no no no, they look stupid! lol
Is it worth putting a chassis on a HUNTING rifle?
- Thread starter elKrusto
- Start date
no no no, they look stupid! lol
I vote chassis, the adjustability makes it much more comfortable to shot over a traditional stock.
I just built one on a Tikka action, KS Arms barrel and a PR Precision stock. 5.85 pounds before I mounted a scope. I think that's light enough for most.
I just built one on a Tikka action, KS Arms barrel and a PR Precision stock. 5.85 pounds before I mounted a scope. I think that's light enough for most.
I’ve been reconsidering building a Chassis setup recently for my Moose ventures
While the merits of adjustability, repeatability are there for it, I don’t or can’t see it as an “all-rounder” type of setup for where I am.
If I could guarantee I’d be sitting in wide open logging cuts covering yardage, where I have the time to setup the shot, yes a Chassis setup makes some sense. All the aforementioned merits come into play. I’d just need to pick a platform/chassis and what flavour of Cal I wanna run.
However I’m not always in that environment here in the Ont Shield. Quick shot ops, some brush busting and covering some ground (walking) is the norm, so a traditional Wood/Synth LW Mountain style of setup is more my “all-purpose” setup. Easier to shoulder quickly for the spur of the moment opportunities, maneuverable through heavier cover, not as cold to the touch if I’m carrying it all day. If I need to cover off that bigger more wide open yardage, i just grab a bigger Cal with a 24/26” bbl throw on a bipod and I’m good to go
I think the OP needs to look at where they’ll be terrain wise first and then that can dictate Chassis Vs a traditional Stock setup.
While the merits of adjustability, repeatability are there for it, I don’t or can’t see it as an “all-rounder” type of setup for where I am.
If I could guarantee I’d be sitting in wide open logging cuts covering yardage, where I have the time to setup the shot, yes a Chassis setup makes some sense. All the aforementioned merits come into play. I’d just need to pick a platform/chassis and what flavour of Cal I wanna run.
However I’m not always in that environment here in the Ont Shield. Quick shot ops, some brush busting and covering some ground (walking) is the norm, so a traditional Wood/Synth LW Mountain style of setup is more my “all-purpose” setup. Easier to shoulder quickly for the spur of the moment opportunities, maneuverable through heavier cover, not as cold to the touch if I’m carrying it all day. If I need to cover off that bigger more wide open yardage, i just grab a bigger Cal with a 24/26” bbl throw on a bipod and I’m good to go
I think the OP needs to look at where they’ll be terrain wise first and then that can dictate Chassis Vs a traditional Stock setup.
Run what works for you.
They are the same thing anyway: A simple device that allows you to hold onto and use a barreled action. That's it. Define your performance requirements and go from there.
Besides, many aftermarket stocks actually contain internal chassis, so where do you draw the line? For example: Define a Woox Wild Man, betcha can't.....
"The people who matter don't mind and the people who mind don't matter." -unknown
They are the same thing anyway: A simple device that allows you to hold onto and use a barreled action. That's it. Define your performance requirements and go from there.
Besides, many aftermarket stocks actually contain internal chassis, so where do you draw the line? For example: Define a Woox Wild Man, betcha can't.....
"The people who matter don't mind and the people who mind don't matter." -unknown
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Ill start with the same perspective I share for anyone elses rifle choice...its theres.
Im no fudd...but at 62 and a lifelong hunter/shooter of all manner of stuff....as well as having been a soldier in my younger days....I have developed a position on the subject.
For any hunting scenario other than stationary fixed position ....and or if Im carrying a rifle around I 100% stick with a conventional stock/sling rifle.
A conventional rifle carries/handles SO much nicer and is SO much less snaggy....is almost always lighter... and the ergos when shouldering/mounting/dismounting and overall gun handling are far smoother/faster/efficient than any chassis rifle hands down....to ME.
Again..no fudd here...Ive shot 3 gun, trained with and carried a battle rifle in the field...own and shoot multiple different chassis rifles.
Ive experimented with chassis rifles in the field....they are heavier/cold/very snaggy/overly complicated.
The myriad of features a chassis rifle offers....stability/accuracy/durability/shooter adjustability and ergos/mag capacity arent of benefit to me as hunter and or field hunter...only hindrances.
Any quality and competently outfitted conventional rifle is entirely accurate enough for hunting .....possess plenty of mag capacity for the task at hand and are a joy to carry for extended periods and very efficient/capable to deploy particularly from the improvised and or typical shooting positions in the field.
2 c worth from this guy ......but hey rock what rocks you
Conventional rifle on a quality leather sling ...or a lever for this guy
Im no fudd...but at 62 and a lifelong hunter/shooter of all manner of stuff....as well as having been a soldier in my younger days....I have developed a position on the subject.
