Optimizing Your Savage 10/110 Short Action: The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base

For serious shooters, hunters, and firearm enthusiasts who demand unwavering precision and reliability from their Savage 10 or 110 Short Action rifle, selecting the right scope mounting solution is paramount. A wobbly or improperly seated scope base can negate the accuracy of even the finest rifle and optic combination. If you're looking to enhance your shooting experience, improve consistency, and maintain zero through rugged use, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is an engineered solution designed precisely for these critical needs. This detailed guide explores why this specific scope base stands out, its key features, and how it addresses the common frustrations faced by rifle owners.

Why a High-Quality Scope Base is Non-Negotiable

Imagine spending hours perfecting your shooting technique, investing in a premium rifle and a top-tier scope, only to have your shots deviate unpredictably. Often, the culprit isn't the rifle or the shooter, but the weakest link in the system: a subpar scope mount. A reliable scope base provides the rock-solid foundation necessary for repeatable accuracy. It bridges the gap between your rifle's receiver and your scope rings, ensuring that your optic remains perfectly aligned and impervious to the forces of recoil and environmental stressors.

Common questions users ask include:

• "How can I prevent my scope from losing zero?"
• "What's the best lightweight but strong scope mount for hunting?"
• "Are Picatinny bases better than Weaver for my Savage rifle?"
• "How do I ensure maximum accuracy with my rifle and scope?"

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base directly addresses these concerns by providing a robust, lightweight, and precision-machined platform specifically tailored for Savage 10/110 round receiver short action rifles.

Designed for Durability and Performance: Key Features of the BackCountry Cross-Slot Base

When considering an upgrade or new build for your Savage 10/110 Short Action, the materials and design of your scope base are crucial. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base is not just another piece of metal; it's a meticulously crafted component designed to excel in demanding conditions.

• Premium 7075-T6 Aluminum Construction: This base is machined from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. Why is this significant? 7075-T6 aluminum is an aerospace-grade alloy renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. It offers superior tensile strength compared to other common aluminum alloys like 6061, making it incredibly rigid and resistant to bending or deformation under stress. This material choice ensures your scope base can withstand the harsh recoil of powerful cartridges and the rigors of field use without compromising structural integrity. This translates to consistent scope alignment and a retained zero, shot after shot.
• Featherlight Design: Despite its strength, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base weighs in at a mere 1.80 ounces. This lightweight characteristic is a significant advantage, particularly for hunters or those who carry their rifle long distances. Every ounce counts when you're trekking through rugged terrain, and minimizing rifle weight without sacrificing durability is a hallmark of intelligent design. This reduction in weight helps maintain the rifle's balance, improving handling and reducing fatigue during extended periods of carry.
• Optimized for Savage 10/110 Round Receiver Short Action: Compatibility is critical. This base is precision-engineered to fit the specific contours and screw patterns of Savage 10 and 110 rifles featuring a round receiver and a short action. This ensures a perfect, flush fit, eliminating any potential for movement or stress points that could compromise accuracy. The included 8-40 screws further secure the mount, providing a stronger attachment point than standard screws often found on other bases.
• Versatile Cross-Slot Design: The "cross-slot" design refers to the universal acceptance of both Picatinny-style and Weaver-style scope rings. This versatility is a major benefit, allowing shooters to use a wide array of rings they may already own or prefer.
  • Picatinny Rail (MIL-STD-1913): Known for its standardized dimensions and full-length cross-slots, Picatinny offers maximum flexibility for ring placement and accessory mounting. It provides a secure, repeatable mounting surface.
  • Weaver Style: While slightly less standardized than Picatinny, Weaver rings are widely available and offer a robust clamping mechanism.
  This dual compatibility means you're not locked into a single ring type, offering greater freedom in customizing your setup.
• Matte Black Finish: The non-reflective matte black finish helps prevent glare, which is crucial for hunters and tactical shooters. It also offers a layer of corrosion resistance, ensuring the base maintains its appearance and integrity in various environmental conditions.

The Benefits You'll Experience with a Leupold BackCountry Base

Choosing the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base for your Savage 10/110 Short Action rifle offers a multitude of tangible benefits that directly impact your shooting performance and overall satisfaction:

