Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Weatherby Mark V LT 20 MOA Rifle Base Review

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Weatherby Mark V LT 20 MOA Rifle Base Made a Bold First Impression

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Weatherby Mark V LT 20 MOA Rifle Base promises a lightweight, yet rugged mounting solution for Weatherby Mark V rifles. I was excited to see if it lived up to Leupold’s reputation for quality and precision, especially at its accessible price point.

My aging Weatherby Mark V needed a reliable platform to mount a new long-range optic. The factory bases were showing their age, and I needed a 20 MOA cant to maximize the scope’s elevation adjustment for extended distances. I considered other options like Talley Lightweight Alloy scope mounts, and the more expensive Nightforce rails. Ultimately, the Leupold base seemed like a good compromise between price and performance for my hunting rig.

The base came in a simple, blister-pack, which was surprisingly spartan. Upon opening, the rail felt reassuringly solid, the 7075-T6 aluminum promising strength without adding unnecessary weight. The black anodized finish was smooth and even, indicating good manufacturing tolerances.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic; it felt well-made and the 20 MOA cant was visually apparent. However, that optimism was quickly tempered upon closer inspection of the packaging. The package clearly stated “SA” (Short Action). My Weatherby Mark V is a long action.

Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Weatherby Mark V LT 20 MOA Rifle Base to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial “test” was a frustrating exercise in futility. It quickly became apparent that the “SA” designation on the package was accurate and it would not fit my long-action Weatherby Mark V. The screw spacing was completely off, making installation impossible. Instead of hitting the range, I was hitting my head against the wall.

I attempted to contact Leupold directly to clarify if I had simply received the wrong product, or if their description was misleading. Unfortunately, my email inquiry went unanswered, which left me feeling ignored and frustrated. This lack of customer support significantly detracted from my experience.

Extended Use & Reliability

Due to the mislabeling issue, I never actually got to use the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Weatherby Mark V LT 20 MOA Rifle Base. I am unable to test its durability, or comment on its performance under field conditions.

I eventually found a long-action base from another manufacturer, but the ordeal left a sour taste in my mouth. While the quality of the rail seemed good, the lack of clear product information, coupled with unresponsive customer service, made for a terrible experience.

Breaking Down the Features of Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Weatherby Mark V LT 20 MOA Rifle Base

Specifications

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Weatherby Mark V LT 20 MOA Rifle Base is designed as a one-piece Picatinny rail for mounting optics. It’s constructed from strong, lightweight 7075-T6 aluminum, offering a balance of durability and weight savings. The rail provides a 20 MOA cant, which is essential for long-range shooting, allowing for greater elevation adjustment in the scope.

The cross-slot design allows for versatile ring placement, maximizing eye relief options for various scopes and shooting positions. The intention is compatibility with Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Rings and Mark 4 Aluminum rings, creating a complete mounting system. The critical specification that’s missing online is the action length compatibility, which, in my case, was misidentified on the packaging as “SA” for short action.

Performance & Functionality

The advertised function of the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Weatherby Mark V LT 20 MOA Rifle Base is to provide a stable and accurate platform for mounting optics on a Weatherby Mark V rifle. Assuming the correct action length is ordered, the 20 MOA cant should enhance long-range shooting capabilities. The cross-slot design enables precise scope placement for optimal eye relief.

The biggest weakness, based on my experience, is the lack of clear and accurate product information. This led to ordering the wrong part and a frustrating installation attempt. The lack of response from Leupold customer service further compounded the issue.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the rail itself appears well-executed, with clean lines and a smooth anodized finish. The lightweight aluminum construction shouldn’t add significant weight to the rifle. Assuming correct fit, the low-profile design should integrate seamlessly with the Weatherby Mark V action.

However, the ergonomics are irrelevant if the base doesn’t fit the rifle. Clear labeling and accurate product descriptions are crucial to ensure proper fit and function.

Durability & Maintenance

The 7075-T6 aluminum construction suggests excellent durability, capable of withstanding recoil and harsh environmental conditions. The anodized finish should provide corrosion resistance, ensuring a long service life. Maintenance should be minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris.

However, without actually being able to install and use the product, I can only speculate based on the material specifications.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Weatherby Mark V LT 20 MOA Rifle Base is designed to be compatible with any Picatinny-style rings. Leupold recommends their BackCountry Cross-Slot Rings and Mark 4 Aluminum rings for optimal performance. The rail allows for mounting a wide variety of optics, including scopes, red dot sights, and other accessories.

The ability to use standard Picatinny rings is a major advantage, providing a wide range of customization options. However, this is contingent on the base fitting the rifle correctly in the first place.

Pros and Cons of Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Weatherby Mark V LT 20 MOA Rifle Base