First Thoughts on the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base promises a robust and lightweight mounting solution for Remington 700 long action rifles, essential for precision shooting. Leupold is a respected name, and this base aims to provide maximum eye relief with versatile ring placement. This one-piece rail, constructed from 7075-T6 Aluminum, is designed to work seamlessly with Leupold’s BackCountry Cross-Slot Rings or Mark 4 Aluminum rings, offering a complete and rugged mounting system.
My journey to acquiring this base began with a frustrating limitation: a lack of elevation adjustment on my current long-range setup. I was continually running out of scope travel at distances exceeding 600 yards. This base, with its 20 MOA cant, seemed like the perfect solution to unlock the full potential of my rifle.
Upon unboxing, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base immediately impressed me with its clean, matte black finish and the apparent quality of the aluminum. The weight was surprisingly light; a welcome change from the hefty steel bases I’ve used in the past. It certainly felt like a premium product.
Several similar bases are on the market, from brands like Seekins Precision and Nightforce. However, I chose the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base due to Leupold’s reputation for quality and the attractive price point. At just $32.99, it offered a compelling balance of performance and value. My initial excitement was high. This base seemed like the missing piece to truly dialing in my long-range game.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base at my local shooting range, under relatively mild weather conditions. The initial mounting process was straightforward, bolting directly onto my Remington 700 long action receiver. The fit was precise, with no noticeable play or movement.
The increased elevation afforded by the 20 MOA cant was immediately noticeable. I was able to zero my rifle at 100 yards with significantly more upward travel remaining in my scope. This gave me the confidence to stretch out to longer distances. At 600 yards, I was easily hitting steel targets, a feat that had been challenging before due to scope adjustment limitations.
There were no immediate issues during this first range session. Everything worked flawlessly. The base held firm, the rings remained secure, and my shots were consistent. I was genuinely impressed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base has proven its reliability. It has endured multiple range trips, a backcountry hunting trip in variable weather, and countless rounds fired. There are no signs of wear and tear beyond some minor cosmetic scratches.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a solvent-dampened cloth removes any fouling or residue. The matte black finish has held up well. It has resisted corrosion, even after exposure to rain and humidity during my hunting expedition. Compared to other bases I’ve used, this one is remarkably easy to maintain.
Compared to a heavier steel base I previously used, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base is a significant upgrade in terms of weight and performance. It provides the necessary elevation adjustment without adding unnecessary bulk to my rifle. This makes it a clear winner.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base
Specifications
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base is a one-piece Picatinny rail crafted from strong, lightweight 7075-T6 aluminum. It is designed specifically for Remington 700 long action rifles. The base features a cross-slot design for versatile ring placement.
This base incorporates a 20 MOA cant to provide additional elevation adjustment for long-range shooting. The finish is a non-reflective matte black. It is compatible with Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Rings and Mark 4 Aluminum rings. These specifications matter because they directly impact the rifle’s accuracy and overall usability at extended distances. The lightweight aluminum reduces unnecessary weight, while the 20 MOA cant provides a crucial advantage for reaching out to longer ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a stable and secure platform for mounting optics. The 20 MOA cant is a game-changer for long-range shooting.
Its strength lies in its lightweight construction and its ability to significantly improve the usable range of a rifle scope. A minor weakness might be that some users might find the 20 MOA cant unnecessary if they are primarily shooting at shorter distances (under 300 yards). It undeniably meets and exceeds expectations, especially considering its affordable price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The 7075-T6 aluminum feels robust. The matte black finish gives it a professional look.
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base is exceptionally user-friendly. Installation is straightforward. There’s essentially no learning curve, making it suitable for both experienced and novice shooters.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the high-quality aluminum construction and the simple design, this base should last for many years with proper care. Maintenance is minimal, involving only occasional cleaning. The finish is resistant to corrosion and scratches, further enhancing its longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
This base is designed to be used with Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Rings or Mark 4 Aluminum rings for optimal performance. It is also compatible with any Picatinny-style rings, offering plenty of flexibility. Because it’s a Picatinny rail, a wide variety of aftermarket accessories like bubble levels and angle cosine indicators will work flawlessly.
Pros and Cons of Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base
Pros
- Lightweight 7075-T6 aluminum construction reduces overall rifle weight.
- 20 MOA cant dramatically increases usable scope elevation for long-range shooting.
- Affordable price point offers excellent value.
- Easy to install with minimal tools required.
- Leupold’s reputation for quality ensures a reliable product.
Cons
- 20 MOA cant may be unnecessary for shooters primarily engaging targets at closer ranges (under 300 yards).
- Only available in matte black finish (color options would be a welcome addition).
Who Should Buy Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base?
This Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base is perfect for long-range target shooters, hunters who need to reach out to longer distances, and anyone looking to maximize the effective range of their Remington 700 long action rifle. It’s also an excellent choice for shooters on a budget who don’t want to compromise on quality.
Those who primarily shoot at close ranges (under 300 yards) might not need the added elevation provided by the 20 MOA cant. They might be better served by a standard 0 MOA base.
A must-have accessory would be a set of high-quality Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot rings, or Mark 4 Aluminum rings to ensure a secure and reliable mounting system. A scope with exposed turrets for easy elevation adjustments is also highly recommended.
Conclusion on Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base is a fantastic product that delivers on its promises. It provides a lightweight, durable, and affordable solution for maximizing the long-range potential of a Remington 700 long action rifle. The 20 MOA cant is a significant advantage for shooters who need extra elevation.
The price is justified by the quality of the materials, the performance of the base, and the reputation of Leupold. This is a solid investment that will pay off in improved accuracy and extended shooting range.
I would absolutely recommend the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Remington 700 Long Action Rifle Base to anyone looking to upgrade their long-range setup. Don’t let limited scope travel hold you back; grab this base and unlock the full potential of your rifle!