The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte Made a Bold First Impression
Choosing the right mounting solution for your rifle is critical, and when it comes to precision shooting, every detail matters. I’ve spent over a decade immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, and I’ve seen firsthand how a seemingly small component like a scope base can dramatically impact accuracy and reliability. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte base immediately stood out for its promise of ruggedness and precision, specifically tailored for the Kimber 84 action.
My search for this particular base stemmed from a frustrating experience at a long-range shooting competition. I needed to be able to dial in shots accurately at distance. I was consistently running out of elevation adjustment on my scope. I needed a 20 MOA base to solve this problem. The Leupold name carries a certain weight in the optics world, and I was eager to see if this base lived up to their reputation.
Upon receiving the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte base, my initial impression was positive. The sleek, black matte finish and the clean lines of the cross-slot design exuded quality. Holding it in my hand, I could immediately tell it was machined from a substantial piece of aluminum.
Compared to some of the cheaper, two-piece bases I’ve used in the past, this Leupold one-piece design instilled immediate confidence. A two-piece design can potentially introduce misalignment. This can negatively affect accuracy and cause issues down the road. I also considered options from Talley and Nightforce, but ultimately chose the Leupold for its balance of price, reputation, and specific compatibility with the Kimber 84 action. I was hoping that the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte would be a significant upgrade, and my initial impression suggested it would be.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte was during a rifle zeroing session at my local shooting range. The weather was typical for early spring. It was damp with a slight breeze. I installed the base on my Kimber 84M in .308 Winchester. The installation was straightforward, and the base fit perfectly to the receiver. I then mounted my Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14×40 scope.
The 20 MOA elevation allowed me to achieve a precise 100-yard zero. I then had plenty of room to dial for longer shots. Even in slightly challenging conditions, the rifle maintained its zero. There were no shifts in point of impact. The solid mounting platform provided by the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte instilled confidence.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including multiple range sessions and a week-long hunting trip in the backcountry, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte has proven to be exceptionally reliable. There are no signs of wear or loosening. The black matte finish remains in excellent condition.
Maintaining the base is simple. A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each use is all that’s needed. Compared to some of the more intricate mounting systems I’ve used, the Leupold base is refreshingly straightforward. It simply gets the job done without any fuss. It has vastly outperformed my previous experiences with lower-quality bases that would often require constant tightening and adjustments. This base has been rock solid.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte
Specifications
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte is specifically designed for the Kimber 84 series of rifles. It is a one-piece base machined from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. The base provides a 20 MOA (Minute of Angle) elevation. This is crucial for long-range shooting, allowing shooters to utilize more of their scope’s vertical adjustment. The black matte finish offers a non-reflective surface, which is beneficial in hunting situations.
The choice of 7075-T6 aluminum is significant. This material provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. This ensures the base is both lightweight and incredibly durable. The 20 MOA elevation is vital for shooters planning to engage targets at extended ranges. This feature prevents the need to max out the scope’s internal adjustment, which can degrade image quality and introduce parallax error.
Performance & Functionality
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte performs its job admirably. It provides a rock-solid mounting platform for optics. It enables reliable and repeatable adjustments at long ranges. Its inherent strength and precision eliminate concerns about shifts in zero due to recoil or environmental factors.
While there is little room for improvement in terms of its primary function, some shooters might prefer a slightly wider base for added stability, although this could potentially increase weight. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte meets and exceeds expectations. It provides a dependable and accurate mounting solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is outstanding, thanks to the use of high-quality 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. The base is surprisingly lightweight. It doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the rifle. The black matte finish provides a sleek and professional look. It also minimizes glare.
The installation process is very user-friendly. It requires only basic tools and a few minutes of time. No special skills or gunsmithing knowledge are required.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction from 7075-T6 aluminum, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte is built to last. The finish is resistant to scratches and corrosion. This ensures longevity, even under harsh conditions.
Maintenance is minimal. Routine cleaning with a soft cloth is all that’s required to keep it in top condition. The design is simple and robust. This minimizes the risk of any parts breaking or requiring repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte is designed to be compatible with both Picatinny and Weaver-style rings. This provides shooters with a wide range of options when choosing their preferred mounting rings. While the base itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, the cross-slot design allows for flexible scope placement. This is crucial for achieving optimal eye relief. Be sure to use high-quality rings when mounting your scope to ensure a secure and reliable connection.
Pros and Cons of Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: Machined from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum for lightweight and rugged performance.
- Precise 20 MOA Elevation: Allows for greater elevation adjustment at long ranges, maximizing scope performance.
- Versatile Compatibility: Fits both Picatinny and Weaver-style rings, providing flexibility in optic selection.
- Easy Installation: Straightforward installation process requiring minimal tools and expertise.
- Sleek Design: The black matte finish reduces glare and provides a professional, non-reflective appearance.
Cons
- Price may be slightly higher than some budget alternatives.
- Limited customization options beyond ring selection and scope placement.
Who Should Buy Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte?
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte is perfect for long-range shooters, hunters, and precision rifle enthusiasts who demand reliability and accuracy from their equipment. It is also ideal for anyone who owns a Kimber 84 rifle and wants to maximize the performance of their scope at extended distances.
This product may not be necessary for casual shooters who primarily engage targets at shorter ranges. They may not require the added elevation of the 20 MOA base.
A must-have accessory for this base is a high-quality set of scope rings. These rings should be appropriate for the intended use (e.g., tactical rings for ruggedness, lightweight rings for hunting). Torque wrench should also be used to ensure proper installation and prevent damage to the base and scope.
Conclusion on Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte is a well-engineered and highly functional scope base that delivers on its promises. The price is justified by its exceptional durability, precise elevation, and versatile compatibility.
I would personally recommend this base to anyone looking for a reliable and accurate mounting solution for their Kimber 84 rifle. It is an investment that will pay dividends in improved shooting performance and long-term durability. If you’re serious about precision shooting and want a scope base you can depend on, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Kimber 84 1-Piece 20 MOA Black Matte is an excellent choice. Don’t compromise on your mounting solution – choose Leupold and experience the difference.