First Thoughts on the LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A
The LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A, from Leupold, is a one-piece Picatinny rail designed specifically for the Remington 783 long action rifle. This unassuming piece of kit promises to provide a lightweight yet strong and versatile platform for mounting optics. My initial interest was piqued by the promise of maximum eye relief afforded by its cross-slot design.
I had been experiencing consistent issues with getting the proper eye relief on my Remington 783. Traditional two-piece mounts were limiting my scope placement and causing some neck strain during longer range sessions. The promise of a one-piece rail that offered more flexibility was exactly what I was looking for.
Unboxing the LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A revealed a clean, matte black finish and a surprisingly lightweight feel. The 7075-T6 Aluminum felt solid and well-machined, giving me confidence in its durability. Build quality appeared excellent with no visible blemishes or imperfections.
I considered other options like the Warne Mountain Tech rail and the EGW Picatinny rail, but the Leupold option seemed to offer a better balance of weight, strength, and ring placement versatility. I also appreciated the designed compatibility with Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Rings and Mark 4 Aluminum rings. This offered a streamlined mounting solution.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. It seemed like a well-made, thoughtfully designed piece of equipment, but I reserved full judgment until I could get it mounted and tested in the field. The lightweight design was a pleasant surprise, though.
Real-World Testing: Putting LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A at my local shooting range. The goal was to zero my rifle with a new scope in preparation for an upcoming deer hunting trip. Mounting the rail was straightforward using the existing Remington 783 receiver screw holes.
The weather was fairly typical for early fall: cool and slightly damp. The rail provided a stable platform even with a heavier scope mounted. I was able to quickly and easily achieve proper eye relief by adjusting the scope position along the rail.
The initial zeroing process went smoothly, and the rail held zero throughout the first session. I noticed no shifting or movement despite firing several groups of five shots. After the first range session, I was quite pleased with the LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A’s performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including the aforementioned deer hunting trip, the LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A continues to perform admirably. The hunting trip involved carrying the rifle through dense brush and uneven terrain. The rail remained securely mounted throughout the entire trip.
There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the rail itself. The matte black finish has proven to be fairly scratch-resistant. Cleaning the rail is simple. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth is all that’s needed to remove any dirt or debris.
Compared to my previous mounting setups, the LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A has significantly improved my shooting experience. The ability to easily adjust scope position for optimal eye relief has made a world of difference in my comfort and accuracy. It noticeably outperforms two-piece mounting solutions in terms of versatility and stability.
Breaking Down the Features of LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A
Specifications
- The LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A is crafted from strong, lightweight 7075-T6 Aluminum. This provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring durability without adding unnecessary bulk.
- It is a one-piece Picatinny rail design. This offers a rigid and stable platform for mounting optics.
- Designed specifically for the Remington 783 long action. This ensures a precise and secure fit.
- It features a cross-slot design. This allows for maximum eye relief adjustment and versatile ring placement.
- Compatibility with Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Rings and Mark 4 Aluminum rings. This provides a complete, lightweight, and rugged mounting solution.
These specifications are important because they contribute to the overall performance and user experience. The aluminum construction ensures durability. The cross-slot design optimizes eye relief and the one-piece construction maximizes stability.
Performance & Functionality
The LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a rock-solid mounting platform for optics. It also allows for a wide range of scope placement options to achieve proper eye relief.
The primary strength is its adjustability and stability. The weakness is that it is only compatible with the Remington 783 long action rifle. It definitely meets and exceeds my expectations in terms of performance and ease of use.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The 7075-T6 Aluminum feels robust and well-machined. The rail is lightweight and adds minimal weight to the rifle.
The design is very user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve involved in mounting the rail. The cross-slot design makes scope adjustments quick and easy.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the 7075-T6 Aluminum construction, the LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A should last for many years. It can endure rugged use. The finish appears durable and scratch-resistant.
Maintenance is incredibly simple. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth is all that’s required to keep the rail in good condition. No special tools or solvents are needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A doesn’t come with any accessories. It is designed to be used with standard Picatinny rings. It is specifically designed to work seamlessly with Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Rings and Mark 4 Aluminum rings.
The rail is compatible with a wide range of Picatinny-compatible scopes and rings from various brands. This provides ample customization options for users to tailor their setup to their specific needs and preferences. The design offers the user maximum mounting options using cross-slot design.
Pros and Cons of LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A
Pros
- Lightweight and strong 7075-T6 Aluminum construction.
- One-piece design provides superior stability.
- Cross-slot design allows for maximum eye relief adjustment.
- Easy to install with minimal effort.
- Compatible with a wide range of Picatinny rings.
Cons
- Only compatible with Remington 783 long action rifles.
- Limited customization options beyond scope and ring selection.
Who Should Buy LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A?
The LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A is perfect for hunters and target shooters who own a Remington 783 long action rifle. It’s also good for people who are seeking a lightweight and versatile mounting solution. It’s suitable for anyone looking to optimize their scope placement for proper eye relief.
Those who should skip this product include individuals who own rifles other than the Remington 783 long action. It’s also not the best choice for those needing advanced customization options beyond standard scope and ring choices.
A must-have accessory would be a quality set of Picatinny rings, preferably the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Rings or Mark 4 Aluminum rings. A torque wrench is also recommended for proper installation and secure mounting.
Conclusion on LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A
The LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A is a well-designed and well-executed product. It offers a significant improvement over traditional two-piece mounting solutions for the Remington 783 long action rifle. Its lightweight construction, sturdy design, and adjustable cross-slot system make it a valuable addition to any shooter’s setup.
At $32.99, the price is certainly justified. It provides a substantial improvement in performance and versatility compared to cheaper alternatives. It is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their shooting experience with a Remington 783 long action rifle.
I would absolutely recommend the LEU BACKCOUNTRY CROSS- SLOT REM 783 L/A to any Remington 783 owner seeking a reliable and versatile scope mounting solution. Upgrade your Remington 783 today and experience the difference!