The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base Made a Bold First Impression
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base is a critical component for any serious shooter looking to maximize the potential of their rifle. This one-piece Picatinny rail from Leupold promises enhanced eye relief, a lightweight yet strong build, and compatibility with top-tier ring systems. My initial assessment was focused on whether this base could truly deliver on these promises while holding up to the demanding conditions I often encounter in the field.
I was in the market for a new scope mounting solution for my custom Remington 700 long action rifle, specifically one that would provide more flexibility in scope placement. My goal was to achieve optimal eye relief with a larger objective lens scope I planned to use for long-range shooting. The factory mounting options were limiting, and I needed something more robust and versatile.
Upon unboxing, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base immediately impressed me with its clean lines and the seemingly high-quality finish of the 7075-T6 aluminum. The base felt remarkably lightweight, yet sturdy. The machining was precise, and the cross-slots were clean and evenly spaced, suggesting careful attention to detail during manufacturing.
I considered options from other manufacturers like Warne and Seekins Precision, both known for quality scope mounting solutions. However, the Leupold base won out due to its combination of a reasonable price point and the reputation of Leupold optics and accessories. I figured sticking with a Leupold base ensured optimal compatibility with my Leupold rings.
My first impression was positive and I was excited to install the base and test its performance. The lightweight design and promise of increased mounting flexibility were particularly appealing. If it performed as advertised, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base would be a significant upgrade to my rifle.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base at my local shooting range, focusing on zeroing my rifle with the new scope. The range offered a controlled environment to evaluate the base’s ability to maintain zero across multiple shots. Weather conditions were mild with a slight breeze, typical for spring in my area.
The installation process was straightforward, and the scope was easy to mount and adjust. I did not encounter any slippage or movement during the initial sighting-in process. I found the added elevation allowed for more flexibility with the scope, as advertised.
After the first day at the range, I had no major issues with the base. I did notice that the torque specifications were critical to avoid over-tightening the screws. However, once properly torqued, the base felt secure and solid.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base has held up remarkably well. I’ve taken my rifle on several hunting trips in varying conditions, including rain and high heat. The base has maintained zero consistently, even after being exposed to the elements.
I have noticed a few minor scratches on the finish from general wear and tear. However, these are purely cosmetic and have not impacted the base’s performance. Regular cleaning with a soft brush and a mild solvent has kept the base in good condition.
Compared to previous mounting solutions I’ve used, the Leupold base has exceeded my expectations. It offers a superior level of stability and flexibility, making it an excellent addition to my rifle setup. I feel more confident in my shots knowing my scope is securely mounted.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base
Specifications
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base is designed specifically for Remington 700 long action rifles. It is constructed from strong, lightweight 7075-T6 aluminum, ensuring durability without adding unnecessary weight to the firearm.
The base is a one-piece Picatinny rail, providing ample space for mounting a variety of optics and accessories. This allows for maximum eye relief adjustment and versatile ring placement. The base is compatible with Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Rings and Leupold Mark 4 Aluminum rings, providing a complete and rugged mounting solution.
Performance & Functionality
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base excels in providing a stable and secure platform for mounting optics. Its rigid construction ensures that the scope maintains zero, even under heavy recoil. The base offers enough elevation adjustment to allow for long range shooting.
The primary strength is its ability to provide a stable, reliable platform for mounting scopes. The only area for potential improvement would be offering additional MOA options for those seeking even more elevation adjustment. Overall, the base meets and exceeds my expectations for a quality scope mounting solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base is designed with both form and function in mind. The matte black finish is aesthetically pleasing and helps reduce glare. The lightweight aluminum construction keeps the overall weight of the rifle down.
The base is incredibly user-friendly. Installation is simple and straightforward, requiring only basic tools. The versatility of the Picatinny rail allows for easy adjustments to scope placement, making it easy to find the optimal eye relief.
Durability & Maintenance
The 7075-T6 aluminum construction ensures the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base is built to last. The finish is resistant to corrosion and wear, providing years of reliable service. With proper care, this base should last the lifetime of the rifle.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning with a soft brush and mild solvent is all that’s needed to keep the base in top condition. There are no small parts to worry about losing, making it a hassle-free accessory.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base is designed to be used with a wide range of accessories, primarily scopes and scope rings. While no accessories come standard with the base itself, it’s built for seamless integration with Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Rings and Leupold Mark 4 Aluminum rings.
The base is also compatible with Picatinny-compatible accessories from other brands. This gives shooters a wide range of options for customizing their rifle setup. The standardization of Picatinny rails ensures that the Leupold base will work with most modern optics and accessories.
Pros and Cons of Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base
Pros
- Lightweight and durable 7075-T6 aluminum construction.
- Provides ample scope mounting flexibility for optimal eye relief.
- Easy installation with minimal tools required.
- Maintains zero consistently, ensuring accurate shots.
- Compatible with a wide range of Picatinny-compatible accessories.
Cons
- Finish can be prone to minor scratches with heavy use.
- Limited MOA options might not suit all long-range shooting needs.
Who Should Buy Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base?
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base is perfect for hunters and long-range shooters looking for a reliable and versatile scope mounting solution. Anyone seeking a lightweight yet durable base that offers ample scope placement options will find this product ideal. This is an excellent upgrade for any Remington 700 long action rifle owner looking to improve their shooting accuracy and performance.
Those who should skip this product are individuals who do not require the added flexibility of a Picatinny rail system or are using a different rifle platform. Shooters seeking extreme long-range capabilities might also need a base with more built-in MOA adjustment. If you’re content with your current mounting setup, this might not be a necessary upgrade.
Must-have accessories include high-quality scope rings (ideally Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Rings or Mark 4 Aluminum rings), a torque wrench for proper installation, and a reliable scope. A gunsmith-level screwdriver set would also be highly recommended for ensuring the screws are snug and secure.
Conclusion on Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base
In summary, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base is a well-designed and robust scope mounting solution for Remington 700 long action rifles. It provides a solid foundation for optics while offering the flexibility needed for optimal eye relief and scope placement. The lightweight construction and durable materials make it a reliable choice for serious shooters.
At a price of $32.99, the value proposition is excellent. This base offers significant performance benefits over factory mounting options without breaking the bank. The price is justified by the improved accuracy and stability it provides, making it a worthwhile investment for any serious shooter.
I would absolutely recommend the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base to anyone looking to upgrade their Remington 700 long action rifle. It’s a small investment that can yield significant improvements in shooting performance. Upgrade your rifle today and experience the difference a quality scope base can make!