‘Entry level’ chassis

[jumrobe]

Looking to dip my toes into the bolt gun world, from the world of ARs.

The pragmatist in me knows that the Seekins and MPA turn key guns are the best value(s) under $3k.

The eternal tinkerer in me knows I won’t be happy with a factory gun as configured. With a hard $1250 cap on a chassis, is there anything better than an MDT ACC Premier Gen 2 or an MPA BA ESR?

The intent is to configure the rifle (minus glass and mount) for $3k, so I think that budget for a chassis still allows for a higher end barrel, trigger, and muzzle device.

 

[jetjock07]

The ACC is a great chassis. If you want a very similar chassis the Aero Solus is nice for the price and especially if you can get one on sale.

 

[jbell]

KRG Bravo can’t be beat for the money.

 

[SEPAboltrifle]

ARC Xylo.

 

[TheJeanyus]

Not sure how you're defining your budget exactly (i.e. is $1250 now the max but you can spend more on add-ons later vs. $1250 total and never spending another dime), but $1250 will get you into a KRG Whiskey 3 (which is my favorite chassis I've used). However, you'll end up spending more than that adding accessories to it.

 

[Hennig]

Grab a Bravo, and spend the other 2.5 on b/a, brake and trigger. Down the track you can add an enclosed forend, KRG pro forend, or even the NextShotPrecision Alpha. Plenty of stuff to tinker with.

MPA CDG rifle really is a badass deal though…

 

[jumrobe]

The ACC is a great chassis. If you want a very similar chassis the Aero Solus is nice for the price and especially if you can get one on sale.

The challenge seems to be finding anyone that has them in stock. I’d prefer one in ODG with the 17” forend if I went this route.

ARC Xylo.

This chassis does look awesome. Wish the forend was a little longer. Do you have a rifle with this chassis?

Not sure how you're defining your budget exactly (i.e. is $1250 now the max but you can spend more on add-ons later vs. $1250 total and never spending another dime), but $1250 will get you into a KRG Whiskey 3 (which is my favorite chassis I've used). However, you'll end up spending more than that adding accessories to it.

Ideally it would be up to $1250 with accessories. I’d rather spend say $800 on a chassis and $450 on accessories if needed than $1250 and still need $4-500 in accessories to get it right.

 

[Lightning8]

Used chassis is your friend - lots of used chassis available as competitors switch around.

 

[TheJeanyus]

Ideally it would be up to $1250 with accessories. I’d rather spend say $800 on a chassis and $450 on accessories if needed than $1250 and still need $4-500 in accessories to get it right.

I'd throw the KRG Bravo and X-Ray in the mix then. They're well under the $800 mark and leave a lot on the table for accessories/personalization.

 

[carbonbased]

Well, @jumrobe if you go the Bravo route, I have an unused (bolted on once, then taken off) green Xray rear end that I’d sell for half off. I guess it makes financial sense if you score a used Bravo. Hell I’d throw in an overmolded cheekpiece.

I was an idiot and missed KRG’s generous return window, d’oh! Turned out I actually like the regular Bravo stock.

I gotta get it listed in the PX.

 

[Secant]

I really like the KRG options, and I'm using a W3 and X-Ray on two of my higher volume rifles (with an MDT ACC Elite collecting dust). That said, for someone getting into the game, I think going the MDT route is a better option since it is more configurable than KRG. Plus, the MDT is really good-to-go out of the box. All my KRGs have additional bag riders (heavy & light), spigot, NV bridge, Vision forend, tool-less buttpad height adjustment, additional pic rails & QD mounts, etc.

I do like my ACC Elite over the couple of original ACCs that I've had. I think if you spend some time in the PX you should be able to find an Elite a bit under your preferred budget.

 

[jumrobe]

I really like the KRG options, and I'm using a W3 and X-Ray on two of my higher volume rifles (with an MDT ACC Elite collecting dust). That said, for someone getting into the game, I think going the MDT route is a better option since it is more configurable than KRG. Plus, the MDT is really good-to-go out of the box. All my KRGs have additional bag riders (heavy & light), spigot, NV bridge, Vision forend, tool-less buttpad height adjustment, additional pic rails & QD mounts, etc.

