Leupold 176397 BackCountry Base For Rifle Browning X-Bolt Picatinny Rail Mount For Long Action 20 MOA Matte Black Aluminum Review

The Leupold 176397 BackCountry Base For Rifle Browning X-Bolt Picatinny Rail Mount For Long Action 20 MOA Matte Black Aluminum Made a Bold First Impression

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless rifle accessories come and go. But the promise of a lightweight yet rugged Picatinny rail mount for my trusty Browning X-Bolt, especially one boasting a 20 MOA cant, immediately piqued my interest. The Leupold 176397 BackCountry Base For Rifle Browning X-Bolt Picatinny Rail Mount For Long Action 20 MOA Matte Black Aluminum aims to deliver a stable platform for long-range optics, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the Leupold name.

My journey to this product began with a frustrating series of near misses during a recent elk hunt. While my rifle was accurate, I was running out of vertical adjustment on my scope at longer ranges. A 20 MOA base seemed like the ideal solution to extend my reach without compromising image quality by maxing out the scope’s internal adjustments. I was looking for a reliable, lightweight solution that wouldn’t add unnecessary bulk to my rifle.

Unboxing the Leupold BackCountry Base revealed a sleek, matte black aluminum rail. It felt surprisingly light, yet reassuringly solid in my hand. The machining appeared clean and precise, a detail I always appreciate in quality firearm accessories.

I considered a few other options, including steel bases from other manufacturers. However, I ultimately chose the Leupold base for its reputation for quality and its lightweight aluminum construction. The 20 MOA cant was also a deciding factor. My initial excitement was tempered slightly by the single negative user review claiming fitment issues, but I remained optimistic.

My first impression was largely positive; the Leupold 176397 BackCountry Base appeared well-made and ready to enhance my long-range shooting capabilities. Only real-world testing would reveal its true worth.

Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold 176397 BackCountry Base For Rifle Browning X-Bolt Picatinny Rail Mount For Long Action 20 MOA Matte Black Aluminum to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, a familiar environment where I could focus on the base’s performance. I mounted the Leupold 176397 BackCountry Base on my Browning X-Bolt long action rifle and installed my go-to long-range scope, a Vortex Viper PST Gen II. To my dismay, just like the earlier review, I encountered a significant fitment problem. The base was noticeably too long, overhanging the receiver at both the front and rear.

The base’s poor fit prevented a secure and proper mount. I tried different mounting techniques, ensuring the screws were correctly torqued, but the overhang remained. This clearly impacted the stability and alignment, rendering the 20 MOA cant effectively useless. I experienced considerable frustration after this, the base did not perform in any weather conditions.

Ease of use was obviously not a strong suit of the Leupold 176397 BackCountry Base due to the initial fitment issues. The instruction manual included was standard to the industry. There were major issues regarding the fit of the piece and the overall design.

Extended Use & Reliability

Because of the initial fitment issues, extended use of the Leupold 176397 BackCountry Base was not possible. The base’s primary function, providing a stable and accurate platform for my scope, was severely compromised.

Durability couldn’t be assessed accurately due to the initial fitment failure. The material itself seemed robust, but the flawed design negated any potential longevity. Maintenance was irrelevant, as the base never functioned correctly in the first place.

Compared to previous experiences with other Leupold products, this base was a significant disappointment. I’ve always trusted Leupold’s quality, but this experience has shaken my confidence.

Breaking Down the Features of Leupold 176397 BackCountry Base For Rifle Browning X-Bolt Picatinny Rail Mount For Long Action 20 MOA Matte Black Aluminum

Specifications

The Leupold 176397 BackCountry Base For Rifle Browning X-Bolt Picatinny Rail Mount For Long Action 20 MOA Matte Black Aluminum is designed for Browning X-Bolt long action rifles. The mount is constructed from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, chosen for its lightweight and durable properties. It features a Picatinny rail design, compatible with both Picatinny and Weaver-style rings.

The integrated 20 MOA cant is intended to provide additional elevation adjustment for long-range shooting. The base has a matte black finish to reduce glare and blend seamlessly with most rifle setups. The price point is relatively budget-friendly at $32.99.

These specifications are intended to provide a lightweight, durable, and functional mounting solution for long-range optics on the Browning X-Bolt. The 20 MOA cant is crucial for shooters needing extra elevation, while the aluminum construction ensures minimal weight addition. However, the incorrect fitment completely negates the advantages of these specifications.

Performance & Functionality

In theory, the Leupold 176397 BackCountry Base should offer a stable and accurate platform for mounting optics. The 20 MOA cant should improve long-range accuracy by allowing the scope to operate closer to its optical center. However, in practice, the fitment issues render these benefits unattainable.

The primary weakness is the incorrect dimensions for the specified rifle. This flaw overshadows any potential strengths, making the base unusable. The base failed to meet even basic expectations, let alone exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Leupold 176397 BackCountry Base is aesthetically pleasing. The matte black finish is well-executed, and the lightweight aluminum feels good in hand.

However, the fundamental design flaw, the incorrect length for the Browning X-Bolt long action, ruins the ergonomics. The overhang is not only unsightly but also interferes with the rifle’s balance and handling. There is no real learning curve, aside from figuring out that it does not properly fit.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on the material alone, the Leupold 176397 BackCountry Base should be reasonably durable. The 7075-T6 aluminum is known for its strength-to-weight ratio. However, because of the fitment issues, it’s impossible to accurately assess its long-term durability. Maintenance is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a clean cloth would suffice, assuming it were properly installed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Leupold 176397 BackCountry Base itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Its primary function is to provide a Picatinny rail for mounting scopes and other optics. It is compatible with any standard Picatinny or Weaver-style rings.

Due to the fitment issues, customization options are irrelevant. There’s no point in adding high-end rings and a premium scope to a base that doesn’t fit the rifle correctly.

Pros and Cons of Leupold 176397 BackCountry Base For Rifle Browning X-Bolt Picatinny Rail Mount For Long Action 20 MOA Matte Black Aluminum