For any hunting scenario other than stationary fixed position ....and or if Im carrying a rifle around I 100% stick with a conventional stock/sling rifle.
A conventional rifle carries/handles SO much nicer and is SO much less snaggy....is almost always lighter... and the ergos when shouldering/mounting/dismounting and overall gun handling are far smoother/faster/efficient than any chassis rifle hands down....to ME.
Again..no fudd here...Ive shot 3 gun, trained with and carried a battle rifle in the field...own and shoot multiple different chassis rifles.
Ive experimented with chassis rifles in the field....they are heavier/cold/very snaggy/overly complicated.
The myriad of features a chassis rifle offers....stability/accuracy/durability/shooter adjustability and ergos/mag capacity arent of benefit to me as hunter and or field hunter...only hindrances.
Any quality and competently outfitted conventional rifle is entirely accurate enough for hunting .....possess plenty of mag capacity for the task at hand and are a joy to carry for extended periods and very efficient/capable to deploy particularly from the improvised and or typical shooting positions in the field.
2 c worth from this guy ......but hey rock what rocks you
Conventional rifle on a quality leather sling ...or a lever for this guy
I put a 22" 308 into my PR Micro Chassis, also installed a SRS 4" Arca rail along with a Spartan bipod mount. Both mated properly to the threaded holes provided in the chassis.
Makes for a very versatile rifle, bi-pod, tri-pod, or off hand.
For all around hunting, in all conditions, I don't want any unnecessary parts that can come loose or be lost, and I want a simple stock that can easily be wiped off , or cleaned, with minimal effort. For those reasons, I prefer a McMillan fiberglass stock.
- Location
- Western Canada
It's literally just preference. Shoot what you shoot best, carry what is most comfortable for you to do so and don't worry about what other people tell you to do. What works for someone else, may not work for you and vice versa.
MDT HNT26 chassis with carbon fiber parts is a great option. Although, I personally don't mind a stock or a chassis.
Currently, I am running a 7PRC Seekins Element in their OEM stock but it still is lightweight and has adjustability, so it fits sort of in the middle of chassis and classic style stock for functionality for me.
I did previously enjoy my 6.5 Sig Cross for it's portability and easy of use. I was able to throw it on the dash of the truck last hunt I took it out on, which was a major benefit to me. Just comes down to what you want out of it and what your priorities are.
MDT HNT26 chassis with carbon fiber parts is a great option. Although, I personally don't mind a stock or a chassis.
Currently, I am running a 7PRC Seekins Element in their OEM stock but it still is lightweight and has adjustability, so it fits sort of in the middle of chassis and classic style stock for functionality for me.
I did previously enjoy my 6.5 Sig Cross for it's portability and easy of use. I was able to throw it on the dash of the truck last hunt I took it out on, which was a major benefit to me. Just comes down to what you want out of it and what your priorities are.
About ten years ago, give or take, I experimented with a few chassis-type firearms simply because they looked interesting and were a new-to-me idea. I had a couple of Rem700's outfitted with an MDT LSS and an Oryx. In fact, I made a point of using the LSS one as my primary coyote rifle for one entire winter.
In terms of accuracy improvements, I can't say for sure that there were any, but those guns were already nicely set up and bedded in HS stocks so they were pretty accurate to begin with. Certainly, the chassis guns were IMHO very comfortable for bench shooting at the range, and I especially enjoy the ability to easily change out the pistol grip for larger aftermarket ones.
I found that I didn't really care for a chassis for hunting. For me a traditional rifle carries much more comfortably in the field, but that's likely just a case of being accustomed to the one configuration over the other. I've never had a truly lightweight chassis but that would have gone a long way towards improving my enjoyment of them.
For extreme cold weather use I found the metal stocks very uncomfortable. I don't like shooting with gloves on; I can tolerate very light liner gloves but that's about it. Anybody suggesting that a cold metal stock isn't a negative should leave a couple rifles outside on a -30C day...one wood/synthetic and the other metal-stocked...and then pick one up in each hand and compare for themselves.
An issue for me was accessing the safety. A side safety like those on the Rem700, or worse still a tang safety, is a very awkward reach-around when shooting a true full pistol grip like on those two chassis I had. Silly me, I still shoot like a caveman, i.e. I wrap my hand around the pistol grip completely including that wonderful opposeable thumb we're so proud of. If you lay the thumb along the right side of the pistol (for a right handed shooter) like the cool kids do the safety will be easier to reach but still not as comfy as a traditional rifle stock.