I do like my ACC Elite over the couple of original ACCs that I've had. I think if you spend some time in the PX you should be able to find an Elite a bit under your preferred budget.

Yeah looking at the KRG stuff now. Based on what I know I like from my match ARs in terms of arcs, forend length, etc, I’d be optioning out a Bravo or Xray pretty heavily. I have to plug it into a spreadsheet to see what the know accessory additions would put me at.

 

[Secant]

Yeah looking at the KRG stuff now. Based on what I know I like from my match ARs in terms of arcs, forend length, etc, I’d be optioning out a Bravo or Xray pretty heavily. I have to plug it into a spreadsheet to see what the know accessory additions would put me at.

Obviously some personal preference, but I far prefer the X-Ray to the Bravo. I think at a minimum you'll want an angled bag rider, spigot & arca rail. But I'd skip the spigot & arca rail and grab a vision forend or enclosed arca forend to get additional forend length, continuous arca, and bag stop/extended mag well.

I'd guess you'll probably be in the $750 - $900 range depending on if you go with Bravo or Xray, and how deep you go with accessories. While you can adjust LoP, buttpad height, cheekpiece height, etc., with the KRG, you are pretty much stuck with grip-to-trigger distance, grip angle, palm swell, etc. Like I said, I really like a W3 or XRay, but I've also spent tens of thousands of dollars trying out various stocks and chassis. Maybe the KRG options are for you. But something like an MDT will be a little more configurable.

Either way, I'd probably look through the PX here to buy used. That way if you don't like what you get, your sale price will be very close to your purchase price. AND/OR try and find any of your options and try them out before you buy.

 

[AW2]

I have a used Aero Solus Chassis with the 17” forend if you’re interested. Already has the MDT bullet holder on it.

 

[st1650]

The challenge seems to be finding anyone that has them in stock. I’d prefer one in ODG with the 17” forend if I went this route.


This chassis does look awesome. Wish the forend was a little longer. Do you have a rifle with this chassis?


Ideally it would be up to $1250 with accessories. I’d rather spend say $800 on a chassis and $450 on accessories if needed than $1250 and still need $4-500 in accessories to get it right.

You can get the Xylo forend extension if you need longer. It’s rock solid.

 

[st1650]

I’m gonna go against the crowd here but I don’t like the KRG Bravo as entry level. It think the MDT XRS is much more refined for that budget range.

I still wouldn’t use either one for competition tho.
MDT Elite with the BA of your choice or just get the MPA PMR Pro

 

[4O6shootist]

I personally think the xlr envy pro and atx chassis are best for recoil management by they're very low bore height to forend height. I have or have had matrix, matrix pro, acc, acc elite, xylo, bravo. I still shoot the xlr on my two main match rifles. It just performs better for me. The budget chassis that performs similar is the solus comp chassis. I have one those as well on a loaner rig.

 

[jumrobe]

Used chassis is your friend - lots of used chassis available as competitors switch around.

Yeah I’ll definitely comb the PX for any deals to be had. Uses chassis are like used bows. Just because it’s not the absolute newest thing doesn’t mean it doesn’t perform.

Obviously some personal preference, but I far prefer the X-Ray to the Bravo. I think at a minimum you'll want an angled bag rider, spigot & arca rail. But I'd skip the spigot & arca rail and grab a vision forend or enclosed arca forend to get additional forend length, continuous arca, and bag stop/extended mag well.

I'd guess you'll probably be in the $750 - $900 range depending on if you go with Bravo or Xray, and how deep you go with accessories. While you can adjust LoP, buttpad height, cheekpiece height, etc., with the KRG, you are pretty much stuck with grip-to-trigger distance, grip angle, palm swell, etc. Like I said, I really like a W3 or XRay, but I've also spent tens of thousands of dollars trying out various stocks and chassis. Maybe the KRG options are for you. But something like an MDT will be a little more configurable.

Either way, I'd probably look through the PX here to buy used. That way if you don't like what you get, your sale price will be very close to your purchase price. AND/OR try and find any of your options and try them out before you buy.

Those links go Vision sent me down a rabbit hole. I get why the KRG stuff is popular, in part because there’s a full blown aftermarket of compatible parts from Vision.

Vision’s hybrid chassis actually looks pretty bad ass, and not crazy spendy. Still probably $800ish until you add a buffer tube and a precision stock. I’d be curious if anyone here has some experience with it.

I’m gonna go against the crowd here but I don’t like the KRG Bravo as entry level. It think the MDT XRS is much more refined for that budget range.

I still wouldn’t use either one for competition tho.
MDT Elite with the BA of your choice or just get the MPA PMR Pro.

Is the MDT XRS as configurable as the Bravo? It doesn’t appear that way.

Yeah the MPA rifle really is hard to beat for value.

 

[Maelstrom]

I know I am going to get flamed for this but take a look at the Magpul Pro chassis. They have a folding option as well as fixed stock in the Pro series. The Lite series only comes with a fixed stock. I have a MDT LSS XL GEN II and 2 Magpul 700 Lite. I have used the Whiskey 3 Gen 5 I think, MPA, and Q Fix (not mine). The MDT and Magpul were my favorites. My .300WM hunting rifle had an MDT LSS GEN II with the folding adapter and short stock but I swapped it out for the Magpul Pro Lite after getting tired of freezing my hands and face against the aluminum in 30 degree temperatures. Ended up getting a second Pro Lite for my .22-250. I put the folding adapter in both that is designed for the Pro 700 chassis. It does not fold flat with the stock on the Lite series but I wanted the folding option for cleaning and maintenance more than anything. Take a look at the bag bullet for a rear bag rider. They make them for most chassis systems.

 

[demarpaint]

I'm considering the KRG Bravo a try for my next build. US made and reasonably priced imo for my first Chassis.

 

[MO Fugga]

Oryx, with a few upgrades and you're in for about $700.

 

[stevieb92]

You didn't mention it, but if you plan to shoot PRS matches, I highly recommend signing up for a PRS membership. A $55 Regional membership can unlock coupon codes from 10-40 percent off, depending on the manufacturer/distributor. I believe MPA's discount is 15%, so their Matrix Pro PMR rifle becomes an even sweeter deal. The ROI on that $55 membership can be significant. Just throwing it out there for you to consider.

 

[jumrobe]

You didn't mention it, but if you plan to shoot PRS matches, I highly recommend signing up for a PRS membership. A $55 Regional membership can unlock coupon codes from 10-40 percent off, depending on the manufacturer/distributor. I believe MPA's discount is 15%, so their Matrix Pro PMR rifle becomes an even sweeter deal. The ROI on that $55 membership can be significant. Just throwing it out there for you to consider.

Getting a PRS membership is definitely on the to do list before I start making any purchases. The combined discounts can really add up at the price point(s) I’m looking at.

 

[demarpaint]

Oryx, with a few upgrades and you're in for about $700.

They look good too.

 

[stanley_white]

I like the MDT ACC (either generation) as it isn’t the orgy of screws that KRG products are.

If I were buying KRG, it would be the C4.

-Stan

 

[The D]

Silly name aside, the Cadex Strike Nuke evo is a great option too. I have a stock-as-a-rock .30-06 R700 in one with a Triggertech. I don’t have a ton of rounds through it but I like it so far

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

Looking to dip my toes into the bolt gun world, from the world of ARs.

The pragmatist in me knows that the Seekins and MPA turn key guns are the best value(s) under $3k.

The eternal tinkerer in me knows I won’t be happy with a factory gun as configured. With a hard $1250 cap on a chassis, is there anything better than an MDT ACC Premier Gen 2 or an MPA BA ESR?

The intent is to configure the rifle (minus glass and mount) for $3k, so I think that budget for a chassis still allows for a higher end barrel, trigger, and muzzle device.

I'd look at an MDT ACC Gen1, they pop up all the time in the classifieds for under 1k.
I've owned a KRG Bravo and hated the ergonomics and short forend. My buddy shoots a Whiskey 3 and I'm not impressed at all, especially considering you'll end up spending MDT ACC Premier money by the time it's configured properly.

 

[jumrobe]

I'd look at an MDT ACC Gen1, they pop up all the time in the classifieds for under 1k.
I've owned a KRG Bravo and hated the ergonomics and short forend. My buddy shoots a Whiskey 3 and I'm not impressed at all, especially considering you'll end up spending MDT ACC Premier money by the time it's configured properly.

Is the MDT gen 1 worth getting into when the ACC Premier is considered an upgrade at the same or similar price point?

 

[MO Fugga]

They look good too.

I like that it's one solid piece of aluminum, stock portion and all.

 

[stanley_white]

Is the MDT gen 1 worth getting into when the ACC Premier is considered an upgrade at the same or similar price point?

The Gen 1 is likely stiff enough for most uses. If you are running AW magazines, you will need the magazine height adjustability of the Gen 2.

-Stan

 

[jumrobe]

The Gen 1 is likely stiff enough for most uses. If you are running AW magazines, you will need the magazine height adjustability of the Gen 2.

-Stan

Gotcha, and makes sense. No idea what mags I’ll be running yet, as this is all learning for me to build a decent rifle that won’t be the limiting factor.

 

[carbonbased]

If I were buying KRG, it would be the C4.

I haven’t taken the time to really suss out the differences between the W3 Pro 7th gen and the C4. I know the C4 adjustable bag rider is a significant diff.

Here’s what KRG says on the W3 Pro page:

“Introducing the Whiskey-3 Pro the flagship KRG chassis system. Combining elements of the Whiskey-3 and C-4 into one platform with the features many have been asking for.”​

Another unrelated but interesting tidbit. Take a look at this image:

See the Elite Iron bipod?

I was talking to the EI guys and they said they were testing some designs with large circles, as above, large enough to full wrap around a chassis. Right now they only can wrap around a barrel, which limits moving the bipod around to other platforms a bit.

Disclaimer: I own a Bravo and a W3 6th gen. Never shot a different brand’s chassis.

 

[Secant]

Is the MDT gen 1 worth getting into when the ACC Premier is considered an upgrade at the same or similar price point?

Personally, I don't consider the 'new' premier to be an upgrade over the original Gen 1. Like I said, I do like the the Elite over the couple of Gen 1's that I've had though.

No affiliation, do your due diligence, etc., but below would work fine

Accessories - MDT ACC Premier Gen 1 REM 700 SA with Extras

For sale is a used but not abused Gen 1 ACC Premier. Has the short stock (12.5”-13.75” LOP), a new Premier Vertical Grip, MDT Aluminum bag rider, and full rubber dampener/“jellies” kit. It was painted and then stripped so there are tiny remnants in hard to see nooks and crannies. $750 TYD via...

www.snipershide.com

Also, 10% (at least) off codes are pretty easy to come by, and a new elite is barely over your stated budget if you can work a couple hours of overtime or something.

 

[ChrisAU]

I just made the change from Gen 1 to Gen 2 Premier so I could balance my carbon fiber barreled rifle. If weight isn’t a concern then I prefer the Gen 1 stock for sure.

 

[jumrobe]

Personally, I don't consider the 'new' premier to be an upgrade over the original Gen 1. Like I said, I do like the the Elite over the couple of Gen 1's that I've had though.

No affiliation, do your due diligence, etc., but below would work fine

Accessories - MDT ACC Premier Gen 1 REM 700 SA with Extras

For sale is a used but not abused Gen 1 ACC Premier. Has the short stock (12.5”-13.75” LOP), a new Premier Vertical Grip, MDT Aluminum bag rider, and full rubber dampener/“jellies” kit. It was painted and then stripped so there are tiny remnants in hard to see nooks and crannies. $750 TYD via...

www.snipershide.com

Also, 10% (at least) off codes are pretty easy to come by, and a new elite is barely over your stated budget if you can work a couple hours of overtime or something.
View attachment 8661217

Good to know on the Gen 1 premier vs Gen 2.

The ACC Elite is sweet. Although, if I was going to stretch to that, I’d also be looking at the Vision Pro and Cadex Strike Pro. I’m specifically trying not to fully jump into the deep of the ‘the best parts possible’ price point.

I just made the change from Gen 1 to Gen 2 Premier so I could balance my carbon fiber barreled rifle. If weight isn’t a concern then I prefer the Gen 1 stock for sure.

Weight isn’t much of a concern. The guns going to be 16+ pounds most likely.

 

[1911Shootist]

I run the Elite (PRS), gen2 (rimfire), and Solus (NRLH) chassis. I’ve also had a gen1 ACC, KRG Bravo, a few Manners, and a MPA BA Comp.

When you can catch them on sale for 6-700, the Solus is an absolute steal and my favorite budget chassis. I like the gen2 ACC better than the gen1 for the stiffness, but the grip on it sucks and needs an upgrade.

 

[demarpaint]

TIA- A lot of good info here. Not trying to hi-jack the thread, I thought the question would fit here. I'm considering a chassis for a future build, I've never used one. How well do the work with long barreled rifles with heavy contoured barrels in the 28"-30" range? Shooting off bags or possibly a rest.

 

[Guthwine]

I have both an upgraded KRG Bravo and an MDT XRS with the enclosed foreend and I personally prefer the XRS.

 

[rookie7]

@jumrobe if you have been on here long enough or if you stay long enough you'll recognize the cycles most of us go through. The phrase that is probably written on this forum "buy once, cry once" needs serious consideration.

Buy the MDT ACC Elite without question. If you don't like it you can get most of your money back if not all if you buy used.

The 19" forearm it has is reason enough to buy it over every other chassis - especially compared to the Bravo or anything with a forearm just as short.

If you buy the acc elite, and get a 1.2" straight barrel 26" long the chances you will need additional weight on the rifle to balance it properly will decrease significantly. So, you may end up only buying the chassis, barrel, action, etc. and not need a ton of accessories that double the base price of a chassis - the Bravo being an example.

I am not just repeating what I have read and/or seen. I am speaking from ownership and experience. I have had an MPA BA Comp, MDT XRS, KRG Bravo, Grayboe RIdgeback, Grayboe Renegade, Foundation Centurion (still have), and now I have an MDT ACC Elite.

Everything out there will work, but nothing is built better for competition than the elite (some may be equal). If I didn't have an elite I would buy the Aero Solus Chassis with the 17" forearm. Guys will argue why they like XYZ with experience and theory, but you can't argue against physics. Longer forearm and fat barrel = weight further towards muzzle = stable rifle on and off a bipod.

Spend the money up front. 1 or 2 years from now if you try to compete you won't notice the extra $400 (even $1K) or so dollars spent, but you sure as hell will notice if the rifle isn't stable and doesn't balance.

 

[jumrobe]

@jumrobe if you have been on here long enough or if you stay long enough you'll recognize the cycles most of us go through. The phrase that is probably written on this forum "buy once, cry once" needs serious consideration.

Buy the MDT ACC Elite without question. If you don't like it you can get most of your money back if not all if you buy used.

The 19" forearm it has is reason enough to buy it over every other chassis - especially compared to the Bravo or anything with a forearm just as short.

If you buy the acc elite, and get a 1.2" straight barrel 26" long the chances you will need additional weight on the rifle to balance it properly will decrease significantly. So, you may end up only buying the chassis, barrel, action, etc. and not need a ton of accessories that double the base price of a chassis - the Bravo being an example.

I am not just repeating what I have read and/or seen. I am speaking from ownership and experience. I have had an MPA BA Comp, MDT XRS, KRG Bravo, Grayboe RIdgeback, Grayboe Renegade, Foundation Centurion (still have), and now I have an MDT ACC Elite.

