Chassis Help, Please

[Tophernj]

So I took a class in PA yesterday. I have never shot past 100 yards. The class took me to 700. Last target of the day was a head sized target at 700. It took a little doing as I don't have "dope" for my rifle yet, but it got walked to the target and I banged it on the 5th try. That was my worst attempt at any target.

To say that I'm now obsessed would be an understatement.

I'm looking at a build and have asked several questions regarding it but am now set on some components. However I'm still seeking advice on chassis systems. After shooting my stock and realizing how hamstrung I am as far as adjustments, I'm definitely getting a chassis. But which one? I like the XLR Element and the McRees by the looks of them. My instructor has the McRees and seems to like it a bunch. Does anyone on here have any feedback on these stocks OR any other recommendations?

This rifle will be my go to gun for fun at the range and shooting both paper as accurately as I can manage at 300 and dinging steel out to 1k this summer. I am also not looking to break the bank. The prices of the stocks mentioned are within my comfort zone.

Thanks in advance.

 

[TTundra]

Have a 700 in 300 Win in an XLR Carbon chassis. I absolutely love it. Going to the carbon model took a good chunk of weight away. Ive shot quite a few chassis and the XLR stock choice is hard to beat for the money. Also went with the folder version as I use the rifle hunting as well and made it much simpler jumping out of trucks as well as carrying or storage.

I'm sure you'll get quite a few opinions, but I can tell you Kyle at XLR is a great guy, will answer any questions, and makes a fantastic product. Mine gets beat around a lot and functions perfectly.

 

[Tophernj]

That is a good looker. Thanks. I called XLR today and I could have a chassis in the next week if I want. However with Christmas coming up, I'm gonna hold off (not my usual modus operandi) until after the holidays.

C

 

[dh1633pm]

I have a Remington Milspec in 308. I have a KRG Xray Stock, DNZ Mount, and Vortex Viper Scope. I love it. I shoot F-Class at 300 yards and have learned so much about shooting at longer ranger. The Xray didn't break the bank and is very adjustable and comfortable. The best part is that I sold the stock that came with the milspec to help pay for the Xray.

http://www.kineticresearchgroup.com/index.php/categories/x-ray-chassis

 

[CB900F]

Tophernj;

My son built a rifle for long distance. It's a Defiance Rebel action with 30" Lilja barrel 1:8 twist three groove. It's chambered in 7mm Practical, which is a .300 Win mag case necked to 7mm with no shoulder changes. It sits in an Accuracy International AICS chassis with a Jewel trigger. I've seen him pop a two liter soda bottle - at 1240 yards.

It's preferred load uses a 180 grain Berger bullet at a muzzle velocity of 3166 fps.

900F

 

[zb338]

Hey Tophernj,

Where did you go to get to shoot at 700 yards in Pennsylvania. I belong
to a few clubs but none with more than 300 yards.

Zeke

 

[bikemutt]

I have both the Mcrees and XLR chassis, the Mcrees is hard to beat value wise as you can get a fully outfitted one with folding stock and level for the price of the XLR element.

I'm about to buy another one for a Savage 22 - 250, I'll probably flip a coin.

 

[Tophernj]

Hey Tophernj,

Where did you go to get to shoot at 700 yards in Pennsylvania. I belong
to a few clubs but none with more than 300 yards.

Zeke

New Holland Rifle and Pistol Club. It's not far (relatively speaking) from where Oaks has their show. Apparently a long waiting list to get in.

C

 

[Tophernj]

I have both the Mcrees and XLR chassis, the Mcrees is hard to beat value wise as you can get a fully outfitted one with folding stock and level for the price of the XLR element.

I'm about to buy another one for a Savage 22 - 250, I'll probably flip a coin.

And both work well for you? Any complaints about either?

 

[bikemutt]

And both work well for you? Any complaints about either?

Both work very well. I chose to buy the Mcrees and acquired the XLR when I bought a used Rem 700 .308 rifle. The XLR is presently not a folder but the rifle still fits is a normal size range back so no big deal. The Mcrees hosts a Savage LRP 6.5 Creedmoor which is way too long for transport so it's a folder.

My only complaints about the Mcrees (which I've spent more time with) is I find the paint to be not as durable as say the MDT LSS chassis I own, particularly around the magwell. And, I do wish they'd have covered the cheek rest metal with 1/16" neoprene like the XLR. I just purchased said material on Amazon and will be taking care of that today. In all fairness, Mcrees does sell a very nice cheek rest cover with a storage area which I bought but, with that installed, the rifle becomes very "fat in the butt" when folded.

I've only been to the range twice with the XLR and find nothing to complain about. It runs just fine with Magpul AICS-style mags but it would not lock in place with an MDT AICS-style mag; the Mcrees does.

