The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base 1-Piece with 20 MOA Cant Rem 783 SA Matte Black Made a Bold First Impression
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist for over a decade, I’ve seen countless scope mounting solutions come and go. But something about the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base 1-Piece with 20 MOA Cant Rem 783 SA Matte Black caught my eye, promising a blend of lightweight construction and rugged reliability. I was eager to see if this base could live up to the Leupold reputation for quality and precision.
My need stemmed from a recent build on a Remington 783 short action rifle, chambered in .308. I wanted to reach out further with this rifle than its factory setup would allow, and a 20 MOA base was essential to maximize my scope’s elevation adjustment. I needed a dependable, lightweight base that would not only withstand the recoil of the .308 but also provide a solid platform for long-range shooting.
Upon unboxing, the Leupold base immediately felt substantial yet surprisingly light. The matte black finish looked clean and professional, and the machining appeared precise. It had a definite air of quality that hinted at the durability Leupold is known for.
I considered other options, like the Weaver Extended Multi-Slot Base and the DNZ Game Reaper, but the Leupold stood out. The Weaver felt a bit too bulky, and the DNZ, while a solid one-piece design, lacked the proven track record of Leupold. Ultimately, I chose the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base 1-Piece with 20 MOA Cant Rem 783 SA Matte Black for its combination of lightweight design, 20 MOA cant, and the assurance of Leupold quality.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited about the potential of this base to improve my rifle’s long-range capabilities, but also skeptical of whether something so light could truly hold up under the pressures of field use. It was time to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base 1-Piece with 20 MOA Cant Rem 783 SA Matte Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I mounted the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base 1-Piece with 20 MOA Cant Rem 783 SA Matte Black on my Remington 783 using blue Loctite on the screws for added security. The installation process was straightforward, and the base fit perfectly onto the receiver without any noticeable gaps or play. I torqued the screws to Leupold’s specified values.
My first range session was held on a crisp fall day, with temperatures hovering around 45 degrees Fahrenheit and a slight breeze. I was primarily focused on zeroing my scope and testing the base’s ability to hold zero through repeated firing. After about 40 rounds of .308, I was impressed to find that my zero remained consistent.
The base performed admirably, showing no signs of shifting or loosening. The 20 MOA cant was immediately noticeable, allowing me to dial in a significantly higher elevation setting on my scope than I could have with a standard base. This was exactly what I needed to reach out to those longer distances. There were no immediate issues, just solid, reliable performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a deer hunt in moderately rugged terrain, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base 1-Piece with 20 MOA Cant Rem 783 SA Matte Black has proven its worth. I have fired approximately 200 rounds of .308 through the rifle since installing the base, and it has consistently held zero without issue.
There are no signs of wear and tear beyond some minor cosmetic scuffs from handling and transport. The matte black finish has held up well, resisting scratches and corrosion. The base is easy to clean with a soft cloth and a bit of gun oil, requiring minimal maintenance.
Compared to previous experiences with other scope bases, the Leupold BackCountry base stands out for its combination of lightweight design and rock-solid reliability. Cheaper, bulkier bases might offer similar performance, but they add unnecessary weight to the rifle. The Leupold base provides the best of both worlds.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base 1-Piece with 20 MOA Cant Rem 783 SA Matte Black
Specifications
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base 1-Piece with 20 MOA Cant Rem 783 SA Matte Black is designed specifically for the Remington 783 short action rifle. It’s crafted from strong, lightweight 7075-T6 aluminum, known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This aluminum grade is commonly used in aerospace applications.
The base features a Picatinny rail design, providing versatile ring placement for optimal eye relief. The integrated 20 MOA cant allows for increased elevation adjustment on the scope, extending the rifle’s effective range. It’s finished in a durable matte black coating that resists scratches and corrosion.
The lightweight construction of the 7075-T6 aluminum is critical, especially for hunters or shooters who carry their rifles over long distances. The Picatinny rail system ensures compatibility with a wide range of scope rings, providing flexibility in scope mounting. The 20 MOA cant is essential for long-range shooting, enabling the scope to be zeroed at greater distances without running out of adjustment.
Performance & Functionality
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base 1-Piece with 20 MOA Cant Rem 783 SA Matte Black performs its job flawlessly. It provides a stable, secure platform for mounting a scope and consistently holds zero, even under heavy recoil. The 20 MOA cant significantly enhances the rifle’s long-range capabilities.
Its strengths lie in its lightweight construction, robust design, and precise fit. However, the only potential weakness is that its specific design only fits the Remington 783 short action rifle, which makes it non-universal. It met and exceeded my expectations, delivering outstanding performance in both range and field conditions.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional, with precise machining and a clean matte black finish. The 7075-T6 aluminum feels both lightweight and incredibly strong. It has a comfortable weight in that you barely notice it.
It is user-friendly, with a simple and straightforward installation process. The Picatinny rail design offers ample space for adjusting scope placement to achieve optimal eye relief. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The 7075-T6 aluminum construction and durable matte black finish ensure that the base will last for years with proper care. It is easy to maintain, requiring only occasional cleaning with a soft cloth and gun oil to prevent corrosion. The rugged construction provides peace of mind.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base 1-Piece with 20 MOA Cant Rem 783 SA Matte Black does not come with any accessories, as it’s a base designed to interface with other components. It is compatible with any Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Rings or Mark 4 Aluminum rings, providing a complete lightweight and rugged mounting solution. The Picatinny rail design allows for the use of rings from other manufacturers as well, as long as they are compatible with Picatinny rails.
Pros and Cons of Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base 1-Piece with 20 MOA Cant Rem 783 SA Matte Black
Pros
- Lightweight 7075-T6 Aluminum Construction: Reduces overall rifle weight without sacrificing strength.
- 20 MOA Cant: Maximizes scope elevation adjustment for extended long-range capabilities.
- Precise Fit: Ensures a secure and stable platform for mounting scopes on the Remington 783 SA.
- Durable Matte Black Finish: Resists scratches and corrosion for long-lasting performance.
- Easy Installation: Simple and straightforward mounting process.
Cons
- Remington 783 Specific: Only compatible with Remington 783 short action rifles.
- No Included Rings: Rings must be purchased separately.
Who Should Buy Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base 1-Piece with 20 MOA Cant Rem 783 SA Matte Black?
This base is perfect for long-range shooters and hunters who own a Remington 783 short action rifle and want to maximize the effective range of their scope. It is also ideal for those seeking a lightweight and durable mounting solution that won’t add unnecessary weight to their rifle. It is also excellent for varmint hunters using the .223 Rem version of the 783.
Those who should skip this product are shooters using other rifle models or actions, as this base is specifically designed for the Remington 783 short action. Also, those looking for an inexpensive “universal” mounting solution may also want to consider other alternatives.
A must-have accessory would be a quality set of Picatinny-compatible scope rings, such as Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Rings or Mark 4 Aluminum rings, to complete the mounting system. It is also advisable to use a torque wrench to ensure proper screw tension during installation.
Conclusion on Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base 1-Piece with 20 MOA Cant Rem 783 SA Matte Black
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Base 1-Piece with 20 MOA Cant Rem 783 SA Matte Black is an excellent choice for Remington 783 owners looking to enhance their rifle’s long-range capabilities. It offers a winning combination of lightweight design, rugged durability, and precise fit, making it a standout performer in its class. At $33.99, the price is absolutely justified considering the quality and performance.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this base to anyone seeking a reliable and effective scope mounting solution for their Remington 783. Its exceptional performance, ease of installation, and the backing of the Leupold name make it a worthwhile investment. Upgrade your rifle today and experience the difference!