The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot With 20MOA 1-Piece Base For Remington 783 Short Action: A Review After Real Use
As an equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments, I’ve developed a keen eye for components that truly perform. The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot With 20MOA 1-Piece Base For Remington 783 Short Action caught my attention for its promise of a solid mounting platform for a rifle scope. This one-piece base from Leupold, a name synonymous with quality optics and mounting solutions, is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, aiming to provide a robust foundation. I was looking for a dependable, no-nonsense mounting system for my Remington 783 short action, specifically needing something that could accommodate the forward-leaning nature of certain scopes without compromising zero. I briefly considered other generic bases, but their build quality and specific design features seemed to fall short of what I needed. My initial impression upon holding this base was one of confidence; it felt substantial and well-machined.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot With 20MOA 1-Piece Base For Remington 783 Short Action to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing involved mounting this Leupold base onto my Remington 783 short action rifle at my workshop bench. The process was straightforward, aligning perfectly with the receiver’s mounting points. I then proceeded to attach a scope using compatible Weaver-style rings, and the fit was precise.
Conditions for testing were fairly standard for a range day – dry, with mild temperatures and no extreme dust. The base performed admirably, offering a stable platform for initial scope bore-sighting.
Ease of use was a significant positive; the cross-slot design of the base allowed for flexible ring placement, and the 20MOA cant was immediately apparent and correctly implemented. I experienced no immediate issues or surprises, which, in my line of work, is often a sign of a well-designed component.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions and some casual handling of the rifle, the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot With 20MOA 1-Piece Base For Remington 783 Short Action continues to impress. There have been no shifts in zero, even after transporting the rifle in a hard case.
Durability has been excellent; the matte black finish shows no signs of wear or scuffing, despite occasional bumps against gear. The 7075-T6 Aluminum construction feels every bit as robust as it did on day one.
Maintenance is practically non-existent, which is ideal for a rifle accessory. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth is all that’s needed to keep it looking pristine. Compared to some budget bases I’ve used in the past, this one offers a tangible step up in build quality and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot With 20MOA 1-Piece Base For Remington 783 Short Action
Specifications
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot With 20MOA 1-Piece Base For Remington 783 Short Action is constructed from 7075-T6 Aluminum, a material known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for demanding applications. Its one-piece design offers superior rigidity compared to two-piece bases, reducing flex and potential for misalignment. The integrated 20MOA cant is a crucial feature, providing additional elevation adjustment for long-range shooting, allowing the scope to be zeroed at greater distances.
This base features a Cross-Slot design, meaning it’s compatible with both Picatinny and Weaver-style rings, offering considerable flexibility in scope selection. The Matte Black finish not only looks professional but also helps reduce glare in various lighting conditions. Designed specifically for the Remington Model 783 Short Action, its precise fit ensures optimal integration with the firearm.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot With 20MOA 1-Piece Base For Remington 783 Short Action is to provide a stable, repeatable platform for mounting a rifle scope. It excels at this core task, offering a rock-solid connection that maintains zero through recoil and handling. The 20MOA cant is particularly beneficial for shooters extending their range, as it provides a significant advantage in dialing in for distant targets.
A key strength of this one-piece base is its inherent rigidity; it eliminates the common point of failure found in two-piece systems, where minor manufacturing tolerances can lead to misalignment. Its compatibility with both Picatinny and Weaver rings means you aren’t locked into a specific ring system, adding to its versatility. The only potential limitation, and it’s a minor one for its intended purpose, is that it’s designed for a specific action type; if you have a different rifle model, this won’t be compatible.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot With 20MOA 1-Piece Base For Remington 783 Short Action is focused on function and durability. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction feels premium and robust, with no sharp edges or poor finishing. The matte finish is uniform and contributes to a professional aesthetic that complements most rifle platforms.
Ergonomically, once mounted, the base is unobtrusive. Its low profile design means it doesn’t interfere with handling the rifle. The cross-slot design for ring mounting is intuitive, allowing for easy positioning of scope rings to achieve proper eye relief.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its 7075-T6 Aluminum construction and Leupold‘s reputation, the durability of this base is expected to be exceptional. Under normal use, and even some less-than-ideal handling, it should last the lifetime of the rifle. The Matte Black finish is also known for its resistance to wear.
Maintenance is almost a non-issue. Beyond ensuring the mounting screws remain torqued to spec, there’s little else required. Cleaning is as simple as wiping down the rifle.
There aren’t any obvious failure points that stand out. The one-piece design inherently reduces stress points.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot With 20MOA 1-Piece Base For Remington 783 Short Action itself is the primary component, but its value lies in its compatibility with scope rings. It readily accepts both Picatinny and Weaver-style rings, which are widely available from numerous manufacturers. This broad compatibility allows for immense customization in terms of scope height, ring diameter, and ring style (e.g., standard, offset).
While no additional accessories are typically included with this type of mounting base, the flexibility it offers in choosing rings is significant. For instance, a shooter might opt for taller rings to accommodate a larger objective lens or specialized rings for specific scope mounting requirements.
Pros and Cons of Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot With 20MOA 1-Piece Base For Remington 783 Short Action
Pros
- Superior Rigidity: The one-piece design eliminates potential alignment issues common in two-piece bases.
- Extended Range Capability: The integrated 20MOA cant provides crucial extra elevation for long-range shooting.
- Universal Ring Compatibility: Cross-slot design accepts both Picatinny and Weaver-style rings, offering excellent flexibility.
- Durable Construction: Machined from 7075-T6 Aluminum, it’s built to last a lifetime.
- Precise Fit: Specifically designed for the Remington Model 783 Short Action, ensuring perfect integration.
Cons
- Action Specific: This base is only compatible with the Remington 783 Short Action; it cannot be used on other rifle models.
- Initial Investment: While reasonably priced for its quality, it represents an investment over cheaper, less robust alternatives.
Who Should Buy Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot With 20MOA 1-Piece Base For Remington 783 Short Action?
This base is an excellent choice for owners of the Remington Model 783 Short Action who are serious about maximizing their rifle’s long-range potential. It’s ideal for shooters who plan to mount scopes with significant magnification or those who frequently engage targets at extended distances. The 20MOA cant is a particular boon for hunters or competitors pushing their ballistic limits.
Anyone who prioritizes a rock-solid, repeatable mounting platform and wants the flexibility to choose from a wide range of scope rings should consider this model. If you are looking for a robust, long-lasting solution that doesn’t compromise on performance, this Leupold base is a solid contender. Those with different rifle actions or who do not intend to shoot at extended ranges might find a simpler, non-cantilevered base sufficient.
Conclusion on Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot With 20MOA 1-Piece Base For Remington 783 Short Action
The Leupold BackCountry Cross-Slot With 20MOA 1-Piece Base For Remington 783 Short Action delivers precisely what it promises: a high-quality, exceptionally stable mounting platform for the Remington 783 short action rifle. Its one-piece aluminum construction provides excellent rigidity, while the 20MOA cant is invaluable for long-range accuracy. The compatibility with both Picatinny and Weaver-style rings adds a layer of user-friendly versatility.
For its price point, the value proposition is strong, offering a durable and reliable solution that outshines many alternatives. I would confidently recommend this base to any Remington 783 short action owner looking to upgrade their scope mounting system for enhanced performance, particularly for those venturing into longer distances. It’s a component that instills confidence and performs as expected, making it a worthwhile investment for any serious shooter.