Tough finding the perfect stock/chassis

ceriksson

ceriksson

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I am stock/chassis hunting for my next project. Going as light as possible while still retaining some type of functionality/modularity.

I am looking to find a chassis/stock system with the following characteristics.

* Rem 700L/A footprint/Inlet
* Folding Stock
* Detachable Mag
* Lightweight (3.5-4.5lbs max)
* Kind of want to try a pistol grip vs regular stock grip this time

So far the ones that fit the bill:

Manners Elite stocks: One of my top three choices and in the weight zone (barely) but with the bells/whistles I want it would be about $1600-$1800 USD

Eberlestock M11 Stealth: Perfect fit for the above and looks very unique and cool but also would cost about $2100USD and also a serious lack of reviews and end-user materials online. I have handled them at SHOT and they are super ###y. Folder is also forward of the grip so really folds compact

MDT LSS XL: Lightweight and more affordable with either their MDT Skeleton light buttstock of the XLR Tactical light buttstock. I would have to use a folding accessory to get it into a folder but according to MDT would make a super long LOP.

XLR Carbon Chassis: Also fits the bill barely weight wise but same problem with the folding mechanism. For both this and the MDT the accessory folder does not lock open and is also a little flimsy as it is an afterthought.

Desert Tech DT R7S: Barely any actual product info available. 700LA not available but claiming to be in the mid 3Lb range which is great. No idea on price and availability but definitely one to watch. May wait out for a L/A version.

Runners up:
Mcrees G10 with the folder and MLok - Not bad and more affordable but just misses the weight mark
Apparently Desert Tactical is coming out with a new lightweight chassis but still very light on the details

Beasts: ###y but too heavy
APO Sabre Forsst
CADEX
JP Advanced
AICS Folders
JAE 700LA
LARS
Accurate Mag Solid Rifle Chassis
TACMOD folding chassis (Just over the weight mark)
Masterpiece Arms BA SF
PDC Custom
Demon Force Chassis


It has been a tough go doing the research, everything that is great is expensive and everything more affordable has a weakness.
 
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A thought for the LSS XL, could you not put the folder mechanism on it, then have a buffer tube shortened and run a different butt stock? Such as an XLR or something else?
A buddy of mine ran an XLR butt on a Cadex chassis, I thought it looked great and worked very well, lots of adjustment available.

Also, maybe I am the only one that cares about this. But with stocks that fold super short the end of the stock is shorter than the end of the scope. For me this is an issue, as I can't set the rifle down on its end with the butt folded. Also I wouldn't stick it in a soft case, or gun scabbard with the muzzle up either.

Just an idea or thought I had the a while ago when I was cleaning an AR10 upper and then started looking at pictures of other rifles with folders.
 
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Those fancy pants stocks /chassis are all way too expensive. The hardware store is the way to go, Jacob has it figured out:p.


As for any useful advice from me, sorry. I run one of the beasts.
 
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CanuckR said:
A thought for the LSS XL, could you not put the folder mechanism on it, then have a buffer tube shortened and run a different butt stock? Such as an XLR or something else?
A buddy of mine ran an XLR butt on a Cadex chassis, I thought it looked great and worked very well, lots of adjustment available.

Also, maybe I am the only one that cares about this. But with stocks that fold super short the end of the stock is shorter than the end of the scope. For me this is an issue, as I can't set the rifle down on its end with the butt folded. Also I wouldn't stick it in a soft case, or gun scabbard with the muzzle up either.

Just an idea or thought I had the a while ago when I was cleaning an AR10 upper and then started looking at pictures of other rifles with folders.
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I did think about this and XLR does give you an option to buy a shorter buffer tube but my hesitation also has to do with the use of an accessory folding mechanism rather than a true purpose built folding system.

I have heard from other owners that the hinge can sag and move under shooting conditions plus they just flop open and cannot be locked in the folded position.

It is still the most affordable option though with the MDT XL
 
I am not sure which folding mechanism is used, but have you looked at the law tactical set up? I have no experience with it, but it appears to be solidly built.
Which adapters have you looked at?
 
I have emails out to MCrees and Desert Tech right now asking for more info.

