action and are looking to enhance its accuracy potential, especially for longer distances, replacing a factory or lower-quality base with the Leupold BackCountry is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make. It's a fundamental step towards unlocking your rifle's true capabilities.

Setting Up for Success: Integrating Your Leupold BackCountry Base

Installing your Leupold BackCountry base correctly is crucial for maximizing its performance. While the base is designed for easy installation, a few best practices ensure optimal results:

1. Clean Surfaces: Ensure both the receiver's mounting holes and the base's underside are clean and free of oil or debris.
2. Thread Locker: Apply a small amount of non-permanent (e.g., blue) thread locker to the 8-40 mounting screws before installation. This prevents screws from backing out due to recoil over time.
3. Proper Torque: Use a torque wrench to tighten the screws to the manufacturer's recommended specifications. Over-tightening can strip threads or deform the base/receiver, while under-tightening can lead to a loose mount.
4. Mounting Rings: Once the base is securely installed, select high-quality Picatinny or Weaver-style rings that match your scope's tube diameter and provide the appropriate height for your optic. Ensure rings are correctly lapped or aligned to prevent scope tube stress.
5. Scope Mounting: Mount your scope carefully, ensuring proper eye relief and reticle leveling before tightening the rings to their recommended torque specifications.
6. Zeroing and Testing: After mounting, properly zero your rifle at a common distance (e.g., 100 yards) and then test its accuracy at various ranges to confirm the stability of your setup.

Frequently Asked Questions about Scope Bases

Understanding the role and benefits of a high-quality scope base is key to making informed decisions for your shooting setup. Here are answers to common questions:

Q: What is a scope base and why is it important?
A: A scope base is the intermediary component that attaches your rifle scope to your rifle's receiver. It provides a stable, level, and often adjustable platform for your optic. Its importance cannot be overstated because any instability, misalignment, or weakness in the base will directly translate to inconsistent accuracy, inability to hold zero, and potential damage to your scope or rifle.

Q: Why do I need a 20 MOA base for long-range shooting?
A: A 20 MOA (Minute of Angle) base is designed with a slight forward cant, effectively tilting your scope slightly downward toward the muzzle. This tilt "pre-loads" your scope's internal elevation adjustment, giving you more upward travel (for dialing in bullet drop) when shooting at extended ranges (typically 600 yards and beyond). Without it, you might run out of vertical adjustment on your scope before reaching very distant targets due to significant bullet drop.

Q: Is the Leupold BackCountry base compatible with all Remington 700 rifles?
A: This specific Leupold BackCountry base (UPC 030317029005) is designed for the Remington 700 Long Action rifle. Remington 700s come in "short action" and "long action" variants depending on the cartridge they chamber. Ensure your Remington 700 is a long action model for proper fitment. It also includes 8-40 length screws, so ensure your receiver is compatible with this screw size, though many 700 actions can be tapped for them.

Q: What type of rings should I use with this Leupold BackCountry base?
A: The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is highly versatile and accepts both Picatinny-style and Weaver-style scope rings. This offers a wide range of options for shooters. Picatinny rings are generally considered more robust and offer more precise spacing due to their standardized slot dimensions, while Weaver rings are also widely available and effective. The choice often comes down to personal preference and existing equipment.

Q: How does the 7075-T6 aluminum benefit me as a shooter?
A: The use of 7075-T6 aluminum provides an exceptional balance of strength and lightness. This aerospace-grade alloy makes the base incredibly durable and rigid, allowing it to withstand heavy recoil and impacts without flexing or deforming, thus maintaining your scope's zero. Its lightweight nature minimizes added weight to your rifle, which is beneficial for handling and portability, especially during long hunts or competitive matches. It also resists corrosion, ensuring longevity in diverse environments.

Q: Where can I purchase genuine Leupold BackCountry products?
A: Genuine Leupold BackCountry products, including this highly regarded scope base, are available from authorized dealers that specialize in quality firearms accessories. You can reliably purchase this and other Leupold products directly from DEGuns.com, ensuring you receive authentic, high-performance equipment to support your shooting endeavors.

The Leupold Legacy: A Commitment to Performance

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., has been a trusted name in American optics and mounting solutions for over a century. Their commitment to superior engineering, rugged durability, and unwavering precision has earned them a reputation as an industry leader. The BackCountry series embodies this legacy, offering solutions that are rigorously tested and proven in the field. When you choose a Leupold BackCountry base, you're not just buying a component; you're investing in a century of expertise, innovation, and a guarantee of performance that allows you to focus solely on making your shot.

Invest in Your Accuracy

Ultimately, your scope base is the unsung hero of your rifle system. It’s the critical link that translates your rifle's inherent accuracy and your optic's clarity into repeatable, precise hits on target. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base, with its 20-MOA slope, 7075-T6 aluminum construction, and robust 8-40 screw compatibility, stands out as an exemplary choice for any Remington 700 Long Action owner seeking to maximize their rifle's long-range precision and overall performance. Enhance your shooting potential and secure your success by building on a foundation of unyielding quality. For this and other essential shooting accessories, look no further than DEGuns.

Product Specifications Table

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Model	BackCountry
Series	Cross-Slot Base
Material	7075-T6 Aluminum
Finish	Matte Black
Firearm Fit	Remington 700 Long Action
Screw Compatibility	8-40 Length Screws (Included)
Mount Type	To Receiver
Ring Compatibility	Picatinny / Weaver-Style
MOA Slope	20 MOA
Pieces	1
Weight	1.80 oz
Manufacturer Part # (MPN)	180952
Universal Product Code (UPC)	030317029005
SKU (DEGuns)	131973