Precision Foundation: The Leupold BackCountry 20 MOA Cross-Slot Base for Savage 10/110 Short Action Rifles

For any serious shooter looking to push the boundaries of accuracy, especially at extended ranges, the foundation of their optic system is paramount. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base, specifically model 180954, is engineered precisely for this purpose. This single-piece mount offers a robust, lightweight, and incredibly precise interface between your Savage 10 or Savage 110 Short Action rifle with a round receiver and your chosen scope. It's more than just a piece of hardware; it’s a critical component in achieving repeatable, long-distance precision, designed for enthusiasts, competitive shooters, and hunters who demand the very best from their equipment.

Why a Dedicated Scope Base Matters for Long-Range Shooting

Many shooters often focus solely on the rifle and the scope, overlooking the crucial link that connects them: the scope base and rings. However, for precision shooting, particularly at distances where bullet drop becomes significant, a high-quality, purpose-built base like the Leupold BackCountry 20 MOA is indispensable.

Addressing the Challenge of Bullet Drop

One of the primary challenges in long-range shooting is compensating for bullet drop – the natural downward trajectory of a projectile over distance due to gravity. While a scope’s internal elevation adjustments can account for some of this, they have a finite range. A 20 MOA (Minutes of Angle) canted base, like this Leupold model, provides an additional 20 MOA of built-in elevation. This pre-tilts your scope downwards relative to the bore axis, effectively giving your scope’s internal turrets more "up" adjustment for those extreme distances.

Imagine your scope's elevation turret as a ruler. A standard 0 MOA base starts your ruler at zero. A 20 MOA base essentially starts your ruler 20 marks below zero, allowing you to use more of the upper end of your scope’s internal adjustment range for dialing in long-range shots. This is particularly beneficial when shooting beyond 500-600 yards, where standard internal adjustments might "run out" before you can reach your target. This strategic advantage helps shooters achieve shots that would otherwise be out of reach with a flat base, making the Leupold 180954 a must-have for serious long-range endeavors.

The Role of Durability and Lightness

In the world of precision shooting and hunting, every ounce counts, but never at the expense of strength. Leupold engineers understood this perfectly when designing the BackCountry series. The 180954 base is meticulously machined from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. This specific aluminum alloy is renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, making it significantly lighter than steel alternatives while maintaining superior rigidity and resistance to flex.

• Strength: 7075-T6 aluminum is an alloy containing zinc as the primary alloying element. It possesses properties comparable to many steels, offering high tensile strength and yield strength, crucial for enduring the repeated recoil of high-power cartridges without deforming.
• Lightweight: Weighing in at a mere 1.80 ounces, this base contributes minimally to the overall weight of your rifle system. This is a significant advantage for hunters traversing rugged terrain or competitive shooters seeking to optimize their setup for balance and maneuverability.
• Corrosion Resistance: The matte black anodized finish not only provides a sleek, non-reflective appearance but also adds a layer of protection against environmental elements, ensuring the base stands up to harsh weather conditions whether you're in the field or at the range.

The combination of lightweight design and rugged construction ensures that once your scope is zeroed, it stays zeroed, providing unwavering confidence in every shot.

Tailored Compatibility: Savage 10/110 Round Receiver Short Action

Compatibility is key in firearm accessories, and the Leupold BackCountry 180954 base is purpose-built to integrate seamlessly with specific Savage rifle platforms. This base is designed for Savage 10 and Savage 110 Short Action rifles featuring a round receiver. This precise fit ensures optimal alignment and stability for your optics.

The base comes equipped with 8-40 screws for mounting, which are stronger and offer more threads per inch than standard 6-48 or 8-40 screws, providing a more secure attachment to the receiver. This enhanced fastening system further contributes to the overall stability and reliability of your optic setup, minimizing any potential for movement under recoil.

Versatile Optic Mounting with Cross-Slot Design

The "Cross-Slot" design of the Leupold BackCountry 180954 base is a significant advantage. This design makes the base universally compatible with both Picatinny and Weaver-style rings. This versatility means you’re not limited in your choice of scope rings, allowing you to select rings that best suit your scope and shooting style, whether you prefer quick-detach options or ultra-secure bolt-on rings.

The true Picatinny specification ensures proper spacing and dimensions for repeatable mounting of rings and accessories, a hallmark of precision and reliability. This also allows for greater flexibility in scope placement to achieve optimal eye relief, a critical factor for comfortable and accurate shooting.

Leupold's Legacy of Excellence

When you choose a Leupold product, you’re investing in over a century of American-made precision and optical innovation. Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has been a leader in the optics industry since 1907, known for its unwavering commitment to quality, ruggedness, and clarity. Their products are subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they perform flawlessly in the most demanding conditions.

The BackCountry series embodies this legacy, offering solutions that professional guides, competitive shooters, and tactical operators trust implicitly. Choosing a Leupold base means choosing a component crafted with the same dedication to performance that defines their world-renowned riflescopes and binoculars. This commitment to excellence ensures that the 180954 base will not be the weakest link in your precision rifle system.