• Unwavering Zero Retention: The primary benefit of a superior scope base is its ability to hold your scope securely, preventing any shift in zero due to recoil, impacts, or temperature fluctuations. This means more consistent shot placement and confidence in every shot.
• Enhanced Accuracy: A stable scope foundation translates directly into improved accuracy. With your optic held firmly in place, you eliminate a variable that can lead to frustrating fliers and missed shots, allowing you to maximize the inherent precision of your rifle.
• Reduced Overall Rifle Weight: For hunters and shooters who value portability, the lightweight nature of this aluminum base is a significant advantage. It contributes to a more agile and less fatiguing rifle setup, especially during long days in the field.
• Exceptional Durability and Longevity: Built from aerospace-grade aluminum, this base is designed to endure years of heavy use without degradation. It resists corrosion and maintains its structural integrity through thousands of rounds and exposure to challenging weather.
• Versatile Ring Compatibility: The cross-slot design means you can choose from a vast selection of Picatinny or Weaver-style rings, allowing you to fine-tune your scope mounting setup to your exact preferences and optic requirements.
• Quick and Secure Installation: With the included 8-40 screws, installation is straightforward and robust. The precise machining ensures a perfect fit, making the mounting process efficient and secure.

Installation and Compatibility Considerations

Installing the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base on your Savage 10/110 Round Receiver Short Action is a relatively simple process that can be performed with basic tools. Here's what to keep in mind:

1. Verify Receiver Type: Confirm your Savage rifle has a "round receiver" (some older models might have a flat top) and is a "short action" variant. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base 180953 is specifically designed for this configuration. If you're unsure, consult your rifle's manual or a qualified gunsmith.
2. Clean Mounting Surfaces: Before installation, thoroughly clean the receiver's top surface and the underside of the scope base to remove any oils, grease, or debris. This ensures a clean metal-to-metal contact for optimal grip.
3. Apply Threadlocker (Optional but Recommended): For maximum security, a small amount of non-permanent threadlocker (e.g., blue Loctite) on the base screws is recommended. Apply sparingly to the threads of the 8-40 screws provided with the base.
4. Torque Settings: Always use a torque wrench to tighten the mounting screws to the manufacturer's specified torque settings. Over-tightening can strip threads or deform the base, while under-tightening can lead to movement and loss of zero. Refer to Leupold's guidelines or the rifle manufacturer's recommendations for precise torque values.

While this specific base is for short actions, it's useful to understand the difference between short and long actions for overall rifle knowledge. Short action rifles accommodate cartridges like .223 Rem, .308 Win, and 6.5 Creedmoor, designed for shorter overall cartridge lengths. Long action rifles, in contrast, are built for longer cartridges such as .30-06 Springfield, .270 Win, and .300 Win Mag. This Leupold base is exclusively for short action Savage rifles, ensuring precise fitment for cartridges within that range.

Why Leupold is a Trusted Name in Optics and Accessories

Leupold has been a leading American manufacturer of optics and mounting solutions for over a century. Their reputation is built on a legacy of innovation, ruggedness, and unparalleled optical clarity. When you choose a Leupold product, you're investing in:

• American Craftsmanship: Leupold products are designed, machined, and assembled in the USA, adhering to stringent quality control standards.
• Rigorous Testing: Every Leupold product undergoes brutal testing, including their proprietary Punisher™ test, which simulates extreme recoil and impacts, ensuring reliability in the toughest conditions.
• Lifetime Guarantee: Leupold stands behind its products with a legendary lifetime guarantee, offering peace of mind and demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction.

This dedication to quality extends to their mounting solutions, making the BackCountry Cross-Slot Base a logical choice for anyone seeking the utmost performance from their Savage rifle. It's an investment in confidence, knowing your scope is mounted on a foundation engineered for excellence.

Enhance Your Rifle's Potential Today

For those seeking to extract maximum performance and reliability from their Savage 10 or 110 Round Receiver Short Action rifle, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base in Matte Black (UPC: 030317029067) offers a definitive solution. Its superior 7075-T6 aluminum construction, lightweight design, and precise Savage-specific fit make it an indispensable component for serious shooters. Ensure your rifle setup is optimized for accuracy, durability, and unwavering zero retention. This high-quality base, along with a wide range of Leupold optics and accessories, is available through reputable firearms retailers like DEGuns. Investing in a Leupold mount is investing in the foundation of consistent, reliable shooting.

Whether you're preparing for hunting season, competitive shooting, or simply upgrading your firearm for enhanced recreational use, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base provides the robust, lightweight, and versatile platform your Savage rifle deserves. It addresses the core need for a stable optic mount, ensuring that the only variables in your shooting equation are your skill and ammunition, not your equipment.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Model	BackCountry
Series	Cross-Slot Base
Firearm Fit	Savage 10/110 Round Receiver Short Action with 8-40 Length Screws
Material	7075-T6 Aluminum
Color	Matte Black
Weight	1.80 oz
Mount Type	To Receiver
Style	Cross-Slot (Picatinny/Weaver Compatible)
Included	Mounting Hardware (8-40 Screws)
Pieces	1
SKU	131974
MPN	180953
UPC	030317029067