My ESS Rem 700 SA Build

Bartok5

Bartok5

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Super GunNutz
Rating - 100%
308   0   0
Location
Glorious Alberta!
I ordered up the new ESS Chassis with the 18" partially railed Handguard right after I saw them in the flesh at this year's SHOT Show. They started shipping a couple of weeks ago. Mine arrived last Thursday, just before I left for the Calgary Gun Show, so I didn't get to put it together until yesterday. So far, I am really impressed with this latest offering from MDT. It is a definite change from the ESS XL system that I was running before, with the previous system being simpler in execution and lighter in weight. This chassis is more akin to the CADEX Light Strike series or some of the other competitors, with additional buttstock adjustments and a longer, separate Handguard. I chose the 18" partially enclosed Handguard for its combination of full-length barrel protection, ventilation, and the ability to (at least mostly) block mirage from the barrel as it heats up. The entire chassis goes together in 3 parts - the Buttstock, the Action and the Handguard. A single large bolt secures the Buttstock to the Action, and the Handguard is secured to the Action by 3 screws. Assembly is a very simple process, guided in a series of very simple steps by the chassis User's Manual. I should note that the Handguard is MLOC compatible throughout.

All things considered, I really like this new offering from MDT. At just under $1000 CAD, this chassis offers a number of subtle but useful enhancements over the ESS XL that I was running before. The additional adjustments in the Buttplate (vertical) and Cheek-Rest (lateral) are awesome, as is the MLOC handguard with forward rail for night vision devices.

I mounted my tried and true Rem 700 Police Sniper System in the ESS chassis, but not before it got a nice new Duracoat finish in Matte Black. I had the barrel cut back to 22", Re-Crowned and threaded for an Insite Heathen Muzzle Brake at the same time I had the Bolt Handle turned for a Badger Ordnance Tactical Handle. The Rem 700 Right-Hand, Short-Action slid into the ESS chassis perfectly, as you would expect. Tolerances are excellent with a nice, snug fit of the Receiver Tube and Recoil Lug into the Action portion of the chassis. I used an ATRS once-piece steel Rail and their Tall Rings to mount a Bushnell Elite Tactical Xtended Range Scope (XRS) 4.5-30x 50mm. IMHO and experience, this is an awesome "budget" piece of higher-end glass, coming in at approximately $2500 CAD and seeing quite a bit of serious use on the U.S. PRS circuit. Its not quite Razor HD II, NF ATACR or S&B PM II territory, but it is nipping at their heels.

Anyhow, enough chatter. Here are the pics - Enjoy!


24cupav.jpg



16i4gh.jpg



jz8sgk.jpg



351cu3o.jpg



33lj8fl.jpg
 
Looks good, I've been debating all weekend of changing my Rem 700 from the LSS with XLR buttstock to the ESS, those rings you call tall, are they the ATRS x-high or ultra-high, do you know what the specs on them are? Trying to figure out what guard length I'd like and if I have rings that would work, don't feel like buying another $250 set of NF rings.
 
The short rails are there on the MDT site, but theg're sort of hidden. Look for the Picatinny Rail with Flush Mount Sling Cup. There is a drop-down menu that lets you select a 2.5" rail, which is for the Buttstock.

Those rings are the X-High. They were spec'ed to run that scope on the continuous top rail of my LMT MWS. They give me 8mm clearance from the ESS chassis, which the adjustable cheekpiece handles with ease. Like you, I'm not about to invest in another $175 set of rings for the sake of a couple mm....
 
Last edited:
Looks like a great setup you have there, curious as to what pistol grip that is looks like a nice option. Also how would you compare it quality wise and overall fit and finish to the offerings from Cadex? I'm tempted by a chassis system for the ease of setup of just drop in and go but still lean towards the more traditional stocks.
 
Devlin,

The pistol grip is an ERGO brand. Many site sponsors carry the brand, but I've always found DS Tactical to have a good selection. You need the flat-top style of grip, nothing with an extended "beaver tail" design as the chassis accepts a flat-top only. Quality-wise, I have to give the new ESS credit where due and say that the quality of the aluminum (finish machining, etc) appears to be just about as good as the CADEX Guardian Lite .308 that I also own. The CADEX chassis design has the advantage of tool-less buttstock adjustment for LOP and Cheek-Riser height, as well as the folding stock. That said, the CADEX Lite Strike chassis is somewhat heavier than the MDT ESS. How much each chassis weighs in comparison to the other is a good question, but I'm not about to tear apart my Guardian Lite to find out. The complete CADEX is much heavier than the MDT with my Rem 700 PSS barrelled action, but much of that is directly due to the Guardian Lite's more beefy long action, and the massive 20" Bartlein barrel rather than the chassis themselves.

You can't beat a chassis for ease of assembly. They are a true "drop-in" fit rather having to go through the hocus-pocus of bedding the action into a conventional stock. As for the ergo's, that is a question of personal taste. I prefer the adjustability of the chassis, but I reckon if you have a conventional stock that fits you the end result is the same...
 
Yes, I have to agree that by moving towards a separate, longer handguard and more adjustable features for the buttstock, MDT have borrowed a page from the CADEX playbook. That said, the ESS is its own design with some really nifty features in a lighter weight package. The ESS has considerable merit all on its own and is definitely worth considering for a future precision/PRS build. I am very impressed with the evident value for for your hard-earned dollar with this particular chassis. MDT has (in my view) really bridged the gap that previously existed between them and the "big boys" on the crowded chassis market. The ESS stock is a serious contender for your $$.
 
I can speak to the heathen brake....just go buy one simply amazing how well it works. Virtually no backblast it vents nicely away from the shooter. I run double plugs with mine as our range has us shooting from a semi enclosed space. Highly recommended.
 
MDT has really upped their game with this one!

I already own 2 Cadex chassis and really like both, and I also have a LSS but I dont like the look and ergonomics.

I was about to order another Cadex for my new hunting rifle but was hesitant because of how heavy it would be to carry in the woods.

It looks really good and is cheaper and lighter than the Cadex. I might have to give this one a try!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom