Turn-Key Customization – The Best Aftermarket Rifle Chassis
1. Kinetic Research Group Whiskey 3 Remington 700 Chassis
Kinetic Research Group (KRG) makes one of the finest aftermarket chassis for the Remington 700 platform. With an option for either a folding or a fixed stock, modular grip panels, length of pull locking mechanism, and coming in at under 5 lbs regardless of configuration, you really can’t argue against choosing this as your precision rifle chassis. In addition to all the features the Whiskey 3 provides you, the chassis also accepts standard AICS style magazines and features all toolless adjustments making it easy to adapt the stock to changing shooting situations.
2. MDT XRS Chassis System
Both Less expensive and less feature-rich than the KRG option, the MDT XRS chassis represents what I consider to be the industry’s reaction to the increasing popularity of precision rifle shooting. The chassis is destined to integrate seamlessly with a variety of off-the-shelf rifles including the Remington 700, Savage Short action, Tikka T3 rifles, and the Howa 1500 series of rifles. The XRS also features M-LOK slots for aleatory mounting and can even be fitted with the increasingly popular ARCA rail system.
3. Magpul Ruger 10/22 X-22 Backpacker Stock
Like I said before not every chassis system is perfect for just the PRS shooter. The Magpul backpacker stock is more for the backcountry hiker who might want extra peace of mind in case their food stocks run out or get lost or they need to defend themselves against predators. The Magpul X-22 Backpacker stock allows a full-sized Ruger 10/22 takedown to collapse into an integrated carrying piece that is also capable of storing 3 spare magazines inside of it. Best of all it’s quite affordable at only $105.
4. ORYX CHASSIS RUGER AMERICAN® CHASSIS
The Oryx chassis was developed by MDT in a response to customers needing a more affordable and conventional bolt-action rifle stock that gave them a bit more functionality than their standard stock. The ORYX allows the user to have superior ergonomics and versatility in their platform without breaking the bank and it also is an instant off-the-shelf improvement for the Ruger American’s accuracy by allowing the barrel to float free. The ORYX chassis also allows the addition of further improvements by making space for up to a 1.250″ barrel and uses standard AICS pattern magazines.
5. SB Tactical SB22 Chassis Kit
Another entry for the Ruger 10/22 is the SB Tactical SB22 Fixed Chassis (or Takedown) Kit. Designed specifically for the Ruger 10/22 and Ruger Charger, this handy chassis allows you to add additional accessories in front of the already standard Picatinny rail. In addition to the M-LOK and Picatinny sections upfront, the Chassis also features a rearward section of 1913 railing on the back for the addition of a brace or single point sling mount. Finally, the Chassis also has the ability to accept a variety of aftermarket AR-15 style grips giving you an increased level of customization.
Why you should consider a chassis rifle platform
Chassis rifles are a unique thing. Either people love the look, or hate it because it doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a bolt-action rifle. Either way you slice it, there is definitely some good reasons to dive into the chassis rifle pie.
If you’re into accuracy, the chassis platform is for you. All of the tricks that rifle builders and shooters have tried over the years can be found in one place. The barrel and action and completely bedded and dialed into the stock, making it a great way to ensure the bullet goes precisely where you intend.
The chassis platform also adds versatility. You can adjust cheek comb, length of pull and more with most chassis platforms. You also have more options for adding accessories, like bipods and hand holds. There is much more adjustability in the chassis platform, too. You can truly fit the rifle to you, and do so easier than ever. This type of platform also lends itself to adding external magazines.
Chassis rifles came out of competition rifles, and are a great tool for that, but they work extremely well for hunting, military and law enforcement applications as well. Pretty cool stuff. And the costs associated with chassis platforms has come way down, giving you more options for your shooting needs.
What is Length of Pull (LOP) and why is it important?
Length of pull is a distance of measurement from the butt of the rifle to its trigger. The Rifle’s LOP will differ from the shooter’s LOP but where a shooter’s LOP is fixed, rifles can be adjusted to match the shooter making for a more optimal shooting position. LOP can often be adjusted minimally on standard stocks by replacing butt pads or adding spacers but modern PRS chassis feature LOP that is adjustable in the field and often without using any tools.
Can I use a rifle chassis for hunting?
Even though PRS style rifle chassis is primarily designed for precision rifle shooters they actually work quite well for hunting applications too. A properly equipped rifle chassis can help convert your rifle for use by a younger or smaller shooter on the fly making it suitable to share as a family hunting rifle without modification.
Do rifle chassis systems require custom fitting or installation by a gunsmith?
No. nearly all rifle chassis are built to exacting specifications and for specific rifle and action types. Rifle Chassis are more or less drop-in parts that require very little know-how to install properly and it can be done without going to a gunsmith or having it installed by the factory.
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