An exception to this is the Sig Cross, on which the safety is easily accessible on the left side of the gun without breaking your grip and waving your thumb around to reach it. IMHO, an ambidextrous safety like the one on the Cross makes a huge difference in ergonomics; I bought that gun mainly to try out the integral-chassis design and didn't realize until I had it how much I liked the safety on it. I still don't care for the Cross much as a carrying rifle, but for hunting from a fixed position like a deer stand it's a sweetheart. I've got the coldest parts of the thing covered with tape or otherwise insulated from my hand, and the vertical grip combined with the safety make for a great shooting package.
I don't think they're considered a chassis, but the hybrid designs like the MDT XRS, the KRG Bravo and the MDT Field are, IMHO, much nicer for hunting purposes. They carry much like a traditional stock, they have the advantage of that vertical pistol grip but they are still open in the tang area for easy reach and manipulation of the safety. I especially like the Field stock; it's not as easily adjusted but once you have the comb height and LOP set up for you, there are fewer knobs and protrusions to get snaggy in the brush.
Any of these stocks become way nicer to hunt with when used with the nice short 3-round MDT mags, which allow a nice mid-gun carry grip without any downward-projecting obstruction at exactly the wrong place.
I no longer have any of the full-chassis true-pistol-grip stocks aside from the Sig (which isn't going anywhere). I still use an XRS and a Field stock and quite like them both. I think my ultimate "precision hunting" stock would be an MDT Carbon stock...perfect shape, warm to the touch, lightweight...but I don't want to blow that kind of cash on one now that I am becoming a more and more sedentary hunter as I get older.
Really, you aren't going to know if you like them or not until you try one or two. Just don't fall into the trap of rationalizing that you love it just because you bought it. If you do enjoy it, great; if not, you're not making a lifelong commitment, you're just buying and trying a rifle stock that you can easily sell later.
In terms of accuracy improvements, I can't say for sure that there were any, but those guns were already nicely set up and bedded in HS stocks so they were pretty accurate to begin with. Certainly, the chassis guns were IMHO very comfortable for bench shooting at the range, and I especially enjoy the ability to easily change out the pistol grip for larger aftermarket ones.
I found that I didn't really care for a chassis for hunting. For me a traditional rifle carries much more comfortably in the field, but that's likely just a case of being accustomed to the one configuration over the other. I've never had a truly lightweight chassis but that would have gone a long way towards improving my enjoyment of them.
For extreme cold weather use I found the metal stocks very uncomfortable. I don't like shooting with gloves on; I can tolerate very light liner gloves but that's about it. Anybody suggesting that a cold metal stock isn't a negative should leave a couple rifles outside on a -30C day...one wood/synthetic and the other metal-stocked...and then pick one up in each hand and compare for themselves.
An issue for me was accessing the safety. A side safety like those on the Rem700, or worse still a tang safety, is a very awkward reach-around when shooting a true full pistol grip like on those two chassis I had. Silly me, I still shoot like a caveman, i.e. I wrap my hand around the pistol grip completely including that wonderful opposeable thumb we're so proud of. If you lay the thumb along the right side of the pistol (for a right handed shooter) like the cool kids do the safety will be easier to reach but still not as comfy as a traditional rifle stock.
An exception to this is the Sig Cross, on which the safety is easily accessible on the left side of the gun without breaking your grip and waving your thumb around to reach it. IMHO, an ambidextrous safety like the one on the Cross makes a huge difference in ergonomics; I bought that gun mainly to try out the integral-chassis design and didn't realize until I had it how much I liked the safety on it. I still don't care for the Cross much as a carrying rifle, but for hunting from a fixed position like a deer stand it's a sweetheart. I've got the coldest parts of the thing covered with tape or otherwise insulated from my hand, and the vertical grip combined with the safety make for a great shooting package.
I don't think they're considered a chassis, but the hybrid designs like the MDT XRS, the KRG Bravo and the MDT Field are, IMHO, much nicer for hunting purposes. They carry much like a traditional stock, they have the advantage of that vertical pistol grip but they are still open in the tang area for easy reach and manipulation of the safety. I especially like the Field stock; it's not as easily adjusted but once you have the comb height and LOP set up for you, there are fewer knobs and protrusions to get snaggy in the brush.
Any of these stocks become way nicer to hunt with when used with the nice short 3-round MDT mags, which allow a nice mid-gun carry grip without any downward-projecting obstruction at exactly the wrong place.
I no longer have any of the full-chassis true-pistol-grip stocks aside from the Sig (which isn't going anywhere). I still use an XRS and a Field stock and quite like them both. I think my ultimate "precision hunting" stock would be an MDT Carbon stock...perfect shape, warm to the touch, lightweight...but I don't want to blow that kind of cash on one now that I am becoming a more and more sedentary hunter as I get older.
Really, you aren't going to know if you like them or not until you try one or two. Just don't fall into the trap of rationalizing that you love it just because you bought it. If you do enjoy it, great; if not, you're not making a lifelong commitment, you're just buying and trying a rifle stock that you can easily sell later.