I'm super interested in the Desert Tech one because they beat everyone on weight (advertised at least and also only showing the short action weight but even with the usual long action increase it would still be the lightest.

Then MCrees and Eberlestock are next at an even 4lb or so. The others tend to sit at 4.25 to 4.5lb.
 
PrecisionLongshot said:
What about the KRG Whiskey 3? The folder is rated at 4.1lb without the mag.

Won't be cheap with the CAD where it is though, it's AI level pricing.
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I did take a look and if I recall, the issue was the weight jump with the folding option and long action. I will look back though and confirm what constitutes the 4.1lb and maybe email them. They are nice stocks and I saw them at SHOT back in 2013.
 
Mystic Precision said:
Give me a shout... got 1 final Choate Rem LA folder.

Can be modified to do what you want. Offering this on clearance sale.

Jerry
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Thanks Jerry but I'm not really into the aesthetics of the choate stocks. I'm trying to go higher budget to fall in line with my Pierce Ti action and CF bbl. It's a hobby of wants after all lol.
 
If it was me I'd go with the Manners, Mcree, or KRG. I'm not a fan of tubular forends unless you have a use for it. I have no experience with the Eberlestock but it seems very expensive for what it is. A Manners folder with no paint job would look pretty cool with a CF barrel.
 
I did like the manners stocks but I want to try a departure from the traditional stock shape and try shooting with a pistol grip. I am definitely interested in the KRG and MCrees and I sent both an email trying to confirm weight on my desired configuration. The KRG is a bit more for the folder at about $1300 USD the MCrees is less. Closer to $800.
 
The only thing I don't like about the Mcrees is the fact that it uses AR grips. This is completely personal preference but I've never found an AR grip with the correct angle to be comfortable. Again maybe you don't like a totally vertical hand position on a precision rifle, just something to consider.
 
Shabazz said:
The only thing I don't like about the Mcrees is the fact that it uses AR grips. This is completely personal preference but I've never found an AR grip with the correct angle to be comfortable. Again maybe you don't like a totally vertical hand position on a precision rifle, just something to consider.
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They don't say but I'd assume that since it is an AR style grip you could replace it with a grip that is to your liking.

I do like the grip that they have on the XLR rifles. I also fired one of the APO Sabre Forsst stocks and it was also really comfortable.

I'm mostly accustomed to regular stock grips or similar.

my short action is in a JAE 700 but that whole build was put together with weight being the lowest concern. The rifle weighs close to 20lb with almost half of that due to the 28" Hvy Varmint barrel. This project is to go the other direction with weight being a major focus

IMG_3006.jpg by ceriksson, on Flickr
 
ceriksson said:
They don't say but I'd assume that since it is an AR style grip you could replace it with a grip that is to your liking.
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I'm sure you can, it's just that I haven't found one that works for me. It sounds like it will be a good fit for you though.

I just realized the XLR Element wasn't mentioned in your list. It would be similar in price to the Mcrees with the features you want. I'm just not sure how it stacks up weight wise.
 
Yea fair enough. I did like it when I tried it briefly and I am interested in trying it more (AR style grip in general)

I do know that there are plenty of choices out there so at least I would have the benefit of experimentation.

I am still waiting for a return email from KRG and MCrees.

Second part is to find the most economical way of getting it. Either from a Cdn retailer with big markup, through an import service, or doing it all myself and seeing if the company will play along on their side.
 
Heard back from Scott MCree and I'd be looking pretty much at about 4lb or just a hair over.

The KRG is listed at 4.1Lb (not sure if that is SA weight or for either LA or SA)

It seems like most of the dedicated folding stocks (not a AR buttstock with adapter) are in the 4LB - 4.5Lb range so I'm going to have to accept that if I want to stick with a chassis vs. a regular CF stock.

With all the other components we are sitting at around the 10.5Lb-11Lb weight range with barreled action, scope, brake, mounts, etc. Not bad I guess. I was hoping to stay within the 10lb mark and I could do it with a smaller scope for example.
 
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Does anyone know of a retailer that sells XLR? I want an xlrt buttstock for my RPR but having trouble finding one. Also, any update on your chassis choice?
 
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