For the guys with extensive PRS type or other rigorous field use application, what do you see as the pros and cons for each? I've been considering chassis such as Cadex, AI AX, or XLR with the tube forend. I've only ever used open top traditional and my AICS. The thing is, when a guy has to lash to a tree (or pole or whatever's at hand) or bang around through a barricade, with an open top, I tend to contemplate the position and setup enough that it detracts somewhat from the mental part (thinking about range, wind, next shot, time, etc.). Not that lashing around the stocks / barrels of my current rifles has a lot of effect at the ranges I've shot from positions like that (they are heavy), but a lighter barrel and / or longer ranges would have noticeable effects.
As I said, pros and cons? I like traditional and vertical gripped like the A3 & A5 and I like my AICS but have been wondering if others with a tubed forend may be worthwhile to eliminate fussing about certain setups. Thanks guys.
Rooster
I find round forends like say on an AR is great for moving around and shooting but really is a pain if you are trying to rest on stuff. Of course, you can have rails and attachment points but then you end up "squaring" the forend.
I would not want a tube forend on a PRS type rifle. I do like the front NV rail though... often, I want to grab around the front of the stock and having a cover there would be very useful.
I thought covering the barrel would be important when bags are strapped on but I am finding that strapping over the scope actually works better so nothing is touching the barrel. So open top stocks for me.
I am dabbling in mag fed bolt rifles again and like you, much prefer the traditional stock layout ala A5. My current stocks are the Boyds pro varmint. Didn't take long before the rounded forend got milled flat on the bottom and flats on the front of the forend sides.
Various T slot (Anschutz dimensioned) rails added for stops, clamps, bipod and tripod mounts. Fun making up stuff to slide on for various tasks. Some ideas have been total duds but some are helping me with positional shooting.
If you visit my facebook page (mystic precision inc), I have pictures of the mods I have done so far and will keep adding them there.
Came up with a barricade clamp system. Holds the rifle in place and so far pretty quick to use... but unsure how well it will work under match conditions.
The rail makes it easy to move stuff around so you can find the right balance point for whatever "stop" you dream up. And the flats make it far easier to have stable rests on barricades or on bags.
Been alot of fun and there are certainly very stable ways to support a rifle without having to strap it to something.
Next up will be bags of various shapes, sizes and fills.
Jerry