- Location
- Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Ive had mdt xrs field stock and lss chassis. I just cant get used to the cold feeling of aluminum. I do seem to shoot them well and I like the versatility but cant like the added weight and coolness. Ive ordered a mdt hnt 26 in hopes that it will eliminate the negatives for me. I cant wait to get it. I did order it with the folding option but only because I had to. I cant see myself folding it much for carrying or storage but it will be nice to have the option.
Most of the Chassis Hunting hype over the past few years has really been Western US based in reality.
That person is probably chasing Elk, Sheep, Goats, Spring Bear or Mulies at elevation in some Canyon, Valley etc of some sort at longer ranges. And that’s where a Chassis setup truly shines. Being able to have a Bi/Tripod, take your time, adjust position (prone/kneel/sit), dial up accordingly and then take the shot.
For those of us hunting Hard/Soft Woods or a mixture of terrain, all the merits of stability and repeatability the Chassis setup offers gets thrown out like a bag of wet cement. You’d be hard pressed to find someone who could hit the same repeated cheek weld/position etc on a spur of the moment shot when an animal walks/runs out unexpectedly. It’s just easier to obtain with a traditional wood/synth Stock.
Each platform has its Pro’s & Cons. Sometimes you just gotta try it and make your decision after the fact.
That person is probably chasing Elk, Sheep, Goats, Spring Bear or Mulies at elevation in some Canyon, Valley etc of some sort at longer ranges. And that’s where a Chassis setup truly shines. Being able to have a Bi/Tripod, take your time, adjust position (prone/kneel/sit), dial up accordingly and then take the shot.
For those of us hunting Hard/Soft Woods or a mixture of terrain, all the merits of stability and repeatability the Chassis setup offers gets thrown out like a bag of wet cement. You’d be hard pressed to find someone who could hit the same repeated cheek weld/position etc on a spur of the moment shot when an animal walks/runs out unexpectedly. It’s just easier to obtain with a traditional wood/synth Stock.
Each platform has its Pro’s & Cons. Sometimes you just gotta try it and make your decision after the fact.
I understand the cold hands part with the chassis, the TAC a1 I have is a bit brutal in that regard. But, I like the adjustability, and that vertical grip, the gun does what it is supposed to do for me, no beefs, knew what it was all about when I bought it, not in the least disappointed with it.
Ended up ordering a brown GRS laminate sporter today, had to get from US, none to be found up here, BUT, found one at a hair less than 1/2 of what they are up here, so, that'll work out OK, be nice if the dollar was a hair better than it is.. Filled out the paperwork for the import certificate and submitted that, now, we hurry up and wait, I'm guessing late Jan before I see it.
Being a full laminate, it'll be warmer, interested to see how the grip works out, I'd made the grip on my Schuetzen rifle quite a bit oversized on the right, so, I think that shud work out nice for me, I have the Tikka vertical style grip on the stock stock at present, like that. It won't be too cold, weight is reasonable, T3X has a 24" fluted bbl. so, that helps keep it down.
May yet get a MDT field stock for my CZ457, don't like the AT-One stock, could modify to make it fit me, but, not really interested in doing the work. See what they have on the BF sale, maybe, maybe not.
Ended up ordering a brown GRS laminate sporter today, had to get from US, none to be found up here, BUT, found one at a hair less than 1/2 of what they are up here, so, that'll work out OK, be nice if the dollar was a hair better than it is.. Filled out the paperwork for the import certificate and submitted that, now, we hurry up and wait, I'm guessing late Jan before I see it.
Being a full laminate, it'll be warmer, interested to see how the grip works out, I'd made the grip on my Schuetzen rifle quite a bit oversized on the right, so, I think that shud work out nice for me, I have the Tikka vertical style grip on the stock stock at present, like that. It won't be too cold, weight is reasonable, T3X has a 24" fluted bbl. so, that helps keep it down.
May yet get a MDT field stock for my CZ457, don't like the AT-One stock, could modify to make it fit me, but, not really interested in doing the work. See what they have on the BF sale, maybe, maybe not.
Fitment over ascetics. I know lots don't like them on hunting rifles but I cant get a 100% Cheek rest spot on most rifles. I need a adjustable cheek piece. Never know when you will get a shot, dont want to miss it looking for your head position behind the rifle.
I personally think a chassis looks great.
I personally think a chassis looks great.
Yea no, there isn’t a standard hunting rifle out there that is easier to haul through the thick woods than a 16” barrel chassis rifle with a pistol grip and a single point sling.
Shot my moose at 8 yards. My elk at 15 yards and a mule deer at 400. Chassis handles it all better than a traditional rifle. It is order of magnitudes more ergonomic.