Speaking of MDT, I have two LSS chassis which include their skeleton buttstocks. One is a folder, the other fixed. My only complaint is their folder does not lock when folded. Well, maybe one more complaint; they need to provide an instruction addendum for Savage short-action chassis which explains what the extra mystery parts are for, would save some frustration. I've made that frustration known to my dealer.

Knowing what I know now, if extracting maximum value was my chief concern, Mcrees. Keeping weight to a minimum, XLR. Best looking, MDT.

Hope that helps.

 

[Tophernj]

Both work very well. I chose to buy the Mcrees and acquired the XLR when I bought a used Rem 700 .308 rifle. The XLR is presently not a folder but the rifle still fits is a normal size range back so no big deal. The Mcrees hosts a Savage LRP 6.5 Creedmoor which is way too long for transport so it's a folder.

My only complaints about the Mcrees (which I've spent more time with) is I find the paint to be not as durable as say the MDT LSS chassis I own, particularly around the magwell. And, I do wish they'd have covered the cheek rest metal with 1/16" neoprene like the XLR. I just purchased said material on Amazon and will be taking care of that today. In all fairness, Mcrees does sell a very nice cheek rest cover with a storage area which I bought but, with that installed, the rifle becomes very "fat in the butt" when folded.

I've only been to the range twice with the XLR and find nothing to complain about. It runs just fine with Magpul AICS-style mags but it would not lock in place with an MDT AICS-style mag; the Mcrees does.

Speaking of MDT, I have two LSS chassis which include their skeleton buttstocks. One is a folder, the other fixed. My only complaint is their folder does not lock when folded. Well, maybe one more complaint; they need to provide an instruction addendum for Savage short-action chassis which explains what the extra mystery parts are for, would save some frustration. I've made that frustration known to my dealer.

Knowing what I know now, if extracting maximum value was my chief concern, Mcrees. Keeping weight to a minimum, XLR. Best looking, MDT.

Hope that helps.

It does.

I don't see any "Run and Gun" style tac comps in my future so weight is not a major concern. However I don't want a 20 pound rifle, either.

I am looking at the XLR Element stock as I do think I would prefer a flat forend. I have looked at the MDT LSS chassis and there doesn't seem to be enough meat up front to make me happy and the Tac-21 has some rough reviews from actual owners mostly due to the scope mounting position moving a bit. The McRees is still in the running however, it will most likely come down to how I feel just after the holidays when I have a couple of bucks in my pocket.

C

 

[taliv]

you can't go wrong with the XLR or mcree. they are great, cost-effective choices.

however, stocks are very subjective with respect to comfort and preference of the shooter. your body type will generally affect how you build your positions and how you hold the gun.

i tried several chassis, including the AI, rock solid, whiskey3, etc and still own the XLR. but generally, I prefer the traditional fiberglass stocks to the metal 'chassis' because they're lighter weight, and rounder, if that's a word. the chassis are too narrow for my taste.

for an example of adjustable traditional fiberglass stocks, look at the manners stocks, or the kmw sentinel

 

[MtnCreek]

Two complaints on XLR (evolution model).
The rear of the chassis just above / behind the grip has hard corners that makes it somewhat uncomfortable to carry in a ready position.
The rear stock will work it's way into a soft rear bag when shooting / fine tuning position.

 

[taliv]

i agree on both points. especially if you are lefthanded, as the folder hardware gets in the way. it's much less of an issue if you hold the stock as if you were holding a traditional stock with your thumb forward, instead of like you hold an AR15 with your thumb wrapped around the grip

nearly all of the chassis will work their way into rear bags. the rock solid and whiskey3 are even worse than the xlr as they are more narrow. the solution for me was to switch to a different type of rear bag. use the smaller ones like the armageddon gear, with larger sized fill and more of it. they also have a heavier canvas as opposed to the very thin covering on softer rear bags

 

[WelshShooter]

You didn't say what rifle you have so I'll assume it's a Remington 700. I've got the KRG X-Ray for a Tikka T3 and I have an AICS 2.0 (side-folder with thumbhole stock). Both have their pros and cons.

The X-Ray is a good affordable stock. It takes AI magazines that are held in via tension from the fore-end stock (no detachable bottom metal here) but the mag feedlips do require some alterations as you can feel the bolt rub against this (for the Tikka T3 model anyway). There's an adjustable cheek piece (up and down only) set by a thumb screw. There are two vertical rods and four holes so you can move the cheek piece forwards or backwards to suit yourself. There are two rubber O-rings on the rods so you can take the cheek piece out (during cleaning for example) and re-insert to ensure the same position. The pistol grip feels quite solid and comfortable; there's a thumb shelf too if you don't like wrapping your thumb around in a traditional sense. It's quite easy to add accessories too, if you want to add a sling, mount night-vision etc. then there's a few addons you might need to buy to do this. I've only added on a QD-stud to mount a Harris bipod but I imagine it's possible to buy a spigot mount and buy an Atlas-picatinny. The rear of the stock will sit nicely into a bag or can be pushed into your shoulder with your supporting hand.

Looking at the AICS, it offers much the same as the X-Ray. It takes AICS magazines (obviously) but it's actually held in properly. The fore-end is free floating and the receiver sits in a V-block that ensures good alignment within the stock. The cheek rest is much the same, except the cheek rest is tightened by Allen head screws which can be replaced with thumb screws at additional cost. You have the option of mounting a bipod on the front stud or you can opt to install a spigot mounted bipod (such as the Atlas or a spigot Parker Hale) with no additional attachments required as per the X-Ray. I'm not too fond on the old style thumbhole stock; there's no nifty shelf for my thumb and I feel the grip pushes into the bone of my thumb which makes it a bit uncomfortable. The rear of the stock will sit nicely into a bag or can be pushed into your shoulder with your supporting hand.

I've not needed to "bed" the action in either of these configurations. I can achieve 0.5MOA accuracy without bedding. To summarise, I like both of these stocks and think they're good value for money. If the X-Ray didn't require the alteration of magazines or the spigot for an Atlas bipod (with spigot adapter) then I would purchase another in a heart beat.

 

[Tophernj]

I'm building off a Savage SA/SF. 4.27 bolt spacing.

C

 

[bikemutt]

Talked to a bud who knows more about chassis than I, what he said below:

-KRG Whiskey 3. Best chassis I have ever used. Period
-KRG Xray fantastic for its ergos, weight and cost. Not as nice as the Whiskey 3 but it is 1/2 the cost.....Cant say enough good about KRG chassis and customer service.
- XLR as mentioned I see a lot of these used and people like them. (Most locals in PRS choose between the KRG and the XLR currently it seems.) Nice options
-Orias Chassis from Mega- New and looks well though out.
-AICS AX chassis Expensive but high quality etc....Beautiful chassis
-http://masterpiecearms.com/shop/mpa-ba-chassis/ I have seen a few of these that look interesting too. Well made (but no experience personally)

 

[Tophernj]

Talked to a bud who knows more about chassis than I, what he said below:

My action won't for the Whiskey 3 chassis. They make the Alpha 180. Does he have any thoughts on that one?
Regardless, thank you. I appreciate your checking it out.

 

[otrman]

I you like the look of the MTD LSS look at the LSS-XL, the fore end is longer. I went with the MTD HS3, for its flat bottom fore end and the ability to add rails to the side of the fore end if needed. The rubberized panels down the side gives it a good grip texture. Might try to take pics later, waited 4 months on parts and broke my thumb week I got it put together.

 

[Tophernj]

I you like the look of the MTD LSS look at the LSS-XL, the fore end is longer. I went with the MTD HS3, for its flat bottom fore end and the ability to add rails to the side of the fore end if needed. The rubberized panels down the side gives it a good grip texture. Might try to take pics later, waited 4 months on parts and broke my thumb week I got it put together.

That would be awesome. I'd love to see pics.

C

 

[bikemutt]

My action won't for the Whiskey 3 chassis. They make the Alpha 180. Does he have any thoughts on that one?
Regardless, thank you. I appreciate your checking it out.

My bud said "GO FOR IT", he likes.

Also said he'd add these:

Accessories I would add are :
Sling attachments
http://www.kineticresearchgroup.com/index.php/products/flush-mount-qd-sling-plate
http://www.kineticresearchgroup.com/index.php/products/qd-sling-cup

Upgraded multi adjustable soft cheek piece
http://www.kineticresearchgroup.com/index.php/products/adjustable-cheekpiece-mount
http://www.victorcompanyusa.com/cheekrest.html

 

[Tophernj]

Hey Bikemutt, I called KRG about an hour ago. My action is the stagger feed action with the 4.27 bolt spacing. KRG doesn't make a stock to accommodate that.

Thanks again.

C

 

[taliv]

the MDT LSS is really cool especially for how cheap it is, but i'd really not recommend it for your first rifle. you need a bigger stock that's easier to shoot

 

[Tophernj]

the MDT LSS is really cool especially for how cheap it is, but i'd really not recommend it for your first rifle. you need a bigger stock that's easier to shoot

I'm 90% sold on the XLR Element. I just seems to have great reviews and the weight is moderate. Unless someone comes up with something so amazing that I can't pass it up, like a sale on a McRees that is super awesome, I believe it's how I'm gonna go.

 

[eastbank]

ZB338, google up mifflin county sportsman club near lewistown on 322. we have a 1000yd range, and i live 4.5 mlies from it and use it quite often. you would be welcome and membership is open for any one. eastbank.