First Thoughts on the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Savage 110/Axis Round Receiver Long Action 20 MOA Rifle Base
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve mounted more scopes than I can count. When I first saw the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Savage 110/Axis Round Receiver Long Action 20 MOA Rifle Base, its promise of a lightweight and robust mounting solution immediately piqued my interest. Leupold has a reputation for quality, and this base appeared to be a streamlined approach to adding long-range capability to a classic rifle platform.
I needed a reliable base to mount a new long-range scope on my Savage 110 for an upcoming elk hunt in the high country of Colorado. The terrain demands lightweight gear and the potential for long shots is significant. I considered other options from Warne and Talley, but the Leupold BackCountry base seemed to offer a blend of durability and weight savings that aligned perfectly with my needs.
Upon unboxing, I was impressed by the clean lines and matte black finish. The base felt incredibly light, yet the 7075-T6 aluminum construction gave me confidence in its strength. My initial impression was positive; it felt like a well-engineered piece of kit.
Compared to heavier steel bases, the Leupold offering felt like a significant weight reduction without sacrificing structural integrity. I chose it over heavier options because I wanted to minimize the overall weight of my rifle, crucial for those long treks into the backcountry. I was excited to get it mounted and see how it performed in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Savage 110/Axis Round Receiver Long Action 20 MOA Rifle Base to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Savage 110/Axis Round Receiver Long Action 20 MOA Rifle Base was at my local shooting range. I mounted it on my Savage 110 chambered in .300 Win Mag. The mounting process was straightforward, thanks to the precise machining.
I encountered no issues during installation, and the scope sat securely on the base. I put about 60 rounds downrange, focusing on zeroing the scope and testing the stability of the mount. Despite the powerful recoil of the .300 Win Mag, the base held firm, and my zero remained consistent.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including that challenging elk hunt in Colorado, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Savage 110/Axis Round Receiver Long Action 20 MOA Rifle Base has proven its worth. It has endured rough handling, temperature fluctuations, and even a brief encounter with heavy rain.
There are no signs of wear or tear, and the finish remains intact. I’ve only needed to wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session or hunt. This base has significantly outperformed my expectations, providing a stable and reliable platform for my scope in demanding conditions.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Savage 110/Axis Round Receiver Long Action 20 MOA Rifle Base
Specifications
- Type: 1-Piece Base. This design enhances rigidity and reduces the potential for movement compared to two-piece bases.
- MFG/Model: BackCountry. The BackCountry series focuses on lightweight and durable performance, ideal for hunters and shooters who prioritize portability.
- Style: Cross-Slot. The cross-slot design offers maximum versatility in ring placement, allowing for optimal eye relief adjustment.
- Misc: 20 MOA. The 20 MOA of elevation built into the base provides a significant advantage when shooting at extended ranges. This allows you to utilize more of your scope’s internal adjustment.
- Finish: Matte Black. The matte black finish reduces glare and provides a non-reflective surface, crucial for avoiding detection while hunting.
- Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum. This high-strength aluminum alloy offers an excellent balance of weight and durability, ensuring the base can withstand the recoil of magnum calibers.
Performance & Functionality
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Savage 110/Axis Round Receiver Long Action 20 MOA Rifle Base excels in providing a stable and accurate platform for mounting optics. Its 20 MOA elevation allows me to effectively engage targets at distances beyond 600 yards with my .300 Win Mag. The cross-slot design offered ample flexibility in scope placement, ensuring perfect eye relief.
The only slight weakness I’ve noticed is that the lightweight design might not be ideal for extremely heavy scopes. However, for most hunting and tactical scopes, it performs flawlessly. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a lightweight, long-range capable rifle base.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional. The 7075-T6 aluminum is precisely machined, and the matte black finish is evenly applied.
The design is simple and functional, with no unnecessary frills. There’s virtually no learning curve; anyone familiar with mounting scope bases will find it intuitive to install.
Durability & Maintenance
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Savage 110/Axis Round Receiver Long Action 20 MOA Rifle Base is built to last. The durable aluminum and protective finish ensure it can withstand harsh conditions.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and inspection. It’s a very robust system, capable of enduring years of service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Savage 110/Axis Round Receiver Long Action 20 MOA Rifle Base is designed to work seamlessly with Leupold’s BackCountry Cross-Slot Rings or Mark 4 Aluminum rings. It is also compatible with any Picatinny-style rings.
There aren’t really any other customization options besides choosing compatible rings. However, the versatility of the Picatinny rail system means you can easily mount a wide range of optics and accessories.
Pros and Cons of Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Savage 110/Axis Round Receiver Long Action 20 MOA Rifle Base
Pros
- Lightweight design: Minimizes overall rifle weight, crucial for backcountry hunting.
- 20 MOA elevation: Extends effective shooting range for long-distance engagements.
- Durable 7075-T6 aluminum construction: Provides excellent strength and resistance to wear.
- Cross-Slot design: Offers versatile scope placement for optimal eye relief.
- Easy installation: Straightforward mounting process with precise machining.
Cons
- May not be ideal for extremely heavy scopes. This base is optimized for lightweight performance.
- Limited customization options beyond ring selection. The design is fairly simple and functional.
Who Should Buy Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Savage 110/Axis Round Receiver Long Action 20 MOA Rifle Base?
This base is perfect for hunters and long-range shooters who own a Savage 110 or Axis long action rifle with a round receiver and prioritize lightweight gear. It’s also ideal for those who want to extend their effective shooting range without compromising durability.
Those who require an extremely robust steel base for very heavy optics or those seeking extensive customization options should probably skip this product. You might also want to select a base with less MOA if you only plan to shoot at shorter distances. A good torque wrench for proper installation is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Savage 110/Axis Round Receiver Long Action 20 MOA Rifle Base
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot Savage 110/Axis Round Receiver Long Action 20 MOA Rifle Base is a well-engineered and thoughtfully designed product that delivers on its promises. It offers a great balance of lightweight design, durability, and long-range capability.
At a price of $32.99, it represents excellent value for money. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance the performance of their Savage 110 or Axis rifle. If you’re looking for a reliable and lightweight scope base to extend your shooting range, this Leupold base is an excellent choice. Go ahead and give your rifle the upgrade it deserves!