Who Benefits Most from the Leupold BackCountry 20 MOA Base?

This particular scope base is an ideal upgrade for a variety of shooters:

• Long-Range Enthusiasts: If your passion lies in hitting targets at 600, 800, or even 1000+ yards, the built-in 20 MOA cant is virtually a necessity for maximizing your scope's elevation adjustment range.
• Competitive Shooters: In disciplines like PRS (Precision Rifle Series) or NRL (National Rifle League), every advantage counts. The precision, durability, and elevation benefit offered by this base can be the difference between hitting steel and missing.
• Hunters: For hunters whose pursuits might involve long-range shots on game in open country, having reliable and robust optics mounting is non-negotiable. The lightweight nature of the aluminum also makes it easier to carry in the field.
• Savage 10/110 Owners: If you own a Savage 10 or 110 Short Action rifle with a round receiver and are looking to upgrade its long-range capabilities, this base offers a direct and superior solution.
• Tactical Applications: For law enforcement or military personnel who rely on their rifles in critical situations, the robust and dependable mounting solution provided by the BackCountry base ensures consistent performance.

Enhancing Your Shooting Experience: Common Questions Answered

Many shooters have questions about optimizing their setup for long-range performance. Here’s how the Leupold BackCountry 20 MOA base addresses some common inquiries:

Q: How does a 20 MOA base actually help with long-range shooting?
A: A 20 MOA base physically tilts your scope slightly forward (down towards the muzzle). This uses up 20 MOA of your scope's "down" adjustment range, but in return, it frees up an equivalent amount of "up" adjustment. Since bullet drop requires "up" adjustment on your scope’s turret, having that extra upward travel is crucial for dialing in shots at extreme distances without running out of internal elevation adjustment in your scope.

Q: Is this base compatible with my Savage 110 Short Action?
A: Yes, specifically designed for Savage 10 and Savage 110 Short Action rifles with a round receiver. It’s essential to confirm your Savage rifle has a round receiver, as some older models might have flat-top receivers. The included 8-40 screws ensure a secure fit for these specific Savage models.

Q: What type of scope rings should I use with this base?
A: Thanks to its universal cross-slot design, the Leupold BackCountry base accepts both Picatinny and Weaver-style rings. This gives you immense flexibility. For precision long-range shooting, consider robust, high-quality rings that match the diameter of your scope tube and provide ample clearance for your objective lens. Leupold offers an extensive line of compatible rings, often recommended for their quality and perfect fit with Leupold bases.

Q: Why is the material (7075-T6 Aluminum) important for a scope base?
A: The choice of 7075-T6 aluminum is critical for two main reasons: strength and weight. It provides exceptional rigidity to withstand recoil and prevent flexing, which can lead to shifts in point of impact. At the same time, it’s remarkably lightweight (1.80 oz), minimizing added bulk to your rifle system, which is beneficial for portability and overall balance.

Q: Can I install this base myself?
A: Yes, the Leupold BackCountry base is designed for straightforward installation. It comes with all necessary mounting hardware (8-40 screws). While professional gunsmithing is always an option, many experienced shooters can install this base using appropriate torque specifications for the screws to ensure a secure and stable mounting platform. Always refer to your rifle’s and the base's instructions for proper torque values.

Maintaining Your Precision Mount

While the Leupold BackCountry base is incredibly durable, a few simple maintenance steps can ensure its longevity and continued performance:

• Regular Cleaning: After use, especially in dusty or wet conditions, wipe down the base with a clean, dry cloth. A soft brush can remove debris from the slots.
• Check Torque: Periodically check the torque of the mounting screws that attach the base to your receiver. Recoil can sometimes loosen screws over time. Refer to the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Use only mild cleaning solutions if necessary, and ensure they are compatible with anodized aluminum finishes.

Secure Your Precision Setup at DEGuns

The Leupold BackCountry 20 MOA Cross-Slot Base for Savage 10/110 Short Action rifles (Leupold part number 180954, UPC 030317029111) is an essential investment for anyone serious about elevating their long-range shooting capabilities. This precision-engineered base provides the rock-solid foundation your optics demand, ensuring maximum elevation adjustment for distant targets, unparalleled durability through its 7075-T6 aluminum construction, and versatile compatibility with various scope rings. When seeking the highest quality firearm accessories and mounting solutions, DEGuns offers an extensive selection, including this critical Leupold component, designed to meet the rigorous demands of today’s precision shooters and hunters.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Leupold
Model	BackCountry
Series	Cross-Slot Base
MOA	20
Action	Short
Firearm Fit	Savage 110 Round Receiver
Mount Type	To Receiver
Material	7075 T-6 Aluminum
Color	Matte Black
Style	Cross-Slot
Pieces	1
Weight	1.80 oz
Includes	Mounting Hardware (8-40 screws)
Rings Included	No
Firearm Type	Rifle
MPN	180954
SKU	131975
UPC	030317029111