Everything out there will work, but nothing is built better for competition than the elite (some may be equal). If I didn't have an elite I would buy the Aero Solus Chassis with the 17" forearm. Guys will argue why they like XYZ with experience and theory, but you can't argue against physics. Longer forearm and fat barrel = weight further towards muzzle = stable rifle on and off a bipod.

Spend the money up front. 1 or 2 years from now if you try to compete you won't notice the extra $400 (even $1K) or so dollars spent, but you sure as hell will notice if the rifle isn't stable and doesn't balance.

I’ve definitely been around long enough to know the ‘buy once, cry once’ mantra is true. I learned this lesson with gas guns as I started shooting matches. So much so, that when I went to build a large frame AR, it was firmly in the cry once category.

What you’ve said about the forend length makes sense. I know from shooting my gassers that I want something that is at least 15” so I can balance it on barricades as well as for shooting with a bipod.

Thank you for the insight.

 

[BoulderE89]

Second the XLR suggestion made earlier. Especially coming from the AR side of things. Their chassis and pistol grip feel very similar to an AR to me. To the point where when I go to shoot my precision gas gun the only thing that feels off is the missing thumb rest. On top of that, the TR2 buttstock is crazy adjustable, and you are able to put that same stock on an AR to once again make things feel similar.

Point is I guess, if you shoot ARs, I have found XLR feels right at home. Plus you can find them in the PX fully kitted out for well under your asking price

 

[jumrobe]

Second the XLR suggestion made earlier. Especially coming from the AR side of things. Their chassis and pistol grip feel very similar to an AR to me. To the point where when I go to shoot my precision gas gun the only thing that feels off is the missing thumb rest. On top of that, the TR2 buttstock is crazy adjustable, and you are able to put that same stock on an AR to once again make things feel similar.

Point is I guess, if you shoot ARs, I have found XLR feels right at home. Plus you can find them in the PX fully kitted out for well under your asking price

Good to know. The XLR offerings are interesting with the modularity that they offer. I’d likely need to source a used one since lead time on new orders is 5-6 months.

 

[Rod79]

I have a used Aero Solus Chassis with the 17” forend if you’re interested. Already has the MDT bullet holder on it.

@AW2 send me a PM, your messages are turned off

 

[stanley_white]

“Buy once, cry once,” doesn’t exist.

“Buy once, cry once, get bored, get curious, repeat,” does.

And denial is more than a river in Egypt.

-Stan

 

[jumrobe]

“Buy once,
cry once,” doesn’t exist.

“Buy once, cry once, get bored, get curious, repeat,” does.

And denial is more than a river in Egypt.

-Stan

That second line is mostly the genesis behind this thread

 

[Emerson0311]

@jumrobe if you have been on here long enough or if you stay long enough you'll recognize the cycles most of us go through. The phrase that is probably written on this forum "buy once, cry once" needs serious consideration.

Buy the MDT ACC Elite without question. If you don't like it you can get most of your money back if not all if you buy used.

The 19" forearm it has is reason enough to buy it over every other chassis - especially compared to the Bravo or anything with a forearm just as short.

If you buy the acc elite, and get a 1.2" straight barrel 26" long the chances you will need additional weight on the rifle to balance it properly will decrease significantly. So, you may end up only buying the chassis, barrel, action, etc. and not need a ton of accessories that double the base price of a chassis - the Bravo being an example.

I am not just repeating what I have read and/or seen. I am speaking from ownership and experience. I have had an MPA BA Comp, MDT XRS, KRG Bravo, Grayboe RIdgeback, Grayboe Renegade, Foundation Centurion (still have), and now I have an MDT ACC Elite.

Everything out there will work, but nothing is built better for competition than the elite (some may be equal). If I didn't have an elite I would buy the Aero Solus Chassis with the 17" forearm. Guys will argue why they like XYZ with experience and theory, but you can't argue against physics. Longer forearm and fat barrel = weight further towards muzzle = stable rifle on and off a bipod.

Spend the money up front. 1 or 2 years from now if you try to compete you won't notice the extra $400 (even $1K) or so dollars spent, but you sure as hell will notice if the rifle isn't stable and doesn't balance.

Preaching the truth brother!